Plymouth: From “Crooked River” to Hub City and Cheese Capital

Nestled about 12 miles west of Sheboygan, Plymouth has grown from a small pioneer settlement to a thriving city known for its rich agricultural history and its pivotal role in the dairy industry. Before American settlement, the area was known to Native Americans as “Quit Qui Oc,” which means “Crooked River,” a fitting name for the winding waterway that helped shape the region’s development.

The Early Settlement of Plymouth

Plymouth’s journey began in 1845 when Isaac Thorp, the first pioneer, arrived in the area and built a cabin, marking the start of permanent settlement. Over the next few decades, the community expanded, and Plymouth was officially incorporated as a village in 1877. Due to its central location in Sheboygan County, Plymouth soon earned the nickname “Hub City,” a title that initially stemmed from a local business. In the 1860s, the Schwartz Brothers operated a wagon shop in Plymouth, known for manufacturing wooden wheel hubs. This business became so famous that it helped give Plymouth its enduring nickname.

As the city grew, the name “Hub City” also came to reflect Plymouth’s importance as a transportation junction, with several key roads and rail lines converging in the area, further boosting its economic development.

Plymouth’s Agricultural Boom and the Cheese Industry

Plymouth’s economy quickly shifted towards agriculture, with fertile surrounding lands perfect for farming. By the late 1800s, dairy farming had become widespread. In 1882, Plymouth became the home of the National Cheese Exchange, an event that would establish the city as a central player in the national cheese market. The Cheese Exchange helped to set cheese prices across the country, solidifying Plymouth’s position as a vital hub for dairy production.

By the early 20th century, Plymouth was billed as the “Cheese Capital of the World.” Major cheese producers and brokers called Plymouth home, and vast quantities of Wisconsin cheese were traded and shipped from the city. Historical records show that by 1918, the Plymouth Cheese Exchange had formally been established, though its origins trace back to the 1870s. This legacy continues to this day, with Plymouth businesses still handling a significant portion of the nation’s cheese production—approximately 15% of all cheese consumed in the U.S. passes through Plymouth’s companies. One of the notable firms is Sargento, which was founded in Plymouth in 1949 and remains a prominent name in the cheese industry.

Industry and Transportation Growth

While dairy was the cornerstone of Plymouth’s economy, the city also supported a variety of small-town industries, such as grist mills, foundries, and carriage factories. The arrival of the railroad in 1859 connected Plymouth to Sheboygan and Milwaukee, spurring further growth. The railway brought not only goods but also new residents, contributing to the city’s expansion.

Plymouth Today

Today, Plymouth retains its historical charm with a downtown area that still features many of its original buildings. The city celebrates its dairy heritage with the recently established Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center, allowing visitors to learn more about Plymouth’s unique role in the development of the American cheese industry.

Plymouth’s enduring legacy as a dairy powerhouse is evident, but it is also a city that has adapted and grown over the years, maintaining its place as a central figure in Sheboygan County. From its origins as a small settlement by the Crooked River to its current status as a vibrant city with deep agricultural roots, Plymouth continues to be a shining example of Wisconsin’s industrial and dairy heritage.

Conclusion

Plymouth’s history is a testament to the power of agriculture, entrepreneurship, and transportation in shaping a community. The city’s early days as a settlement built around the Sheboygan River evolved into its role as the “Cheese Capital of the World,” with its thriving dairy industry continuing to make waves today. As Plymouth moves forward, it honors its past while continuing to be a vital part of Wisconsin’s dairy legacy and its broader economic landscape.