Downsville, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Downsville, Wisconsin
|
|
---|---|
![]() Wis-25 runs by town
|
|
Country | United States |
State | Wisconsin |
County | Dunn |
Town | Dunn |
Area | |
• Total | 0.805 sq mi (2.08 km2) |
• Land | 0.758 sq mi (1.96 km2) |
• Water | 0.047 sq mi (0.12 km2) |
Population
(2010)
|
|
• Total | 146 |
• Density | 181.4/sq mi (70.03/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
Area code(s) | 715 & 534 |
Historical population | |||
---|---|---|---|
Census | Pop. | %± | |
2010 | 146 | — |
Downsville is a small community in Wisconsin, United States. It is located in Dunn County, within the town of Dunn. This area is called an "unincorporated area" because it doesn't have its own separate local government like a city or village. It's also a "census-designated place," which means the U.S. Census Bureau defines it for gathering population data. In 2010, about 146 people lived here. Downsville is found where Highway 25 crosses the Red Cedar River.
Contents
History of Downsville
How Downsville Began
The community of Downsville was started in 1855. At that time, a man named Ebenezer Thompson tried to build a dam on the Red Cedar River. Unfortunately, a big flood came and destroyed his half-built dam.
Building the Dam and Mills
In 1857, another person, Captain Downs, tried to build a dam in the same spot. He was successful! This new dam helped power a sawmill, which is a factory that cuts logs into lumber. The village was officially planned out in 1859 and was named "Downsville" after Captain Downs.
Captain Downs later sold his mill to a company called Knapp, Stout & Co.. This company made the mill much bigger. They added more types of mills, like planing mills (which smooth out wood) and shingle mills (which make roof shingles). By 1891, these mills were very busy and employed about 100 men.
Growth and Transportation
By 1891, Downsville also had a steam-powered mill for animal feed. It was also a stop on the Menomonie branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St Paul Railway. This railway helped transport goods and people, connecting Downsville to other places.

See also
In Spanish: Downsville (Wisconsin) para niños