Adams County in 1872
Source: Adams County Press, May 04, 1872
Transcribed by Joan Benner © 2004
Written by A. O. Holm, originally printed in the Adams County Press May 04, 1872
Adams county is situated on the east side of the Wisconsin River; is bounded on the north by Wood county, Waushara and Marquette on the east, Columbia on the south, and Juneau on the west, and contains seven townships with a population of 6,713. Much of the county is yet undeveloped. The soil is sandy, mixed with clay loam, which makes it adaptable to the cultivation of all kinds of farm products. The topography of the county is a rising grade of about five feet per mile from south to north. It containes 682 square miles, and according to the census of 1870, 42, 913 acres of land were under cultivation. The natural adaptation of the low lands for the cultivation of cranberries must in time be recognized as an important feature in enhancing the growth and industries of the county.
Lands held by actual settlers for disposal, range from $1.25 to $25 per acre. A large proportion, however, is held by the state, equal to about 56,000 acres. This land is now offered by the state for fifty cents per acre. The general government also owns between 40,000 and 50,000 acres, located principally north of town line No. 17, and east of range 5 east, subject to entry under the homestead law. The Milwaukee and LaCrosse railroad have in their name nearly 4,000 acres, located in townships No. 14, 15, 16 and 17, north of range 5 and 6 east, and for some reason have never seen fit to put it into market. Comparatively little manufacturing is carried on in the county, except in flour. There are a number of excellent water powers yet unimproved. The county is well watered--springs and small creeks abound.
The principle timber is oak and pine, to be found along the banks of the rivers; basswood and ash growing on the uplands. Of the streams that traverse the county, none but the Wisconsin in navigable. Game is abundant,consisting of deer, and prairie chickens, partidges, quails, etc. The climate is dry and healthy. Agriculture is the principal source of industry. A majority of the inhabitants are Americans, coming hither from New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The foreign element is about evenly divided as to germans, Irish and Norwegians. At present we have no railroad facilities, only prospective. A road from Portage city to Grand Rapids is among the probabilities. Forty-two miles of it will run through this county, and it is hoped that the Sheboygan and Fond du Lac railroad will extend its line into this county from the east.