Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1870-10-25

Muscoda Improvements and Bust
ness Growth.


of Indian. origin, signifying beautiful
nlain or prairie" which well defines
The character Of the locality.
This plain was once part OF the
bed Of the river, and extended for
many miles along its course, varying |
in width from one to three or more |
miles. OF its early history little is
known. A Land Office was once es-
tablished here and continued for a
number Of years, and several fur
naces for smelling lead ore for
market down the river. These and
all external evidences Of their exist
ence have passed away, and with
them have also disappeared all Of tho
original settlers.
The cod Village" ait is called,
and 10 which cOgnomen it is we'll en-
titled, was directly upon the river
bank and for nearly q century has
been at various times the scene OF
many memorable Incidents aud OF
considerable business Importance.
Like all Western villages Musooda
has attracted many spectators and
some capital, and its ups aud downs
have turned prizes for few and, like
all lotteries, blanks for the many.
Within two or three years past
Muacoda has received a new impetus.
and the life, hustle and business activ-
ity now daily exhibited in its streets
would astonish any one who only
knew it in the days Of "auid lang
syne." The first stirring agent TO
its prosperity is the safe, substantial,
aud convenient bridge which here
crosses the Wisconsin and opens TO u
large extent Of country q market
which cannot be rivalled. The
opening Of the bridge not only at
tfacted the greater part Of the bust
ness from the north side Of tho river,
but also many of the inhabitants to-
gether with their habitations and
business houses so that the village
OF Orion, directly pposite-once
more than its equal-has ceased to be
of any Importance, and instead Of be-
ing, as it's name indicates-"a cons5el-
laton Of many stars"-has ceased
to have scarcely the attraction Of
one.
Since the finishing Of Tie bridge
the business Of Muscoda has center
cd at the railroad nearly L mile
south Of the river. Here the grow Tia
OF the village has been surprisingly
rapid. The buildings are Construct
ed more with view Of adaptation
to business than appearance, and
present rather a motley collection,
without much architectural style or
beauty of finish.
OF the old business houses | notice
Graham d Bremmor, w. w. McKitt-
rick. G. G, Rodolf and ID. Clingen-
smith & Co. in dry goods and general
merchandise McCallister & Bro,
tinsmiths and dealers in stoves and
shelf hardware; Butler Il Stanward,
dealers in drugs, stationary, sc. Es-
pecally noticeable is the establish
ment of Frank Sage, whore every
thing to wear for either sex can be
found in great variety, cheap and
elegant. The hotels are good and
the saloons abundant G. B. Falley,
young lawyer, formerly Of your
town, Of some experience and much
promise, is acquiring considerable
business. 7. B. Mcintyre & Co.
keep an extensive stock Of general
merchandise at the cold village"
Mr.. Mcintyre and his partner have
been so long and fovorably known
in this region Of country that they
could control large business either
at the depot or the river There is
a good livery stable kept, / believe,
by O. b. Denny, afgood steam plan
ing mill, two shoemakers and one
tailor-all apparently doing n good
business
Muscoda is probably destined TO
control large circle OF trade rs the
facilities for shipping by railway and
river are unequalled. The naviga-
ton Of the Wisconsin, river was
doubtless the chief attraction to the
original stotlers, and should the con-
templated river improvement make
the navigation TO Muscoda suro and
reliable, it's business increase would
be equally rapid until it could be
scarcely rivalled by any inland town
of the West.
Of Museoda it may truly be said,
without any detraction from its real
merits, chat distance lends euchant-
ment to the view"
A stranger when in Muscoda would
not call the place beautiful, but it
would be difficult for him to APP
proach it from any direction without
having its first appearance strike
him as exceedingly peculiar, some
what romantic and very beautiful.
The large extent of country which
is considered as included in the viii
lage, thickly dotted with buildings,
and presenting spires and domes ut
great distance apart would lead
the visitor ct his first approach to
greatly ovor-estimate the town as to
It's people and business, and this over
estimate would naturally produce
disappointment at the reality.
TRAVELLER.