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Event
Mineral Point Heritage Bus Tour
Frequently named as one of the best tourist sites in the U.S., Mineral Point has thrived on its Cornish heritage.Its streets are lined with limestone houses and shops, many from the mid-nineteenth century, which convey an impression of a small Cornish hamlet. Indeed, in 2012, BBC America named Mineral Point one of the most British towns in the U.S.
This all-day tour of Mineral Point focuses on the complex history of the town as revealed in the region's nineteenth- and twentieth-century architecture. We will examine the town's Cornish roots while also considering the other ethnic groups that came to southwestern Wisconsin as part of the lead rush during the middle third of the nineteenth century. In fact, Cornish miners were not the first Anglo-Americans in the region, and the architecture we will examine shows patterns that reflect the diversity of the region's early settlers. We will also consider the transformation of Mineral Point from lead "boom town" to agricultural center in the later nineteenth century through looking at its post-1850 architecture. Finally we will consider issues of preservation, focusing on the celebration of "Cornishness" by Mineral Point's preservation community in the twentieth century and what this has meant for the history of the town.
In addition to a drive through of Mineral Point, we will stop at several nodes for short walking tours to address these themes. We will look at "working class" miner housing on Shake Rag Alley as well as middle-class housing off Jail Alley. We will walk part of High Street to consider the commercial history of the town as it transformed from lead to agriculture. We will have an interior tour of Orchard Lawn, which also serves as the headquarters of the Mineral Point Historical Society. A luncheon including regional dishes will be served at the Walker House, one of the region's oldest buildings. Some walking of steep hills (2-3 blocks) and standing is required.
Anna Andrzejewski, Professor of Art History at UW-Madison, will lead the tour. Prof. Andrzejewski and her students have been conducting research in Mineral Point for nearly a decade, and their research will form the basis of this tour.
The bus will depart for our tour promptly at 9:30 AM, so please arrive by 9:15 AM to board and get settled.The bus has comfortable, reclining seats and there is a restroom aboard the bus.
NOTE: A PayPal account is NOT required for purchasing tickets. Simply select "Pay via PayPal" and then (towards the bottom of the page) "Pay with a credit or debit card". Enter your card information and DESELECT the PayPal button (the one that says "Save this information with a PayPal account.It's easy and free to sign up.").
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LocationStarts at the Verona Park and Ride Lot (View)
Verona Park and Ride Lot, intersection of business US 18/151 and Old PB
Verona, WI 53593
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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