Founded in Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Wisconsin's History

greenwoodphilip
1 day ago
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(Next in our series on Founded in Wisconsin is a brief introduction on the city of Eau Claire, Wisconsin which is city number three in the series. Following posts will be on organizations in Eau Claire founded and still existing over a lengthy period of time)

Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is situated where the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers meet. Initially inhabited by the Sioux and Ojibwe tribes, the area saw European fur traders in the late 18th century, with permanent settlement beginning in 1845. The city was incorporated in 1872. Eau Claire's development was gradual, marked by early fur trading and significant contributions from the logging industry. The growth of the city was fueled by its rich white pine forests, leading to the construction of sawmills. In 1872, three logging villages consolidated to form the present-day city: the original settlement, West Eau Claire, and Shawtown. McCann and Thomas are recognized as the first permanent settlers, laying the groundwork for Eau Claire's future development.

Historical Journey and Resilience of the Ojibwe and Dakota in the Chippewa Valley

The Chippewa Valley was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe tribe, part of the Algonquian-speaking peoples, who settled in the area by the early 1700s. They established villages along waterways, creating trade networks and utilizing natural resources, which led to the displacement of the Dakota Sioux westward across the Mississippi River. Other tribes, such as the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Potawatomi, and Fox, also have historical connections to Wisconsin, but the Ojibwe and Dakota were the predominant groups during the period of early European exploration. The arrival of European settlers brought significant changes for the Ojibwe and Dakota. Initially involved in trade, these tribes were later pressured into treaties that resulted in the cession of much of their land. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 forced many Ojibwe to relocate, leading to high mortality rates and harsh living conditions. Those who remained were confined to smaller reservations, disrupting their traditional way of life. Assimilation policies, including boarding schools, along with European diseases, further eroded their culture. Despite these challenges, Ojibwe and Dakota communities in Wisconsin and Minnesota are actively working to reclaim their language, culture, and land rights, preserving traditions and seeking revitalization and self-determination.

Pioneers and Influential Figures in Eau Claire's Early History

Like any city in Wisconsin that has grown over a period of 100 years or more, there were and are individuals who played a role in its development. Some of the founders and civic leaders instrumental to Eau Claire were:

Louis DeMarie, a French-Canadian fur trader, was among the earliest non-Native settlers in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1832, he established a trading post at the confluence of the Chippewa and Eau Claire rivers, engaging in trade with the Ojibwe and Dakota tribes. His family, including his wife Angeline Collins, who was of French and Chippewa descent, became influential in the region, contributing significantly to its social and economic foundations. Angeline was esteemed as a healer, and their trading post evolved into a hub of commerce, marking the beginning of permanent European-American settlement in Eau Claire. Angeline Collins DeMarie - A woman of French-Chippewa heritage and a healer, Angeline was the wife of early settler Louis DeMarie. She was renowned as a medicine woman and often served as the sole physician in the Chippewa Valley for many years, providing care to both Native and settler communities.

Jeremiah C. Thomas, commonly known as J.C. Thomas, played a pivotal role in shaping the early history of Eau Claire. In the 1840s, he was instrumental in establishing the "Blue Mill," which became a cornerstone of the local lumber industry. Together with Stephen S. McCann, he constructed Eau Claire's first permanent structures, contributing significantly to the city's founding. Despite challenges such as a flood in 1847, Thomas's contributions were vital in transforming Eau Claire into a thriving lumber town. Stephen Smith McCann, originally from Ohio, was a key figure in the early development of Eau Claire. After relocating from Dubuque, he became actively involved in the lumber industry and, alongside Thomas, established the first permanent settlement at the confluence of the rivers. Despite facing obstacles such as a flood, McCann's business acumen and civic initiatives laid the groundwork for Eau Claire's growth.

Joe Bee Xiong, born on August 10, 1961, in Laos, Xiong was a key figure in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A former child soldier during the Vietnam War, he fled to a Thai refugee camp and immigrated to the U.S. in 1979. Overcoming language barriers, he graduated high school and earned degrees in computer science, criminal justice, and business management. In the early 1990s, Xiong became Wisconsin's first Hmong-American police officer and, in 1996, the first Hmong elected to municipal government in the U.S., serving two terms on the Eau Claire City Council. A passionate advocate for cultural understanding and minority rights, he worked with Congressman Ron Kind and ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2004. As director of the Eau Claire Hmong Mutual Assistance Association and a social worker, Xiong dedicated his life to community service. A master qeej player, he promoted Hmong heritage and taught music and traditions. His untimely death in 2007 in Laos was deeply mourned, with a three-day Hmong funeral. His legacy endures through a PBS documentary, a Wisconsin Legislature resolution, and the renaming of a street to "Xiong Boulevard" in Eau Claire.

From Sawdust City to Industrial Hub: The Rise and Fall of Eau Claire's Lumber Industry

By the 1850s, Eau Claire's population, primarily employed in sawmills, reached approximately 100 residents. This small yet industrious community was intricately connected to the burgeoning lumber industry establishing itself in the region. The strategic location of Eau Claire at the confluence of the Eau Claire and Chippewa Rivers was vital for the lumber trade, as these waterways provided essential transportation routes for timber harvested from the surrounding forests. As time progressed, particularly following the Civil War, Eau Claire earned the nickname "Sawdust City," reflecting its growing significance in the lumber industry. By the 1880s, the city had evolved into the largest lumber-producing center globally, with over 75 sawmills. This remarkable growth was driven not only by abundant natural resources but also by investments and the influx of immigrants seeking economic opportunities. Many of these immigrants were Germans and Norwegians who arrived in the 1860s, contributing to the labor force and enhancing the city's cultural diversity.

The wealth generated from the lumber industry attracted prominent figures and investors who recognized the potential for profit and growth. Notable individuals such as Orrin Henry Ingram and companies like the Daniel Shaw Lumber Company made substantial investments in local infrastructure, including roads, railroads, and community facilities. These investments not only enhanced Eau Claire's economic landscape but also laid the foundation for future development, enabling the city to thrive as a hub of commerce and industry. However, the rapid growth driven by the lumber boom also led to significant social divisions. The influx of laborers, many of whom were immigrants, created a diverse but sometimes strained social fabric. Tensions arose between established residents and new arrivals, as differing cultural backgrounds and economic interests occasionally clashed. This period of transition was marked by both opportunities and challenges as the city navigated its evolving identity.

As the late 19th century approached, the very resources that had fueled Eau Claire's prosperity began to diminish. The relentless harvesting of timber led to significant resource depletion, ultimately causing the decline of the lumber industry. The John H. Kaiser Lumber Company, once a community pillar, closed in 1939, symbolizing the end of an era. The collapse of the lumber industry impacted the economy and prompted a reevaluation of the city’s future, as residents sought new ways to adapt to the changing landscape of industry and commerce in the ensuing years.

From Lumber to Tires - The Legacy of the Gillette Safety Tire Company

Henry Ford's pioneering innovations, particularly the moving assembly line, transformed manufacturing in Eau Claire. Although Ford did not establish factories in the city, his methods were swiftly adopted by local industries. A significant development was the establishment of the Gillette Safety Tire Company in 1916, which became a leading employer and tire producer. Gillette utilized mass production techniques inspired by Ford, enhancing productivity and establishing Eau Claire as a key manufacturing hub for tire and rubber products. By 1917, it became the city's largest industrial employer and a global leader in tire and rubber production, manufacturing 500 tires and tubes daily by the year's end.

In 1931, the U.S. Rubber Company acquired a major interest in Gillette, gaining full control by 1940, and expanded the plant to supply major automakers. By the 1950s, it was one of the largest tire manufacturing facilities in the U.S., producing tens of thousands of tires daily. During World War II, the facility shifted to ammunition production, employing many women, and resumed rubber production in 1943, focusing on synthetic rubber. By 1965, it was the third largest tire plant in the U.S., specializing in large tires for mining and agriculture. In 1967, it operated under the Uniroyal brand, and by the 1980s, after merging with B.F. Goodrich, it employed around 1,500 workers, producing up to 29,000 tires daily. In 1990, Michelin acquired Uniroyal Goodrich but closed the plant in 1992, affecting over 1,300 workers.

Seymour Cray: Pioneering the Supercomputing Legacy in Chippewa Falls

In the 1960s, Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls became a hub for supercomputing, primarily due to Seymour Cray, known as the "father of supercomputing," who established Cray Research. Born in 1925 in Chippewa Falls, Cray served in World War II before earning degrees in electrical engineering and applied mathematics from the University of Minnesota. In 1957, he co-founded Control Data Corporation, where he designed pioneering computers such as the CDC 1604 and CDC 7600.

In 1972, Cray founded Cray Research, Inc. with the goal of developing the fastest computers. The Cray-1, launched in 1976, became the first commercially successful supercomputer, followed by the Cray-2 and Cray-3. Cray focused on system performance and innovation, further advancing computing speed through ventures like Cray Computer Corporation and SRC Computers after departing from Cray Research in 1981. Despite facing business challenges, his technical innovations had a lasting impact. Cray passed away on October 5, 1996, in a car accident, leaving behind a legacy that includes the Seymour Cray Computer Engineering Award and a significant influence on modern computing, driving scientific progress and inspiring future engineers.

Eau Claire: From Logging Town to Thriving Tech Hub

During the late 1990s and 2000s, Eau Claire established itself as a technological hub, largely due to companies such as Applied Data Consultants and the support from local universities. By the 2010s, over 2,000 technology professionals were at the forefront of innovation in biohealth, environmental technology, and electronics. The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and Chippewa Valley Technical College have expanded their technology program enrollments, ensuring that graduates secure positions with leading firms. The city boasts a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, with significant growth in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Universities engage in collaboration with businesses through internships and research initiatives, aligning academic programs with industry requirements. Eau Claire's strategic location and business-friendly environment attract both startups and established companies, driving rapid growth in the sector.

The transformation of Eau Claire from a logging town to a technology hub is reflected in its population growth, increasing from 3,162 in 1860 to 105,710 by 2020. Unemployment rates have averaged approximately 4.61% for the MSA and 4.58% for the county, with recent figures indicating seasonal variations. Historical data reveals higher unemployment rates during the Great Recession and lower rates in the mid-2000s. For comprehensive historical data, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development are essential resources.

Founded in Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Wisconsin's History

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