West Point Area Historical Society Meeting February 2012

The West Point Area Historical Society will have a meeting on Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm at the West Point Town Hall. See the Events Calendar for details.

West Point Area Historical Commission Meeting January 2012 Canceled

There will be no West Point Area Historical Commission Meeting in January.

We wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

West Point Area Historical Society Meeting December 2011

The West Point Area Historical Society will have a meeting on Tuesday, December 6th at 7:00 pm at the West Point Town Hall. See the Events Calendar for details.

New searches added

We have added the ability to search through some of our records. While we are not yet completely finished, we’ve made a few of them available for your use.

Check out the Obituary Search for listings of our available obituaries. Search by name to retrieve the information we have recorded.

Our Census Search contains all Town of West Point records from the 1850 and 1860 Wisconsin Census, and includes the page and line number where you can find the entries in the corresponding census records.

If you’re interested in Civil War history, you can search our listing of Town of West Point Civil War Veterans.

If you would like to suggest any additions or corrections, do not hesitate to contact us.

West Point Area Historical Commission Meeting

Agenda QR code
The November Historical Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 1st, 7:00 pm, at the West Point Town Hall, N2114 Rausch Road, Lodi WI.

Download the meeting agenda (WPAHC Agenda 11-01-2011) for details.

2012 Calendars

WP 2012 Callendar CollageThe 2012 West Point Area Historical Society calendars are now available. Each month features pictures and information related to the Town of West Point area, along with meeting dates and popular holidays marked. All our sponsors are conveniently featured on the back cover for reference. This year we have several beautiful color pages in addition to the cover.

The cost is only $6.00 per calendar. They make great Christmas gifts, however it is a limited edition, so it’s best to get yours early.

You may purchase your calendar at upcoming Society/Commission meetings. They are also available at the town hall office and usually at town board meetings.

Those unable to purchase in person may order by mail. Postage is $2.00.

The annual calendar is our primary fundraiser, and allows us to continue our mission to collect, preserve,  and share the history of the West Point area. Last year we were able to donate to several area charities at Christmas in addition to providing free access to our programs and collection. Thank you to all our advertisers and those who buy our calendars!

For more information, email historical@townofwestpoint.us. If you plan to pick up a calendar at the town hall, call the clerk’s office at 608-592-7059 to confirm someone will be there.

 

No April Meeting

The West Point Area Historical Society will not be meeting in April due to the Spring Election.

Join us in May for our spring program and annual meeting!

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

This site is currently under construction.  Please visit us again soon.

2011 Calendars

The West Point Area Historical Society is selling 2011 calendars. The cost is $6.00 plus $2.00 postage.

For more information, email historical@townofwestpoint.us.

West Point By The River

– “Once you have lived on the land, been a partner with its moods, secrets and seasons, you cannot leave. The living land remembers, touching you in unguarded moments, saying, ‘I am here. You are a part of me’.”
The Land Remembers — Ben Logan

 
West Point By The River 

The land in the Town of West Point has been a part of many people’s lives and they have been a part of it, even before the local governing body was separated from the voting precinct of Wisconsin Territory called “Pleasant Valley”, becoming part of the Town of Lodi. In 1850, another separation took place and the new town was given its present name of West Point. Until recently the town has been comprised mainly of farms except along the Wisconsin River, which forms its boundary with Sauk County.

While the river was at times a barrier, it also has been a beacon. The indigenous tribes, early traders, loggers and settlers used it for transportation. Since 1914, when the dam north of Prairie du Sac went in forming Lake Wisconsin, usage has included power and tourism.

A free ferry has been transporting travelers across the Wisconsin River to Merrimac since 1849, while a bridge gives easy access to Prairie du Sac. Richmond Memorial Park of the Rocks of Gibraltar affords a spectacular view of the beautiful, rolling landscape with its wooded hills, fertile farmland and river, which were the features that first brought pioneers to the town. These features still hold great appeal. Homes rather than farms are on the increase, but the rural flavor of the community has been maintained, attracting new families to share and cherish this unique heritage.

Where Is West Point?
‘Might say ‘tis where Gibraltar Bluff
Points toward the heavens blue,
As if to bid “good morrow”
To the Hills of Baraboo.
‘Tis a point in fair Columbia
Extending to the west
On the shore of Lake Wisconsin, –
The place that I love best.

Adapted from N. G. Abbot’s original verse