La Crosse's Current Weather

On the banks of the mighty Mississippi,
La Crosse, Wisconsin is gently nestled amidst bluffs and coulees, and located on the river. La Crosse is a river town, with all the history, charm and romance of the steamboat era.

The La Crosse Area is a geological oddity, as it is believed to have escaped unscathed from the great glacier of the Ice Age that scraped adjacent areas flat. Breathtaking panoramas await as this "escape" left bluffs, coulees, and stream valleys virtually unchanged from the beginning of time.

La Crosse is situated in an area that is the site of the convergence of three rivers: the La Crosse, the Black and the Mississippi. According to Indian legend, where three bodies of water meet in this type of convergence, there will be no "big winds." To date, there have been no tornadoes in the area of Riverside Park which sits on the banks of the Mississippi.

One of the more flamboyant residents of the area, although for only short stays at a time, was William F. Cody...Buffalo Bill. The legendary scout and showman put on theatrical plays at the old La Crosse Opera House, and brought his Wild West Show into town many times. Much of the credit for Cody's presence in La Crosse goes to Dr. Frank Powell, or White Beaver (the name he preferred). A colorful character in his own right, Powell was a close friend of Buffalo Bill's. Together, they patented at least four medical remedies and an alcohol and caffeine-free beverage; led buffalo hunting excursions; jointly owned property (part of Barrons Island); and were involved in many
other ventures.

In May 1823, the first sternwheel paddle boat plied the Mississippi River. This began an era of commerce which would flourish for thirty years as La Crosse became known as the "Gateway City," a focal point for both amphibious and land oriented trade. On March 14, 1856, the village of La Crosse became the city of
La Crosse, population 745.

Many industries prospered here in the early years of settlement which included logging, breweries and agriculture. The City Brewery, located just south of Market and west of 4th Street is in operation today, brewing quality beer that is a favorite among many of the locals. Other well known breweries in the beginning included the Gund, Monitor, Bartl, Michel and G. Heileman. The advent of these breweries was an economic boom to
the city.

Written by Charlotte Fox

La Crosse has been “going green” for many years with its Tree City USA designation. The National Arbor Day Foundation recognizes communities that meet the standards they require by having a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a qualifying forestry program, and an Arbor Day Observance & Proclamation. Also, you will see plenty of examples of the state tree, the sugar maple, right here in the La Crosse area.

Now and through fall, stroll through “Arbor Walk” in Myrick Park. There you will find a grove of over 60 unique trees with identification signs for everyone to enjoy and learn about. All of these trees were made possible by the donations of area citizens to truly make La Crosse a great Tree City.

Click below for more information on the history of La Crosse
http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/odd/
archives/002048.asp

Article assistance – Pat Bonadurer, City of La Crosse Forestry Dept.

Photos Courtesy Fórte Design