La Crosse History

The first Europeans to come to La Crosse were French fur traders in the late 1600’s. La Crosse was named for the Native American game, which uses sticks that resemble a bishop’s crozier or la crosse in French. Nathan Myrick was the first white settler in 1841. A small Mormon community settled in 1844 but moved on a few later, but the area is still called Mormon Coulee. The first Christian liturgy was performed by the Episcopal church atop Grandad Bluff in 1850. More permanent settlements were established in the 1840’s. The city grew even more with the railroad coming in 1858. In the late 19th century the city grew as a result of the lumber industry, brewing industry and the ease of transportation due to the rivers and railroad. Between 1890 and 1912 three colleges were established.

National Historic Place

A National Historic Place is a building, site or structure that has been officially recognized by the United States government for its outstanding historical significance. In 1966 the National Register of Historic Places was created and the Historic Landmark program was included in it. The criteria were also established at this time.

How to become a National Historic Place

  1. Contact State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). If the property is on federal or tribal land, then the contact the Federal Preservation Office or Tribal Preservation Office.
  2. Does the property meet the National Register Criteria for Evaluation

    • It is at least 50 years old

    • It looks much like it did in the past

    • Site where events of national historical significance occurred

    • Places were prominent person lived or worked

    • Icons of ideals that shaped the nation

    • Outstanding examples of design or construction

    • Places characterizing a way of life

    • Archeological sites able to yield information

  3. Submit nomination to the SHPO.
  4. The SHPO notifies property owners and local governments and asks for public input.
  5. Nominations are evaluated by the SHPO and the state’s National Register Review Board. Complete nominations with certifying recommendations are turned into the National Park Service for final review.