Cassville- the almost capital of Wisconsin!

Cassville was settled in 1827 for lead smelting during the lead rush from Galena, IL. Named after Lewis Cass, the town grew to include log cabins, a tavern, a general store, and a blockhouse by the early 1830s.

?In 1836, investors from Albany, New York, anticipated Cassville becoming the capital of the Wisconsin Territory, leading to economic growth. However, when Cassville did not become the capital, growth stopped, leading to legal disputes over land for the next decade.

Nelson Dewey settled in Cassville in 1836 as a clerk before becoming the first Governor of Wisconsin. He later invested in the Denniston House and promoted Cassville's development. Dewey created his estate, Stonefield, which is now Nelson Dewey State Park and Stonefield Historic Site.

• Tracy Fishnick
  Tourism Director
  PO BOX 171

  Cassville, WI 53806
  Phone: (608) 723-2383
  Send an Email