Kickapoo Center, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kickapoo Center, Wisconsin
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 Kickapoo Center, Wisconsin
Location in Wisconsin
Kickapoo Center, Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Vernon |
| Elevation | 241 m (791 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 608 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1567454 |
Kickapoo Center is a small, unincorporated community in Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States. It's located in the larger area known as the Town of Kickapoo. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or a village. Kickapoo Center is found along Wisconsin Highway 131, very close to the Kickapoo River. It's about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Viola.
Contents
History of Kickapoo Center
The story of Kickapoo Center began a long time ago.
Early Days and First Buildings
- In 1853, the first post office opened in Kickapoo. Robert Wilson was the very first postmaster, helping people send and receive mail.
- The community itself was planned in 1857 by a man named Joseph Wood. He used land that belonged to Robert Wilson for this new settlement.
- That same year, the first schoolhouse was built. It was made of logs, but sadly, it burned down not long after.
- A new schoolhouse was built on the same spot. This second school building is still standing today! It was used as a school until the 1960s, and now it's a home.
Growing and Changing Community
- In its early days, Kickapoo Center had a store where people could buy supplies.
- There was also a hotel, which was a place for travelers to stay. However, the hotel closed its doors in 1873.
- In 1883, a sawmill started operating across the river from Kickapoo Center. Sawmills are places where logs are cut into lumber.
- The community got its name from the Kickapoo people, a Native American tribe.
What Remains Today
Over time, the Kickapoo River has changed its path. It has slowly reclaimed the land where the streets and buildings of the old town once stood. Today, the only thing left of the once-busy town is a dip in the ground. This dip used to be the basement of the old store, which was owned by Knox and St. John.
