| Author: | Sauk County Historical Society | ISBN: | 9781439615010 |
| Publisher: | Arcadia Publishing Inc. | Publication: | September 22, 2004 |
| Imprint: | Arcadia Publishing | Language: | English |
| Author: | Sauk County Historical Society |
| ISBN: | 9781439615010 |
| Publisher: | Arcadia Publishing Inc. |
| Publication: | September 22, 2004 |
| Imprint: | Arcadia Publishing |
| Language: | English |
Baraboo, a community as unique as its name, had the same beginnings as many other southern Wisconsin cities�but its development throughout the 19th century set it apart. Starting in 1839, several dams were built along the Baraboo River rapids and a typical mill town formed. Baraboo�s population began to rise when it became the county seat in 1846. With the arrival of the railroad in 1871, the village doubled in size within a decade. The railroad also brought exposure to the nearby natural beauty of Devil�s Lake, increasing tourism significantly. Baraboo�s greatest claim to fame began when the Ringling Brothers established a circus there in 1884. America�s largest circus enterprise, Ringling Brothers made Baraboo their winter home every year until 1918.
Baraboo, a community as unique as its name, had the same beginnings as many other southern Wisconsin cities�but its development throughout the 19th century set it apart. Starting in 1839, several dams were built along the Baraboo River rapids and a typical mill town formed. Baraboo�s population began to rise when it became the county seat in 1846. With the arrival of the railroad in 1871, the village doubled in size within a decade. The railroad also brought exposure to the nearby natural beauty of Devil�s Lake, increasing tourism significantly. Baraboo�s greatest claim to fame began when the Ringling Brothers established a circus there in 1884. America�s largest circus enterprise, Ringling Brothers made Baraboo their winter home every year until 1918.
