Sheboygan County: From Frontier Trading Post to Economic Hub

Sheboygan County has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a frontier trading post into a diversified economy that blends farming, manufacturing, and commerce. This journey has been marked by the rise of key industries, including furniture manufacturing, dairy farming, and the iconic Kohler Company. By the mid-20th century, the county’s economy had expanded to include a wide range of industries, from refrigerators to sausages, making Sheboygan County a vital player in Wisconsin’s broader economic landscape.

The Early Economic Foundations: Farming and Trading

In its early days, Sheboygan County was primarily a hub for fur trading and agriculture. As settlers arrived and the region’s natural resources were harnessed, farming became the backbone of the local economy. Wheat farming gave way to dairy farming in the 1860s, thanks in part to the region’s fertile soil and the influx of German immigrants with dairying expertise. These early industries laid the foundation for the county’s economic growth, with agriculture becoming a defining feature of Sheboygan County’s identity.

A Manufacturing Powerhouse: Furniture, Appliances, and More

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Sheboygan County had established itself as a manufacturing powerhouse. The county became known for its furniture production, particularly in Sheboygan, where companies like the Northern Furniture Co. and Phoenix Chair Co. produced high-quality pieces for a national market. Sheboygan earned the nickname “Chair City” due to its thriving chair manufacturing industry, and the region’s skilled workforce helped cement its place as a leader in furniture production.

Sheboygan’s manufacturing base expanded beyond furniture. In the mid-20th century, the county was home to a variety of industries, including the Amana appliance factory, which produced refrigerators and other household appliances. This period of industrial diversification helped Sheboygan County thrive and provided many residents with stable, well-paying jobs.

The Rise of Specialty Products: Sausages and More

In addition to furniture and appliances, Sheboygan County became famous for its food products, most notably sausages. The village of Johnsonville, located in the county, gave its name to the iconic Johnsonville bratwurst company, which was founded in 1945. Johnsonville Brats quickly gained national recognition for their high-quality sausages, contributing to Sheboygan County’s reputation as a center for food production.

The county’s food industry continued to grow, with local businesses making everything from meat products to dairy items. The legacy of Sheboygan County’s food manufacturing has endured, with companies like Johnsonville continuing to be a major part of the area’s economy and culture.

The Enduring Legacy of Kohler, Dairy, and Furniture

While heavy manufacturing has tapered off in recent decades, Sheboygan County’s legacy industries have left a lasting imprint on the region. Kohler Co., which began as a small manufacturer of cast-iron farm implements, has grown into one of the world’s leading producers of plumbing fixtures, with the Kohler family continuing to influence the region’s economy and culture. The dairy industry, particularly cheese production, remains a key part of Sheboygan County’s identity, with the area continuing to be known as the “Cheese Capital of the World.”

The county’s furniture industry, while no longer as dominant as it once was, laid the groundwork for the region’s ongoing manufacturing prowess, and the craftsmanship and innovation that characterized Sheboygan’s early furniture makers continue to influence local industries today.

Conclusion

From its origins as a frontier trading post to its transformation into a diversified economic hub, Sheboygan County has undergone significant change over the past few centuries. The county’s early foundation in agriculture and its subsequent growth in manufacturing and commerce have shaped the region into a key player in Wisconsin’s economy. While the manufacturing sector has evolved, Sheboygan County’s legacy industries—furniture, dairy, and Kohler products—remain integral to the county’s identity, leaving an enduring economic and cultural imprint that continues to shape the community today.