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Montello Commercial Historic District facts for kids

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Montello Commercial Historic District
Montello Wisconsin Downtown Looking East WIS23 Feb 2012.jpg
Looking east
Location Montello, Wisconsin
NRHP reference No. 96000238
Added to NRHP March 7, 1996

The Montello Commercial Historic District is a special area in Montello, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. This means the district has important buildings and history that are worth protecting.

What is the Montello Commercial Historic District?

This district is a collection of old buildings in downtown Montello. These buildings were once home to many businesses. They show what the town looked like long ago. The district helps us remember Montello's past.

Why is this District Important?

The Montello Commercial Historic District is important for several reasons. It shows how towns grew in Wisconsin. The buildings tell stories about the people who lived and worked there. Protecting these places helps us learn about history.

A Look Back: History of the District

MontelloWisconsinDowntownWIS23WIS22
Looking west in Montello's downtown area.

The land where Montello now stands was once home to Native American tribes. The Ho-Chunk and the Menominee people lived in this area for many years. Later, settlers came and built the town of Montello.

Montello's Famous Granite

One very important business in the district was the Montello Granite Company. This company mined a special type of granite. Montello granite was known for its strength and beauty. It was used in many famous projects.

Granite for Monuments and Memorials

The granite from Montello was used to build monuments. Many of these honored soldiers from the American Civil War. These memorials help us remember important events in history.

A President's Tomb

Perhaps the most famous use of Montello granite was for a president's tomb. It was used to build the tombs of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Grant. This shows how special Montello granite was considered.

Visiting the District Today

Today, the Montello Commercial Historic District is a place to explore. You can see the historic buildings and imagine life long ago. It's a great way to connect with Wisconsin's past.

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