Calamine, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Calamine, Wisconsin
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 Calamine, Wisconsin
Location in Wisconsin
Calamine, Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Lafayette |
| Town | Willow Springs |
| Elevation | 271 m (889 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 608 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1562506 |
Calamine is a small, unincorporated community in Wisconsin, United States. It is located in Lafayette County, within the town of Willow Springs. An unincorporated community means it is a group of homes and businesses that does not have its own local government.
The Cheese Country Trail runs right through Calamine. The Pecatonica River also flows through the community. Calamine has a rich history tied to mining, farming, and railroads.
History of Calamine
Calamine was once a very busy place. It had successful mines and farms. A railroad, operated by the Milwaukee Road RR, was very active here. Trains would switch tracks at Calamine. They could go north to Slateford and Mineral Point. Or they could go west to Belmont, Ipswich, and Platteville.
In the 1950s and 1960s, large cattle trains arrived. They would unload Texas cattle in the spring. These cattle were then taken to nearby pastures. Calamine also had many stores, hotels, blacksmiths, and taverns. These businesses thrived in the community.
For many years, local farmers brought their milk to the Calamine cheese factory. This factory made famous Swiss cheese. Later, the Cornland fertilizer plant was built. It supplied farmers for miles around with fertilizer. This helped the nearby Pecatonica River bottoms become top farming areas.
North of Calamine, there was a popular swimming spot. It was known as the "Mill." This name came from an old grist mill that once stood there.
Community Landmarks
Calamine is home to the 100-year-old St. Michael Church. This church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison. Next to the church is the Willow Springs township hall. This building used to be a one-room schoolhouse. It served as a school until 1961. Many smart students learned within its walls.
Notable People
- Montgomery Morrison Cothren: He was a legislator and judge in Wisconsin. He lived in Calamine.
- Danverse Neff: He was also a legislator in Wisconsin. He lived in Calamine.
