Past in the Pines: The Archaeology of Historic Era Logging in Wisconsin

The history of Wisconsin logging is not only told in historic photos, documents and oral histories, but also in archaeology, the study of the past through the artifacts and sites left by logging efforts that started in Wisconsin as early as the 1810’s. From early military logging efforts at Prairie du Chien (Fort Crawford), Portage (Fort Winnebago) and Green Bay (Fort Howard), through the more commonly known commercial logging of the 1840’s-1900’s, the 19th century loggers of Wisconsin produced thousands of archaeological sites ranging from lumber camps, to drag roads, dam’s and spillways and even whole “Company” logging towns.
This talk will discuss how archaeologists currently address the periods and varieties of historical logging sites in Wisconsin, and discuss specific “logging artifacts” that are common finds on logging sites in the region tell us more about how these historic loggers lived and worked. Finally, historic logging sites of the early 20 th century associated with interesting historic events such as WWII (German POW logging) and the Great Depression (Civilian Conservation Corp-CCC logging) that are only now becoming old enough to study with archaeological digs will be discussed.
Presented by Ryan J Howell. Ryan has conducted archaeological research in Wisconsin, and particularly northern Wisconsin for more than 25 years, He is currently the Garrison Archaeologist at Fort McCoy for the U.S Army. He received his B.A in Archaeology/Anthropology from the University of Wyoming and his Master’s at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998.

[@GundermanAdventures]

This a great video and very insightful!

[@philipschneider6396]

how many river floods were caused by log jams and how serious was the flood damage?

[@kalicokathy1944]

I’m looking for a map of logging camps in Sawyer County Wisconsin

[@itsmelee9760]

Hey, where can I find information about the Lumber company/ Barons of Eau Claire such as Valley Lumber Company, John S. Owen, and shaw lumber Co. I am deeply interested in company towns and labor laws/disputes I appreciate all your work thanks!

[@dianemauer4453]

Very interesting. My grandfather worked for John (Jack) Hammes lumber company in Padus, Wi during the Great Depression (Forest County) as a header. He made barrel lids.

[@thomasmarquardt5483]

Are you saying that Norway Pines were not virgin timber?

[@fulldraws]

I was wondering if anyone had any information about Camp 21 near Lake Tomahawk WI. I know people who live on Camp 21 Lake and really can't find info about the spot.