Portage Industrial Waterfront Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Portage Industrial Waterfront Historic District
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A portion of the district.
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| Location | Jct. of E. Mullet and Dodge Sts., Portage, Wisconsin |
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| Area | 4 acres (1.6 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000257 |
| Added to NRHP | March 17, 1995 |
The Portage Industrial Waterfront Historic District is a special place in Portage, Wisconsin. It is a collection of old buildings that show how people worked and lived a long time ago. This area is important because it tells the story of industry and trade in Portage, especially along the Portage Canal.
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What Makes This District Special?
A historic district is like a museum without walls. It is a group of buildings, structures, or sites that are important because of their history. The Portage Industrial Waterfront Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it is recognized as a significant part of American history.
Buildings with a Story
This district includes several old buildings located near the Portage Canal. The canal was a very important waterway for moving goods. These buildings helped Portage grow into a busy town. Let's look at some of them:
The Wentworth Grain Elevator
One of the oldest buildings is the Wentworth Grain Elevator, built in 1862. A grain elevator is a tall building used to store large amounts of grain, like corn or wheat. Farmers would bring their crops here, and then the grain could be shipped out on the canal or by train. It shows how important farming was to the area.
The Portage Hosiery Complex
The Portage Hosiery complex was built in 1881. A hosiery complex is a factory where socks and stockings were made. This building represents the textile industry in Portage. Many people worked here, making clothes that were sold to others.
The Portage Iron Works
The Portage Iron Works, built in 1891, was a place where metal was shaped and made into different products. Iron works were very important for building things like tools, machinery, and parts for trains or boats. It shows the strong industrial side of Portage.
The T.H. Cochrane Company Warehouse
The T.H. Cochrane Company Warehouse was built in 1916. A warehouse is a large building used for storing goods before they are sold or shipped. This warehouse helped businesses keep their products safe and organized. It was a key part of the trade and shipping network.
The Hyland Garage
The Hyland Garage, built in 1920, shows a later time in the district's history. Garages became important as cars and trucks became more common. This building likely served the growing need for vehicle repair and storage. It represents the shift towards modern transportation.
Why is the Waterfront Important?
The "waterfront" part of the district's name is key. The Portage Canal connected the Fox River and the Wisconsin River. This made Portage a vital link for trade and travel across Wisconsin. The businesses in this district relied on the canal to transport their goods. They helped the town become a center for industry and commerce.
Studying these old buildings helps us understand how people lived and worked in the past. It shows us how industries changed over time and how important waterways were for transportation.
