Historical Background of Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

Early Settlement and County Formation

Sheboygan County’s history begins with Native American inhabitants and early explorers. The area was home to tribes including the Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ojibwe, and others. The name “Sheboygan” likely comes from a Chippewa word meaning “passage or waterway between the lakes,” reflecting its location between Lake Michigan and inland waters. French explorers were among the first Europeans in the region – Jean Nicolet possibly visited the mouth of the Sheboygan River in 1635, followed by others like Marquette and Jolliet later in the 1600s. In 1699, a French missionary (Father St. Cosme) noted a large Potawatomi village at the Sheboygan River’s mouth, indicating a long-established native presence.

The first recorded European settlement activity came in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Jacques Vieau set up a fur trade post in 1795, hoping to use the Sheboygan River to reach inland trade routes. In 1818 William Farnsworth of the American Fur Company established a trading post near the river’s first rapids – this became the county’s first permanent settler’s home. By the 1830s, more American settlers arrived. Sheboygan County was officially created on December 7, 1836 (previously it was part of Brown County). That same year the tiny village of Sheboygan was platted at the river’s mouth, and a post office opened with Charles Cole as postmaster. Early growth was fitful: a small boom in 1836 (over a dozen buildings erected) was followed by the Panic of 1837, which caused many settlers to flee. In fact, two settlers famously loaded their houses onto barges and floated them to Milwaukee, leaving only one family behind in Sheboygan after 1837 – a vivid example of the boom-and-bust cycle on the frontier.

Despite setbacks, the 1840s brought renewed growth. The dense hardwood forests initially slowed expansion, but they did not stop a wave of immigration. Between 1842 and 1850, the population in the area surged from just 227 to over 8,800 as migrants arrived from New England and Europe. Early Yankee settlers from the Eastern U.S. were soon joined by large numbers of German and Dutch immigrants, among others. Many were drawn by reports of rich farmland, abundant timber, and religious freedom on the Wisconsin frontier. One tragic episode occurred in 1847 when a ship carrying Dutch emigrants to Sheboygan caught fire just off the Lake Michigan coast – the steamer Phoenix burned and sank only miles from Sheboygan, and about 200 people perished in the cold November waters. Nonetheless, immigrants continued to pour in. By the late 1840s and 1850s, farming communities had taken root across Sheboygan County, and the groundwork was laid for several distinct towns and villages.

Growth of Communities in the 19th Century

City of Sheboygan

The city of Sheboygan, located at the mouth of the Sheboygan River on Lake Michigan, grew from a crude settlement into a thriving port town. After the village was platted in 1836, development picked up in the 1840s. Sheboygan’s first hotel (“The Sheboygan House”) was built in 1836, and its first schoolhouse opened in 1837. A ferry and harbor made the site a natural trading hub. In February 1846 the community incorporated as the Village of Sheboygan, and by 1853 it received a city charter with H. Conklin elected as the first mayor. Transportation links improved rapidly: a plank road was constructed to the west, and in 1856 work began on the Sheboygan & Mississippi Railroad, which by 1859 connected Sheboygan to the interior and provided an overland route beyond the lake. These developments helped Sheboygan’s population skyrocket from just 36 people in 1837 to over 4,200 by 1860.

Sheboygan’s location on Lake Michigan shaped its early economy. The natural harbor at the river’s mouth was improved in 1840 by cutting through a problematic sandbar, creating a straight channel that allowed larger ships to enter. Thereafter, Sheboygan became a busy Great Lakes port. In the mid-19th century it was a center for maritime industries: local shipyards built over 200 vessels (including Milwaukee’s first fire boat) by the late 1800s, and commercial fishing for trout and whitefish thrived, with smoked fish among the first products exported from Sheboygan in the 1830s. The dense forests of the region also fed a lumber and furniture industry. Sawmills supplied wood to factories, and by the 1880s Sheboygan earned the nickname “Chair City” because its factories produced so much furniture. In 1888 alone, nearly 900,000 pieces of furniture were shipped out of Sheboygan, and about 65% of the city’s workforce was employed in wood-related industries at that time. (Much of this furniture was sold across the country, though this industry later declined by the mid-20th century as factories moved south.) Other manufacturing took hold as well: by the late 19th century, Sheboygan had producers of enamelware (kitchen and bath fixtures) and was developing meatpacking and leather goods businesses. The city became known for high-quality leather shoes and boots – during World War II, many U.S. soldiers wore combat boots made in Sheboygan.

Sheboygan’s population and culture in the 19th century were heavily influenced by immigration. Large communities of German settlers arrived, joined by Irish, Dutch, and later other Eastern European groups. Germans soon became the largest ethnic group, which had lasting cultural effects – for example, German culinary traditions helped crown Sheboygan as the “Bratwurst Capital of the World,” a title the city still embraces. By 1880 the city boasted German breweries, bakeries, and a vibrant saengerfest (singing festival) tradition. A second major wave of immigrants in the 1890s included Slovenians, Croatians, Lithuanians, and Greeks, further diversifying the community. Sheboygan’s growth was so robust in the late 1800s that some boosters predicted it might one day rival Milwaukee or Chicago. While it never surpassed those cities, Sheboygan firmly established itself as an important mid-sized industrial city on Lake Michigan by 1900.

Sheboygan Falls

The city of Sheboygan Falls emerged upriver, harnessing the Sheboygan River’s falls for waterpower. In 1835, Massachusetts-born pioneer Silas Stedman discovered the falls and recognized their industrial potential. He purchased land and in 1836 platted a village initially called Rochester. Stedman built the first sawmill at the falls, and a small industrial center grew there. By the late 1840s, “Rochester” featured three sawmills, a tannery, two flour mills, and an iron foundry – an impressive cluster of mills for that era. In 1850, to avoid confusion with another Rochester in Wisconsin, the settlement was officially renamed Sheboygan Falls by the state legislature.

Throughout the 19th century, Sheboygan Falls prospered as a mill town. Factories and workshops clustered along the river, and the waterpower fueled early furniture manufacturing and other enterprises. The downtown area that grew up in the mid-1800s has been preserved today as the Sheboygan Falls Historic District, with over 40 buildings restored to their 19th-century appearance. These include brick commercial blocks and mill buildings in styles spanning Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian architecture. Sheboygan Falls’ industrial base continued into the 20th century (eventually including the Bemis Manufacturing Company, known for plastics and toilet seats), but the city is especially proud of its heritage as a picturesque mill town. The falls themselves, along with the dam and historic downtown, remain a key local landmark capturing the feel of Wisconsin’s early industry.

Plymouth

Located about 12 miles west of Sheboygan, Plymouth was another community that took root in the 1840s. The area was known by Native Americans as “Quit Qui Oc” – meaning “Crooked River” – before American settlement. The first pioneer, Isaac Thorp, arrived in 1845 and built a cabin, marking the beginning of permanent settlement. Plymouth was incorporated as a village in 1877 and later became a city. Because of its central location in Sheboygan County, Plymouth earned the nickname “Hub City.” Interestingly, this nickname originally stemmed from a local business: in the 1860s the Schwartz Brothers ran a wagon shop in Plymouth that became famous for manufacturing wooden wheel hubs. Over time, the name “Hub City” also reflected Plymouth’s role as a transportation junction (several key roads and later rail lines intersected there).

Plymouth’s economy quickly oriented toward agriculture and dairy. Surrounding farms were fertile, and by the late 1800s dairy farming was widespread. In 1882, Plymouth hosted the organization of the National Cheese Exchange, making it a center for setting cheese prices nationally. The city soon billed itself as the “Cheese Capital of the World.” Indeed, by the early 20th century, major cheese producers and brokers were based in Plymouth, and vast quantities of Wisconsin cheese were traded and shipped from there. (One historical marker notes that by 1918, Plymouth’s cheese exchange was formally established with roots going back to the 1870s.) This legacy continues – today, about 15% of all cheese consumed in the U.S. passes through Plymouth’s companies, and firms like Sargento (founded in Plymouth in 1949) have their roots in this “Cheese Capital.” Besides dairy, 19th-century Plymouth also had typical small-town industries like grist mills, a foundry, and carriage factories. A railroad reached Plymouth in 1859, spurring growth by linking the town to Sheboygan and Milwaukee. The city’s charming downtown today retains historic buildings and even a newly established Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center, reflecting Plymouth’s unique place in dairy history.

Kohler

Kohler is a village just west of Sheboygan that grew around one of Sheboygan County’s most famous businesses. Originally the area was a small settlement called Riverside, but it transformed after 1873 when an Austrian immigrant named John Michael Kohler II founded Kohler Co. to manufacture enamel-coated cast iron plumbing fixtures. In 1899, the Kohler company built a large new plant on farmland outside Sheboygan, along the Sheboygan River. A planned company town gradually formed there, and in 1912 the Village of Kohler was incorporated. Under the guidance of the Kohler family (notably Walter J. Kohler, who toured European garden-city communities), Kohler was designed as a model planned community. Curving streets, greenbelts, and landscaped parks (many laid out by the Olmsted Brothers firm between 1913–1916) gave the village a distinctive character. The Kohler Co. also built The American Club in 1918 – originally an immigrant workers’ dormitory complete with a pub and bowling alley – which is now a five-star historic hotel.

The Kohler Company became the county’s largest and most world-renowned industry. It produced bath tubs, sinks, and engines, and its name became synonymous with quality plumbing fixtures. By the mid-20th century, Kohler Co. employed thousands and was central to the county’s economy. The Kohler family not only ran the company but also shaped local history through philanthropy and politics (two Kohlers, father and son, even served as Wisconsin’s governors in the 1920s and 1950s). Labor relations at Kohler were historically turbulent at times – major strikes occurred in 1934 and 1954, including a bitter UAW strike in the 1950s that lasted for years. Despite these conflicts, the village and company prospered. Today the Kohler family’s influence is seen in prestigious golf courses they developed (Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run) which have hosted PGA Championships, as well as cultural amenities like the Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan. Kohler Village remains unique as a company town that evolved into an upscale community; the company still oversees much of the village’s appearance and employs over 2,000 workers locally.

Other Communities in Sheboygan County

Beyond the primary cities, Sheboygan County is dotted with smaller towns and villages, each with its own historical niche:

Cedar Grove and Oostburg: In the far southern part of the county, these villages were founded by Dutch immigrants in the 1840s. After the Netherlands experienced religious and economic upheavals, groups of Dutch settlers moved to America. A colony led by Rev. Pieter Zonne purchased land about 20 miles south of Sheboygan in 1847. Many of the Dutch arrived via Sheboygan; some were survivors of the Phoenix ship disaster mentioned earlier. They established farms and small communities like Cedar Grove (platted in 1849) and Oostburg. These villages kept a distinct Dutch character – for example, early churches conducted services in Dutch. Agriculture was the backbone, with wheat and later dairy farming, and by the late 19th century Oostburg even had a small flour mill, canning factory, and other businesses. An interesting fact is that by the early 1900s, Cedar Grove and Oostburg were linked to Sheboygan and Milwaukee by an interurban electric railway, providing hourly passenger service along the line. This interurban line (the Milwaukee Northern) helped farmers ship products and residents travel with ease until highway travel took over. Today, Cedar Grove and Oostburg still celebrate their Dutch heritage (Cedar Grove hosts an annual Holland Fest) and some of the original Dutch settlement sites, like old wooden barns and cemeteries, can be visited.

Elkhart Lake: In the northwest corner of Sheboygan County, Elkhart Lake developed as a resort destination. The village is set on a beautiful spring-fed lake. Its growth began after the Milwaukee & Northern Railroad built a line to the lake in 1873, making it easy for vacationers from Chicago and Milwaukee to visit. By the 1880s and 1890s, Elkhart Lake featured grand resorts such as the Osthoff Hotel (opened 1886 by Otto Osthoff) which drew tourists seeking boating, fishing, and clean air. In the early 20th century, the village even gained notoriety for illicit gambling – during Prohibition and the 1920s, upscale casinos and speakeasies like the Paddock Club operated openly in Elkhart Lake, catering to wealthy visitors. Another unique chapter of Elkhart Lake’s history is auto racing. From 1950 to 1952, sports car enthusiasts held open-road races on the county roads around the lake, an event that attracted racers and spectators to the village. These races led to the creation of Road America in 1955, a permanent 4-mile race track just outside Elkhart Lake. Road America became one of the world’s premier road racing tracks and continues to host major races, making Elkhart Lake famous among auto racing fans. Today, Elkhart Lake remains a charming resort town, known for its historic resorts, the preserved 19th-century train depot, and the continued excitement of Road America.

Smaller villages: Sheboygan County has several other small historic communities. Waldo and Adell grew up along early railroad lines and farm crossroads in the 1870s. Glenbeulah was a tiny settlement on the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad known for lumber and a brickyard. Random Lake, at the southern edge of the county, straddled the Sheboygan and Ozaukee County line and was another railroad village (its random-shaped lake gave the village its name). Greenbush, a town in the rural western part of the county, was notable for being a stagecoach stop – the Wade House (described later) is located there. Each of these communities contributed to the county’s agricultural and small manufacturing history, serving as local markets and social centers for farming families.

Economic Development and Industry

From its earliest days, Sheboygan County’s economy has been diverse – evolving from fur trading and lumber to manufacturing and dairy agriculture:

Timber and Early Industry: The county was once blanketed by vast hardwood forests. In the mid-1800s, logging and sawmills were among the first major businesses. Sawmills in Sheboygan, Sheboygan Falls, and along rivers provided lumber for construction and for export. The availability of wood also gave rise to woodworking industries like furniture-making, which made Sheboygan an important furniture center by the late 19th century. Companies produced chairs, tables, and cabinets on a large scale. Other wood-related products included barrels, shingles, and wooden ships from the local shipyards.

Maritime Trade and Shipbuilding: With Lake Michigan at its shore, Sheboygan became a lake port early on. The federal government funded improvements to Sheboygan harbor in the 1850s, and once the channel was cut through the sandbar (around 1840) the port could handle sizable schooners and steamships. As a result, the city developed a sizable shipbuilding industry; skilled shipwrights (often German and Scandinavian immigrants) built schooners, barges, and even steamships in the 1850s–1880s. Shipyards like the Rand & Burger yard launched dozens of vessels. Concurrently, commercial fishing became economically important. Fishermen of largely Scandinavian heritage settled by the lake, and fishing villages sprang up along the coast. They netted whitefish, trout, and perch, which were sold fresh or smoked. In fact, Sheboygan’s first exported commodity in the 1830s was barrels of smoked fish shipped out to eastern markets.

Agriculture and the Dairy Industry: While the cities boomed, rural Sheboygan County was turning into rich farmland. Early farmers grew wheat in the 1840s and 1850s, but by the 1860s many switched to dairy farming, which proved more sustainable on Wisconsin’s soil. German immigrants in particular had dairying skills and helped establish what would become Wisconsin’s signature industry – cheese making. Sheboygan County played a pioneering role in the Wisconsin cheese industry: it’s said that local farmers here and in neighboring counties organized some of the first cooperative cheese factories. By the 1870s, virtually every township had creameries or cheese factories processing milk into cheese. The concentration of dairy production around Plymouth led to the formation of the National Cheese Exchange there in 1918, formalizing the region’s importance. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cheese, butter, and milk from Sheboygan County were shipped by rail to Milwaukee and Chicago, earning the area its “Cheese Capital” reputation. Even during World War II, Plymouth’s dairy plants contributed tons of cheese to the Allied war effort.

Manufacturing and Industry: The late 19th century saw an explosion of manufacturing enterprises in Sheboygan County’s urban centers. Furniture factories were dominant in Sheboygan city (names like Northern Furniture Co. and Phoenix Chair Co. were major employers). In Sheboygan Falls, early foundries and mills evolved into factories for woolen textiles and then metal and plastic goods. The leather and shoemaking industry also left a mark: by the early 1900s, Sheboygan had large tanneries and shoe factories (for example, the Jung Shoe Company) – so much so that Sheboygan became known for producing boots, gloves, and leather jackets of high quality. During WWII, the city’s leather factories made countless military boots, and local metal factories (such as the Vollrath Company, known for enamel cookware) switched to making mess kits, canteens, and shell casings for the war. Small specialty manufacturers also dotted the county – for instance, a tiny broom factory in Sheboygan famously filled a Navy order of thousands of brooms during WWII.

The Kohler Company: No discussion of Sheboygan County’s economy is complete without the Kohler Company, a flagship of local industry. Founded in 1873 when J.M. Kohler started making cast iron farm implements and enameled sinks, Kohler expanded into a global manufacturing leader in plumbing fixtures and later small engines. By the 20th century it was the county’s largest employer. Kohler’s presence also spurred ancillary businesses (iron foundries, design firms, etc.) and helped shape the modern economy – today, Kohler Co. is internationally renowned and still headquartered in the county. The Kohler family’s continued investment (from establishing the village, to building recreational facilities and a world-class hospitality division with golf courses and the American Club) has provided jobs and drawn tourism, blending industry with service economy.

In summary, Sheboygan County transitioned from frontier trading post to a diversified economy of farming, manufacturing, and commerce. By the mid-20th century, its economic base included everything from refrigerators (Sheboygan was once home to the Amana appliance factory) to sausages (the village of Johnsonville in the county gave its name to the famous Johnsonville bratwurst company founded in 1945). While heavy manufacturing has tapered off in recent decades, the county’s legacy industries – furniture, dairy, and Kohler’s products – left an enduring economic and cultural imprint.

Significant Historical Events and Notable Figures

Sheboygan County’s history has been marked by a number of key events and influential people:

Founding and Pioneer Era: The initial establishment of settlements owes much to figures like William Farnsworth, the fur trader who built the first outpost, and Silas Stedman, who founded Sheboygan Falls. Another early settler, William Paine, joined Farnsworth in 1822 to erect a sawmill and cabins at Sheboygan’s riverfront – such individuals laid the groundwork for permanent communities. The official creation of Sheboygan County in 1836 was itself a notable event, as it signified governance and organization coming to the area.

Boom, Bust, and Recovery (1830s–1850s): The land speculation boom of 1836–37 and its collapse in the Panic of 1837 was a dramatic episode (with the memorable image of settlers towing houses to Milwaukee). This event nearly turned Sheboygan into a ghost town before it even began, but the recovery in the 1840s – fueled by new immigrants and better economic conditions – was equally important. By 1846–1850 the region was thriving again, marking a turning point from transient frontier to stable community.

Phoenix Ship Disaster (1847): The burning of the steamer Phoenix in 1847 is a significant (if tragic) chapter in local lore. The ship was carrying over 250 Dutch immigrants when it caught fire on Lake Michigan just a few miles from Sheboygan; about 200 lives were lost. This disaster devastated the Dutch settler community. Today, it’s commemorated by historical accounts and a monument in Oostburg, serving as a poignant reminder of the perils faced by immigrants. The tragedy also indirectly led to the growth of Dutch settlements in the county – survivors and relatives settled in the area, strengthening the Dutch presence.

Civil War Era: During the Civil War (1861–65), Sheboygan County, like much of Wisconsin, sent volunteers to fight for the Union. One notable local figure was Colonel Isaac E. Messmore of Sheboygan, who raised a company of volunteers. Although no battles were fought in Wisconsin, the war effort affected the home front; for example, local industries like the Sheboygan Falls woolen mill supplied blankets for Union soldiers. In the aftermath of the war, an Oshkosh-to-Sheboygan rail line was completed (1860s), often attributed to war-time economic stimulus.

Industrial and Labor Milestones: As industry grew, so did organized labor. One significant event was the long Kohler Strike of 1954, one of the longest labor strikes in U.S. history. Workers at Kohler Co., organized under the UAW, struck for better wages and living conditions provided by the company. The strike lasted from 1954 to 1960, turning violent at times and drawing national attention to the tiny village of Kohler. This conflict finally ended in a settlement, and it stands as a key moment in American labor relations (it’s even mentioned in labor history textbooks). Earlier, in 1934, Kohler workers had also struck amid the Great Depression. These labor battles significantly impacted local families and the company’s culture, and the Kohler strikes are often cited as defining events in the county’s 20th-century history.

Notable Local Figures: The Kohler family is arguably the most notable family from Sheboygan County. John Michael Kohler (1844–1900) and his son Walter J. Kohler Sr. were not just industrialists but also civic leaders. Walter Sr. served as Governor of Wisconsin (1929–1931), as did his son Walter J. Kohler Jr. (1951–1957). Their leadership in both business and politics brought improvements to the region (such as modern worker housing and recreation facilities) and put Sheboygan County on the map. Another notable figure is Gustave Anton Ziebold, a German immigrant who became a leading furniture manufacturer and philanthropist in Sheboygan in the late 1800s (funding libraries and parks). In the arts, James Tellen was a folk artist known for his concrete sculptures in the woods near Black River – his home is now the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden, preserved by the Kohler Foundation as a local treasure.

20th-Century Cultural Changes: After World War II, Sheboygan County became home to new immigrant groups. In particular, the county has one of the largest Hmong communities in the United States. Starting in the late 1970s, Hmong refugees from Southeast Asia were sponsored by local churches and resettled in Sheboygan; over 6,000 Hmong people settled in the area. They have since become an integral part of the community, adding their traditions and entrepreneurship (many Hmong-run businesses, farmers’ markets, and an annual Hmong New Year celebration are now part of Sheboygan’s cultural landscape). The county also hosts an annual Greek Fest, reflecting a significant Greek community presence since the 1890s. These cultural events, while not singular “moments,” highlight the ongoing evolution of Sheboygan County’s population and cultural fabric.

Sports and Recreation History: A lesser-known fact is that Sheboygan once had a professional basketball team in the early days of the NBA. The Sheboygan Red Skins were founded in 1938 and were a powerhouse in the National Basketball League (a precursor to the NBA). They won the NBL Championship in the 1942–43 season. In 1949, the Red Skins became one of the original teams in the newly formed NBA (playing the 1949–50 season) before the franchise folded in 1951. The team’s home games at the Sheboygan Municipal Armory are still fondly remembered by old-timers – it’s a unique claim to fame for a small city. Additionally, Sheboygan County’s recreational history includes the early road races in Elkhart Lake (1950–52) which were significant in American motorsports and led to building Road America, as mentioned above.

In summary, Sheboygan County’s history has been shaped by entrepreneurs and immigrants, punctuated by both triumphs and tragedies. From the frontier hardships and immigrant shipwrecks of the 1840s to the industrial labor showdowns of the 1950s, the people of this region have demonstrated resilience. Each town – be it Sheboygan, Plymouth, Sheboygan Falls, or the villages – has its own set of defining moments and personalities that contributed to the county’s rich tapestry.

Historical Landmarks and Local Heritage Sites

Sheboygan County is home to numerous historical buildings and landmarks that illustrate its past. Many of these sites have been preserved and can be visited, offering a tangible connection to earlier times. Here are some of the notable landmarks and lesser-known historical points of interest:

Wade House (Greenbush): The Wade House is a state historic site that transports visitors back to the mid-1800s. Built between 1847 and 1851 by Sylvanus and Betsey Wade, it was a large stagecoach inn that served travelers on the plank road between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac. In the era before railroads, a plank toll road was laid across the marshes and hills, and the Wade House provided meals and lodging to weary stagecoach passengers. Today, the restored inn and its grounds form an open-air museum. The site also features the Herrling Sawmill, a working water-powered sawmill, and the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum, which holds Wisconsin’s largest collection of horse-drawn carriages. This landmark highlights the importance of transportation and frontier hospitality in Sheboygan County’s early development.

Sheboygan County Courthouse: The historic courthouse in Sheboygan is an architectural landmark. The current Neoclassical courthouse was built in 1933, replacing earlier structures, and it features Indiana limestone columns and murals depicting county history. On the courthouse grounds stands a statue honoring Civil War soldiers and a commemorative plaque for Revolutionary War veterans buried in the county – tying local history to national events.

Downtown Sheboygan Falls Historic District: As mentioned, Sheboygan Falls has a remarkable collection of 19th-century buildings. The Sheboygan Falls Historic District (centered on Broadway, Monroe, and Pine Streets) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Strolling these blocks, one finds the old brick Cole Brothers Furniture Company building, the Victorian Italianate Johnson Drug Store, and the Falls’ first bank (built 1857), among others. Interpretive signs tell the story of the waterpower and businesses that thrived here. The adjacent Sheboygan River Dam and the remaining mill raceway are themselves historic features – you can almost imagine the hum of the sawmills that once operated on the riverbanks.

Plymouth Downtown and Cheese Counter: Plymouth’s downtown retains its late 19th-century charm, with cream brick buildings and a restored 1870s mill by the Mullet River. A highlight is the Plymouth Cheese Counter & Dairy Heritage Center, housed in an 1875 building that once held the office of the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange. This small museum and store celebrate Plymouth’s cheese heritage, displaying antique dairy equipment and sharing the story of how Plymouth became the Cheese Capital. Also in Plymouth, one can find a giant painted cheese wheel sculpture and historical markers explaining the first cheese cooperative and the importance of the railroad depot (the first train arrived in 1859).

Kohler Design Center and American Club: In Kohler village, history and industry intersect. The American Club, built in 1918, is a Tudor-style building that originally served as immigrant worker housing for Kohler Co. employees. Each room provided lodging for immigrant workers and helped them acclimate to American life (hence the name). Today it operates as a luxury hotel, but its halls are lined with photos and memorabilia of early Kohler workers and the village’s founding. Nearby, the Kohler Design Center (in a converted 1930s Kohler factory building) offers a museum exhibit on the history of the Kohler Company, including vintage plumbing fixtures and a look at how the company influenced worker welfare and village planning. Together, these sites in Kohler give insight into a model company town from the early 20th century.

Sheboygan Indian Mound Park: A truly ancient historical site, the Sheboygan Indian Mound Park preserves burial and effigy mounds created by Native Americans between roughly 500 and 750 A.D. Within this 15-acre park, located in the Town of Wilson just outside the city of Sheboygan, are eighteen earthen mounds in various shapes (including linear mounds and an effigy mound in the form of a panther or water spirit). These mounds were built by a Woodland-period culture as sacred burial sites. By the early 20th century, many mounds in Wisconsin had been destroyed by farming, but local citizens worked to save this site. The park opened in 1966 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk a wooded trail to view the mounds; signage provides context, although much about the original mound builders remains mysterious. This peaceful site is a unique cultural landmark linking present-day Sheboygan County to its prehistoric past.

Lighthouses and Maritime Landmarks: Given Sheboygan’s maritime history, it’s not surprising that it has historic navigation aids. The Sheboygan Breakwater Lighthouse, an iconic red and white beacon at the end of North Pier, dates to 1917 and replaced earlier 19th-century lights. While the current lighthouse is steel, the original 1839 Sheboygan lighthouse (a cream city brick tower) still exists – it was moved and now stands on the grounds of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center downtown, repurposed as a tiny exhibition space. Another maritime artifact is the wreck of the Lottie Cooper, a Great Lakes schooner that sank off Sheboygan in 1894. The remains of the Lottie Cooper were excavated and are now displayed in Deland Park on Sheboygan’s lakefront, complete with interpretive signs about the schooner’s fate. These serve as reminders of the perils of lake commerce and have become educational attractions.

Wade House & Plank Road Trail: Besides the Wade House itself, the route of the old plank road (the Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Plank Road) can be traced in part via modern Highway 23 and country lanes. In the Kettle Moraine State Forest near Greenbush, a segment of this historic road is interpreted for visitors, and one can still see a reconstructed section of wooden planks at the Wade House site. This was one of the longest plank roads in Wisconsin when built in the 1850s and was critical in funneling wheat and other goods from the farms of the interior to the port of Sheboygan. A historical marker at Greenbush explains how travelers would pay tolls at intervals along the wooden road. It’s a lesser-known but fascinating infrastructure project from Wisconsin’s pioneer days.

Historic Inns and Resorts: Apart from the Wade House, the county has other historic hospitality sites. In Elkhart Lake, the Osthoff Resort has been beautifully restored. Though the original Victorian hotel was eventually torn down in the 20th century, the new resort complex pays homage to the original (and they even named their restaurant “Otto’s” after the founder). Nearby, Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake is an authentic 1916 tavern and hotel that has hosted generations of visitors – it’s famous for its “Stop-Inn Tavern” where racers and tourists have mingled since the 1950s. The preservation of these resorts and their memorabilia (old photos of ladies in Gibson-girl dresses by the lake, or the 1950s road race posters) keeps the Gilded Age and mid-century leisure history alive.

Local Museums and Research Centers: The Sheboygan County Historical Museum in Taylor Park, Sheboygan, is itself partly housed in a historic 1850s mansion (the David Taylor House) and a 1860s cheese factory that was moved to the site. This museum presents exhibits on topics like Native American artifacts, early settlers, and local industry (including an original 1900s grocery store interior). Additionally, the Sheboygan County Historical Research Center in Sheboygan Falls is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts – while not a traditional museum, it houses archives and has produced many local history publications. They often highlight “lesser-known” tales, such as shipwrecks, famous crimes, or personal diaries of early pioneers.

These buildings and landmarks, whether large or small, help tell the story of Sheboygan County in a very tangible way. They range from the rustic (stagecoach inn) to the industrial (factory museum) to the sacred (ancient mounds), reflecting the many layers of history here. Visitors and residents alike take pride in preserving these sites. For example, Sheboygan Falls’ restoration earned it a Great American Main Street award for preservation, and Kohler Village carefully maintains its historic green spaces and European-style design. By exploring these landmarks, one gains a deeper appreciation for the region – it’s possible to stand on the same plank road where stagecoaches rolled, see the exact spot where logs were sawn into lumber, or gaze upon a mound that has silently stood since the time of the Roman Empire. Each town in the county has at least one beloved historic site that anchors community memory and identity.

Unique and Lesser-Known Facts

Sheboygan County’s history is not only about big industries and famous names – it’s also rich with unique tidbits and folklore. Here are a few lesser-known or quirky facts about the region’s past:

“The Great Sheboygan Barbecue” (House Moving by Barge): After the 1837 economic crash, two early residents of Sheboygan literally floated their houses to Milwaukee. While this sounds like frontier legend, it’s documented. Those homes became some of Milwaukee’s first structures. This unusual event shows the lengths to which pioneers would go – and Milwaukee’s gain was Sheboygan’s temporary loss!
Bratwurst Heritage: Sheboygan’s title as Bratwurst Capital isn’t just for show – the city’s devotion to bratwurst is almost a religion. The Sheboygan Jaycees have hosted an annual Bratwurst Days Festival since the 1950s, including the famous “Bratwurst Eating World Championship.” Local butchers like Miesfeld’s and Johnsonville have long rivaled each other in bratwurst recipes. An oft-repeated local tip is that an authentic Sheboygan bratwurst is served butterflied on a hard roll with mustard, onions, and pickles – no ketchup allowed.
Sheboygan Red Skins Championship: Many people don’t realize a small Wisconsin city once won a professional basketball championship. The Sheboygan Red Skins were champions of the National Basketball League in 1943, defeating what is now the Detroit Pistons franchise in the finals. The team then played in the NBA’s inaugural 1949–50 season. The old Sheboygan Municipal Armory where they played (built in 1942) still stands and is occasionally used for events – a humble venue that once saw NBA hoops. This makes Sheboygan one of the smallest markets to ever have an NBA team.
Interurban Railway: In the early 1900s, Sheboygan County was linked by an electric interurban railway line. The Milwaukee Northern Railway ran from Milwaukee up through Cedar Grove and Oostburg to Sheboygan. It opened around 1908 and allowed one to travel from Sheboygan to Milwaukee (and points between) by trolley car in about 2 hours. Remarkably, by 1915 one could catch an hourly interurban train in Sheboygan and ride all the way to downtown Milwaukee for shopping or work. This service ended in the late 1940s as automobiles took over, but remnants of the old interurban substations and rights-of-way can still be found in the county. It’s a reminder that mass transit between cities is not a strictly modern concept.
Natural History – The Kettle Moraine and Marsh: The western part of Sheboygan County lies in the Kettle Moraine region, a landscape of glacial hills and hollows. During the last Ice Age, two lobes of the glacier met here, leaving behind a ridge of mixed sediment. This created unusual terrain – hence towns like Greenbush and Plymouth have rolling hills and “kettles.” One of the largest wetlands in Wisconsin, the Sheboygan Marsh, sits in a giant kettle in the northwest of the county. This marsh has an 80-foot wooden observation tower and is a favorite for birdwatchers and canoeists. Though not a human history fact, this unique geography influenced settlement patterns and is a point of local conservation today.
Notable Firsts: Sheboygan claims a few “firsts” in Wisconsin history. Its first newspaper, The Sheboygan Mercury, started in 1839 when Wisconsin was still a territory. Also, one of the nation’s first junior high schools was established in Sheboygan in 1918 (Farnsworth Junior High). In culinary lore, Sheboygan residents argue that the hamburger was popularized locally by “Hamburger Charlie” Nagreen at the 1885 Seymour fair – while Seymour, WI, officially claims the title, Sheboygan folks note Charlie later moved to the county and continued his craft.
Lesser-Known Historical Figures: Judge David Taylor (an early state Supreme Court justice) endowed an orphanage in Sheboygan in 1868, the Taylor Orphan Asylum. Fredericka Wineka was a female newspaper editor who ran the Sheboygan Zeitung (a German-language paper) in the late 1800s. In science, Edward Assel Smith of Sheboygan patented an early spark plug in 1910, contributing to automotive history.
Cultural Nicknames: Sheboygan has collected a few nicknames over time. Aside from “Chair City” and “Bratwurst Capital,” it’s sometimes called “The Malibu of the Midwest” due to locals surfing Lake Michigan waves. Every September, surfers converge for the Dairyland Surf Classic. While surfing on a lake might surprise outsiders, strong northerly winds can create rideable waves – adding a quirky modern layer to Sheboygan’s maritime history.

Each of these facts contributes to the character of Sheboygan County. They range from the consequential (major transportation systems, championship sports teams) to the charmingly trivial (food fests and nicknames). Together, they paint a picture of a community that is proud of its heritage, industrious in spirit, and not without a sense of humor about its place in the world.

Sheboygan County’s history is a mosaic of early pioneer struggles, industrious growth, and cultural richness. From the original Native American inhabitants and fur traders, through waves of immigrants who built farms and factories, to the modern day, the region has continually reinvented itself while honoring its past. Key events like the founding of towns in the 1840s, the rise of the Great Lakes port and furniture factories, the advent of the dairy industry, and the enduring success of Kohler Co. have all left lasting legacies. Equally, the county’s heritage lives on in its preserved historic districts, museums, and festivals that celebrate everything from cheese to bratwurst.

Sheboygan County may be best known for its products – furniture, plumbing fixtures, world-class cheese – but it is also defined by the resiliency and diversity of its people. German, Dutch, and Irish settlers of the 19th century; Hmong and Latino newcomers of the late 20th – all have added threads to the community’s fabric. It’s a place where one can visit a 160-year-old roadside inn, stroll past Victorian storefronts, and then enjoy a lakeside surf or a round of golf on a championship course developed by local visionaries. The story of Sheboygan and its towns is ultimately one of enterprise and community: a dynamic county that grew from wilderness to a vibrant hub of commerce and culture on the Wisconsin lakeshore, all while retaining the unique local flavor that makes it unmistakably Sheboygan.

Sources:

Encyclopedia of Milwaukee – Sheboygan County (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee)
Wisconsin Historical Society – A Brief History of Sheboygan
Sheboygan Falls (History Just Ahead)
City of Sheboygan – History & Statistics (Official Website)
Plymouth Historical Society – local history accounts (plymouthwisconsin.com)
Travel Wisconsin – Wade House Historic Site
“The Dutch Settlements of Sheboygan County” by Sipko Rederus, Wisconsin Magazine of History 1918
Fandom Basketball Wiki – Sheboygan Red Skins entry
Elkhart Lake official website – History of Elkhart Lake