Baraboo

Founding and First Records

The history of the modern city of Baraboo began in the late 1830s. The first European settlers were drawn to the area by the hydropower potential of the river of the same name. It is believed that the name of the city and the river is derived from a corruption of the surname of the French trapper and trader Baribault, who trapped in these parts during an earlier period.

The actual founding of the settlement is linked to 1839, when Abraham Wood built the first dam and sawmill here. Baraboo officially received village status in 1867 and was incorporated as a city in 1882.

Key Growth Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a prosperous city was driven by several factors:

• Geographic Location: Its position on the Baraboo River allowed for the use of water power to operate sawmills and gristmills, which formed the basis of the early industry.
• Political Status: In 1846, Baraboo became the county seat of Sauk County, attracting government institutions and businesses.
• Transportation Accessibility: The arrival of the Chicago and North Western Railway in 1871 provided access to outside markets and stimulated trade.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

Initially, the city’s economy was based on woodworking and servicing local farms. However, in the late 19th century, Baraboo acquired a unique specialization that became its trademark.

In 1884, the Ringling brothers founded their famous circus here. Baraboo became the winter headquarters for the show, providing jobs and an influx of capital during the off-season. Because of this, the city earned the unofficial title "Circus Capital of the World," and its circus heritage became an integral part of its cultural DNA.

Major Milestones in Baraboo History

• 1839 — Abraham Wood builds a dam and sawmill on the river, laying the foundation for a permanent settlement.
• 1846 — Baraboo is chosen as the Sauk County seat, solidifying its political importance in the region.
• 1867 — The settlement officially receives village status.
• 1871 — The arrival of the Chicago and North Western Railway gives the city access to major markets.
• 1882 — Baraboo is officially incorporated as a city, with its own mayor and city council.
• 1884 — The Ringling brothers give their first circus performance, beginning the city's transformation into the "Circus Capital of the World."
• 1911 — Devil's Lake State Park is established near the city, becoming a hub for tourism.
• 1915 — The lavish Al Ringling Theatre opens, built in the French Baroque style.
• 1918 — The Ringling Bros. Circus leaves Baraboo after merging with the Barnum & Bailey show, moving winter quarters to Bridgeport, Connecticut.
• 1959 — The Circus World Museum opens on the grounds of the former winter quarters.
• 1973 — The International Crane Foundation is established on the outskirts of Baraboo, dedicated to protecting these birds worldwide.
• 2016 — A large-scale restoration of the historic Al Ringling Theatre is completed, returning it to its original splendor.

Key Milestones and Their Significance

The history of Baraboo is a journey from a riverside sawmill to a world-renowned cultural center. The city has undergone several key transformations that shaped its modern appearance and economy.

• Harnessing Hydropower (1830s–1840s): The construction of dams and sawmills on the Baraboo River was the starting point for the city’s development. This created an initial industrial base, attracted the first permanent residents, and provided the settlement with building materials and power.
• Designation as County Seat (1846): Selecting Baraboo as the capital of Sauk County solidified its role as the political and business core of the region. This promoted the growth of the service sector and the arrival of law firms and government offices, ensuring economic stability.
• The Railway Revolution (1871): The arrival of the railroad connected the city to Chicago and other major markets. This event not only simplified logistics for local producers but also made the city accessible to travelers, laying the foundation for the future tourism industry.
• The "Circus Capital" Era (1884–1918): The Ringling brothers' decision to make Baraboo the winter headquarters for their circus fundamentally changed the city's economy. During the winter months, hundreds of performers and workers lived and spent money here, supporting local businesses during the off-season and creating a unique cultural brand.
• Urban Flourishing (1915): The opening of the lavish Al Ringling Theatre became a symbol of the city's cultural maturity. The appearance of a building of such scale and architectural value in a small town demonstrated the high ambitions of local patrons and turned Baraboo into a cultural hub for the state.
• Preservation and Tourism (since 1959): The opening of the Circus World Museum on the site of the former winter quarters marked the transition to an experience-based economy. The city learned to monetize its history, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world and preserving its heritage for future generations.

Urban Development and the Historic Center

The architectural landscape of Baraboo was primarily shaped during the economic boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the city flourished thanks to the railroad and the circus industry. The city's downtown area is a beautifully preserved ensemble that has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The urban layout is based on a regular rectangular street grid, characteristic of the American Midwest. The heart of the city is Courthouse Square, surrounded by historic commercial buildings constructed from red brick and local stone.

Architectural Styles and Eras

Baraboo’s buildings reflect an evolution in taste from frontier practicality to the ambitious luxury of the Gilded Age. Key styles include:

• Italianate: This style dominated commercial architecture from the 1870s to the 1890s. It is easily recognized by tall, narrow windows with arched tops and ornately decorated cornices on downtown storefronts.
• Queen Anne: This style is typical of residential mansions from the late 19th century. Asymmetrical facades, corner towers, spacious porches, and complex rooflines were the hallmarks of the local elite's homes at the time.
• Neoclassicism and Beaux-Arts: These styles arrived in the early 20th century, symbolizing stability and civic pride. They were used for key public and administrative buildings.
• Richardsonian Romanesque: Found in monumental buildings made of rough-hewn stone with massive arches, giving the structures the appearance of medieval fortresses.

Iconic Buildings Shaping the City's Identity

Several architectural masterpieces set Baraboo apart from other Wisconsin cities:

• Al Ringling Theatre (1915): The city's most famous landmark, often called "America's Prettiest Playhouse." It was designed in a style rare for the region—French Baroque (or French Renaissance). The interior was modeled after the Royal Opera of Versailles, dazzling audiences with gold leaf, frescoes, and red velvet.
• Sauk County Courthouse (1906): A majestic Classical Revival structure that dominates the central square. Its austere columns and dome serve as the visual anchor for the entire downtown area.
• Historic Circus Buildings (Ringlingville): Unique structures from the late 19th century have been preserved along the Baraboo River, once serving as the circus's winter quarters. They represent functional architecture adapted for specific needs, from elephant quarters to wagon repair shops.

Notable Residents and Historical Figures

Baraboo’s history is inextricably linked to individuals whose ambitions and talents brought this small town to the world stage. From circus magnates to political reformers and conservationists, these personalities shaped the unique character of the region.

• Albert (Al) Ringling (1852–1916)
  Circus impresario, philanthropist
  The eldest of the seven Ringling brothers and the functional leader of their famous circus empire. It was he who chose Baraboo as the winter headquarters for the circus, turning the city into an economic center for the region. His primary legacy is the magnificent Al Ringling Theatre, gifted to the city as a token of gratitude and a testament to his love for the arts.
• Belle Case La Follette (1859–1931)
  Lawyer, suffragist, social activist
  Raised in Baraboo, she became the first woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School. She actively campaigned for women's suffrage and racial equality. Belle played a pivotal role in the political life of the state and the country as the closest advisor and wife of Senator Robert La Follette.
• Robert M. La Follette Sr. (1855–1925)
  Governor of Wisconsin, US Senator
  A legendary reformist politician known as "Fighting Bob." He began his career right here in Baraboo, serving as the Sauk County District Attorney. His life and work in this city served as a springboard for his future activities, which reshaped the American political landscape in the early 20th century.
• George Archibald (b. 1946)
  Ornithologist, conservationist
  A world-renowned scientist and co-founder of the International Crane Foundation. In 1973, he chose the outskirts of Baraboo to establish a center for crane conservation. Thanks to his efforts, the city has become a global hub for the study and protection of these rare birds, attracting researchers from across the globe.
• John M. Kelly (1873–1956)
  Lawyer, founder of the Circus World Museum concept
  For many years, he served as the lead counsel for the Ringling Bros. Circus. Kelly was a passionate guardian of circus history. It was his vision to create the Circus World Museum in Baraboo to preserve the city’s unique heritage for future generations after the circus moved its operations.