Viroqua, Wisconsin

Viroqua is the county seat of Vernon County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 4,504 at the 2020 census. The city is in the town of Viroqua.

"Viroqua" redirects here. For the adjacent town, see Viroqua (town), Wisconsin. For jumping spider, see Viroqua ultima.

Viroqua
City
Viroqua, Wisconsin
Location of Viroqua in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
Location of Viroqua in Vernon County, Wisconsin.
Coordinates: 43°33′24″N 90°53′16″W
CountryUnited States
StateWisconsin
CountyVernon
Area
[1]
 • Total4.36 sq mi (11.29 km2)
 • Land4.36 sq mi (11.29 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Population
 (2020)[2]
 • Total4,504
 • Density1,033.7/sq mi (399.1/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
54665
Area code608
FIPS code55-82925
Websiteviroqua-wisconsin.com

Etymology

The town was originally named “Farwell” after Leonard J. Farwell, second Governor of Wisconsin, but it was renamed “Viroqua” in 1854.[3] It is unclear why the name was changed, and the source of the name is uncertain.[3] One legend states that Viroqua was the name of the daughter of Black Hawk, but this is not supported by evidence.[3] Another story attributes the name to a Mohawk Indian actress who performed in a theater on the East Coast or in Brantford, Canada.[3] However, the town most likely took its name from the fictional lead character of the 1848 novel Viroqua, or, the Flower of the Ottawas by Emma Carra.[4][5]

History

The Native American Ho-Chunk people inhabited the area now known as Vernon County and the area of Viroqua. The Ho-Chunk, formerly known as the Winnebago, are a Siouan-speaking people who lived in the western Great Lakes region for thousands of years. The Ho-Chunk were removed westward beginning in the 1820s.[6]

There was a sharp rivalry between Viroqua and Springville to be named the county seat of Vernon County. A deed for 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land was promised by pioneer Moses Decker, on condition that Viroqua be chosen as the county seat. The land constituted what became known as the County Addition to the city of Viroqua.[7]

Decker was one of the early settlers in the area. He arrived in 1847 and laid out the village of Viroqua. He died in 1860.[8] Earlier settlers arrived in 1844 and built lumber mills on the Kickapoo River. Farmers began arriving in 1846, some of whom were John Graham, T.J. Defreese and William C. McMichael.[9]

In early 1851, the act authorizing the organization of Bad Axe, now Vernon County, was approved by Governor Nelson Dewey. Viroqua was awarded the county seat, pending a permanent location to be determined by a vote. In May 1852, residents voted in favor of Viroqua.[10] The present Vernon County Courthouse was built in Viroqua in 1880.[8]: 160 

On June 28, 1865, Viroqua was hit by a deadly tornado that left 22 dead.[11]

Geography

Viroqua is located at 43°33′23″N 90°53′15″W (43.556534, -90.887663).[12] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.80 square miles (9.84 km2), all land.[13] The city is in the Driftless Region, near the western end of the Ocooch Mountains.

Northern Wisconsin Co-op Tobacco Pool Warehouse represents the first tobacco-grower co-operative in the nation.[14]

Climate
Climate data for Viroqua, Wisconsin, 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 55
(13)		 63
(17)		 83
(28)		 90
(32)		 106
(41)		 101
(38)		 108
(42)		 103
(39)		 99
(37)		 90
(32)		 78
(26)		 64
(18)		 108
(42)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 42.4
(5.8)		 47.9
(8.8)		 64.0
(17.8)		 76.2
(24.6)		 83.2
(28.4)		 87.5
(30.8)		 89.4
(31.9)		 88.2
(31.2)		 84.2
(29.0)		 77.5
(25.3)		 61.2
(16.2)		 47.6
(8.7)		 91.2
(32.9)
Average high °F (°C) 22.9
(−5.1)		 27.6
(−2.4)		 40.4
(4.7)		 54.3
(12.4)		 66.0
(18.9)		 75.3
(24.1)		 79.1
(26.2)		 77.4
(25.2)		 70.2
(21.2)		 56.9
(13.8)		 41.2
(5.1)		 28.4
(−2.0)		 53.3
(11.8)
Daily mean °F (°C) 14.5
(−9.7)		 18.6
(−7.4)		 30.9
(−0.6)		 43.7
(6.5)		 55.4
(13.0)		 65.3
(18.5)		 69.0
(20.6)		 67.2
(19.6)		 59.3
(15.2)		 46.7
(8.2)		 32.8
(0.4)		 20.8
(−6.2)		 43.7
(6.5)
Average low °F (°C) 6.1
(−14.4)		 9.5
(−12.5)		 21.3
(−5.9)		 33.1
(0.6)		 44.8
(7.1)		 55.3
(12.9)		 59.0
(15.0)		 57.1
(13.9)		 48.3
(9.1)		 36.4
(2.4)		 24.4
(−4.2)		 13.1
(−10.5)		 34.0
(1.1)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −16.8
(−27.1)		 −12.0
(−24.4)		 0.1
(−17.7)		 18.8
(−7.3)		 30.6
(−0.8)		 42.0
(5.6)		 48.3
(9.1)		 46.6
(8.1)		 33.9
(1.1)		 22.6
(−5.2)		 7.1
(−13.8)		 −8.0
(−22.2)		 −20.3
(−29.1)
Record low °F (°C) −42
(−41)		 −37
(−38)		 −35
(−37)		 −8
(−22)		 22
(−6)		 30
(−1)		 36
(2)		 32
(0)		 20
(−7)		 1
(−17)		 −17
(−27)		 −36
(−38)		 −42
(−41)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.16
(29)		 1.14
(29)		 1.99
(51)		 3.98
(101)		 4.72
(120)		 5.70
(145)		 4.58
(116)		 4.58
(116)		 3.94
(100)		 2.65
(67)		 1.98
(50)		 1.58
(40)		 38.00
(965)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 11.3
(29)		 10.4
(26)		 7.1
(18)		 3.8
(9.7)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.0
(0.0)		 0.4
(1.0)		 4.0
(10)		 10.2
(26)		 30.0
(76)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 8.0 7.0 7.7 10.8 12.5 11.2 9.8 9.1 9.9 8.9 7.7 8.4 111.0
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 7.4 6.6 3.9 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 2.7 7.4 30
Source 1: NOAA[15]
Source 2: National Weather Service[16]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1880762—
18901,27066.7%
19001,95053.5%
19102,0595.6%
19202,57425.0%
19302,7928.5%
19403,54927.1%
19503,7956.9%
19603,9263.5%
19703,739−4.8%
19803,716−0.6%
19903,9225.5%
20004,33510.5%
20104,3620.6%
20204,5043.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[17]
2014 Estimate[18]

2020 census

As of the census of 2020,[2] the population was 4,504. The population density was 1,033.7 inhabitants per square mile (399.1/km2). There were 2,231 housing units at an average density of 512.0 per square mile (197.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.1% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% Native American, 0.9% from other races, and 4.2% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 2.2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

According to the American Community Survey estimates for 2016–2020, the median income for a household in the city was $38,849, and the median income for a family was $55,075. Male full-time workers had a median income of $52,742 versus $39,178 for female workers. The per capita income for the city was $23,884. About 15.9% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.5% of those under age 18 and 25.8% of those age 65 or over.[19] Of the population age 25 and over, 94.3% were high school graduates or higher and 25.5% had a bachelor's degree or higher.[20]

2010 census

As of the census[21] of 2010, there were 4,362 people, 2,029 households, and 1,059 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,147.9 inhabitants per square mile (443.2/km2). There were 2,208 housing units at an average density of 581.1 per square mile (224.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.1% White, 0.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 2,029 households, of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.8% were non-families. 43.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.06 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 45 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.4% were from 25 to 44; 26.3% were from 45 to 64; and 23.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.1% male and 53.9% female.

2000 census

As of the census[22] of 2000, there were 4,335 people, 1,990 households, and 1,112 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,327.3 people per square mile (511.9/km2). There were 2,105 housing units at an average density of 644.5 per square mile (248.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.73% White, 0.07% Black or African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. 0.69% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,990 households, out of which 24.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.1% were non-families. 39.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 26.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.8 males.

Transportation

Viroqua is at the intersection of U.S. Highway 14, U.S. Highway 61, Wisconsin Highway 27, Wisconsin Highway 56, and Wisconsin Highway 82.

Recently, the highways and major streets in Viroqua were redone. Highways 14, 61, and 27 had lanes added to them to become four lanes, except for the four block section of downtown. That was kept two lanes to allow for parallel parking on the side of the road.

Viroqua was on the new airways route between La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois, when it was established in June 1932. The beacon light had about 15 large 36-inch (910 mm) revolving beacons of 2,000,000 candle power when it was installed on the Mahlon Lepley farm, four miles (6 km) northeast of Viroqua.

Viroqua was formerly served by a Milwaukee Road branch line from Sparta via Leon, Melvina, Cashton and Westby.

Bus service

Commuter bus service towards La Crosse is provided seven times daily per direction by Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit.[23]

Airport

Viroqua is serviced by the Viroqua Municipal Airport (Y51).

Economy
Viroqua Downtown Historic District
Viroqua hospital

Viroqua is an accredited Main Street America city.[24] Its downtown is listed on the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places.

Viroqua was dubbed "The Town That Beat Walmart" by Smithsonian Magazine in 1992 because it fostered businesses that co-exist with the retail giant.[25] The city and its nonprofit chamber of commerce, the Viroqua Chamber Main Street, actively promote small business development through several state and federal programs.[26] One noteworthy program that has kept downtown storefronts occupied has been the Pop-Up Shop Initiative, which allow entrepreneurs to use a space downtown rent-free for the holiday season.[27]

Viroqua is a site of food tourism, as surrounding Vernon County is home to one of the highest densities of organic farms in the country, with over 200 in the area.[28][29]

Education
Viroqua High School
Viroqua athletic fields
Viroqua WTC

Culture

The Temple Theatre serves as an arts and cultural center for surrounding counties. A $1.6 million restoration of the 1922 classical revival style vaudeville and movie theater was driven by volunteers.

There are a large number of organic farms in the Driftless Region surrounding Viroqua, which supports startup business ventures, restaurants, and a budding tourism industry.[30]

Notable people

Images

References
  1. "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2020.
  2. "2020 Decennial Census: Viroqua city, Wisconsin". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved July 8, 2022.
  3. Gard, Robert E. (2015). The Romance of Wisconsin Place Names. Wisconsin Historical Society. p. 336. ISBN 978-0-87020-708-2.
  4. Vogel, Virgil J. (1991). Indian names on Wisconsin's map. Madison, Wis. : University of Wisconsin Press. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-299-12980-4.
  5. Carra, Emma (1848). Viroqua: Or, The Flower of the Ottawas, a Tale of the West. Detroit, Mich.: F. Gleason.
  6. Loew, Patty. Indian Nations of Wisconsin: Histories of Endurance and Renewal. Madison: Wisconsin Historical Society Press, 2001.
  7. "Viroqua History, Heritage, and Legend". www.viroqua-wisconsin.com. Archived from the original on February 9, 2006.
  8. History of Vernon County, Wisconsin. Springfield, Ill.: Union Publishing Company. 1884.
  9. Bierce, B. C. "Industry of Bad Ax County" in Transactions of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society, vol. VI. Madison, Wis.: Smith & Cullaton. 1860, pp. 266-268.
  10. "Bad Axe (county)". www.wisconsinhistory.org. Archived from the original on June 11, 2011.
  11. Cina, Angela (June 28, 2006). "Tornado laid waste to Viroqua in 1865". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  12. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  13. "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  14. "Bekkedal Tobacco Warehouse". Wisconsin National Register of Historic Places. Wisconsin Historical Society. Retrieved August 19, 2007.
  15. "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: Viroqua, WI". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  16. "NOAA Online Weather Data – NWS La Crosse". National Weather Service. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  17. United States Census Bureau. "Census of Population and Housing". Retrieved August 22, 2014.
  18. "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 22, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
  19. "Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Viroqua city, Wisconsin". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  20. "Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Viroqua city, Wisconsin". data.census.gov. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  21. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
  22. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  23. Bus schedule ridesmrt.com
  24. "Viroqua Chamber Main Street becomes an accredited Main Street America program". La Crosse Tribune. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  25. NPR. "Wal-Mart's Social and Economic Impact". NPR. Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  26. "Viroqua Chamber Main Street - Viroqua, WI". Viroqua, WI. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  27. "Viroqua's Pop-Up Program". WIPROUD. January 13, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  28. "How did Viroqua, Wisconsin—a farm town of 4,000—emerge as a major Midwestern food destination?". The Counter. July 11, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  29. "Viroqua Is a Small-Town Foodie Destination in Wisconsin". Minnesota Monthly. August 20, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  30. Derby, Samara (July 9, 2017). "A thriving food culture is making Viroqua the place to be". Wisconsin State Journal. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  31. "Chris Mulkey - Official Website". Retrieved April 6, 2009.
  32. A. J. Turner (comp.). The Legislative Manual of the State of Wisconsin. 12th ed. Madison: Atwood & Culver, 1873, p. 433.
  33. R. M. Bashford (comp.). The Legislative Manual of the State of Wisconsin. 16th ed. Madison: R. B. Bolens, 1877, p. 448.

Further reading
  • Macgregor, Lyn C. Habits of the Heartland: Small-Town Life in Modern America. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 2010. Sociological study of how differing notions of community shape social groups in Viroqua.
  • Johnson, Matt (May 26, 2011). "Sociologist's impression of Viroqua an unflattering bar time exposé". Vernon County Broadcaster. Editorial critique of Macgregor's study.
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