The unglaciated hills and near level valleys of Southwestern Wisconsin had great appeal to early European settlers of Richland County. The county's scenic beauty is breathtaking, with lush green valleys, creeks winding between mountain-like hills, and hard maple and tall pine woods.

The Black Hawk War of 1832 attracted lots of attention to what would become Wisconsin and Richland County. John Coumbe, who was destined to become Richland County's first European settler, visited the area in 1832, but was scared off by all the Indian activity. Coumbe returned in 1834 and built a home on the north bank of the Wisconsin River near present-day Port Andrew. A stone landmark stands at the site of Coumbe's pioneer home.

In 1840 Samuel Swinehart penetrated north from Port Andrew to establish a logging camp near a natural rock bridge through which a stream (later named the Pine River) flowed. The little community that grew there is Rockbridge, and its unique geologic structure is located in Pier County Park and listed on the state register of historic sites. Swinehart floated his logs down the Pine to the Wisconsin River at Richland City. Eventually Richland City would literally disappear under the Wisconsin's waters when the river perversely altered its flow to wash away the soil where the once-thriving community stood.

In 1836, when Michigan became a state, the federal government created the Wisconsin Territory. Until 1842 the area that eventually became Richland County was attached to Crawford County and then to Iowa County until 1850. Richland County became independent of Iowa County in 1850 and residents formed their own government.

Meanwhile in 1849, 28-year-old Ira Haseltine arrived in the county at Sextonville from Vermont. He then traveled by compass through the wilderness to Rockbridge where, he purchased a sawmill. On his journey, Haseltine took note of land along the Pine River that he thought suitable for a town site.

Two years later Ira Haseltine purchased the site of Richland Center from Sgt. John Dillman, who had received it from the federal government as a military bounty. Within months, Haseltine had the site surveyed and 16 blocks platted. In order to promote his investment, Haseltine campaigned tirelessly to have his growing settlement made the Richland County seat. Richmond (now Orion) worked equally hard to win the honor. In the November 1851 election, Richland Center won by 48 votes, but an ensuing row over the campaign finally was sent to the state capital in Madison for a decision. In time the state legislature confirmed Richland Center as the county seat - perhaps because Haseltine had reinforced his arguments by distributing tasty apples to the legislators!

In 1887, Richland Center became a city. Its enhanced status added importance and excitement to the local elections. Among the contentious issues was the temperance struggle, which saw anti-license and pro-license factions regularly put forth their slate of candidates.

Today, with more than 5,100 residents, Richland Center is the only incorporated community in Richland County. The city's central location and its significance as the commercial and cultural focal point for the county makes the community an ideal base from which to explore this beautiful area.

Our new Visitor Center is in the recently restored railroad depot on the edge of the historic business district. Information is available for anyone who calls or stops by during the regular workweek business hours, and for a few hours on weekends from Memorial Day through the first weekend of October. We have a number of special events throughout the year.

Historical Dates

• 1834 - First European settlers arrived in the area that is now Richland County

• 1842 - County established by territorial government

• 1843 - First settlement in Richland Center area

• 1850 - Richland County organized by Wisconsin Legislature

• 1851 - Richland Center platted by Ira Haseltine

• 1852 - Richland Center established as the county seat

• 1853 - First school established in Richland Center

• 1854 - First store opened in Richland Center

• 1854 - First post office established

• 1855 - First newspaper printed in Richland Center

• 1856 - First industry, a wagon shop, opened

• 1866 - Village of Richland Center incorporated

• 1876 - First railroad service began

• 1887 - Richland Center incorporated as a city

Important Historical Figures of Richland County and Richland Center

Ada James

Dr. Bertha Reynolds

Paul A. Seifert

Earl Sugden

Frank Lloyd Wright