CASSVILLE, Wis. – Take a scenic drive along the Great River Road to Stonefield, the former estate of Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey. As Wisconsin Historical Society’s Southwest Historic Sites commemorates 250 years of history during the nation’s semiquincentennial, visitors can discover Dewey’s life and legacy during “A Toast to Governor Dewey,” a special daylong event on Saturday, Aug. 29.

The event will feature a series of presentations highlighting the history and geology of the region. Guest lectures will be held at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., with tours of the Dewey Home Site taking place at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

  • 11 a.m. – James Hibbard, former University of Wisconsin-Platteville archivist, will discuss the history of Nelson Dewey and the construction of his estate.
  •  1 p.m. – Tracey Lee Roberts, historian, museum specialist and senior lecturer emerita in the Department of History at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will present “Wisconsin’s Path to Statehood.”
  • 3 p.m. – Eric Carson, Quaternary geologist, will discuss the geologic evolution of the lower Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day.

Governor Dewey played a pivotal role in Wisconsin’s early development,” said Susan Caya Slusser, southwest sites regional director, Wisconsin Historical Society. “During this special day, guests can explore Stonefield, visit the site of his home, and learn about his contributions to Wisconsin’s history. We look forward to welcoming guests to visit the site’s saloon to toast our first governor throughout the day.”

Born in Connecticut and trained as a lawyer, Dewey moved west to the Michigan Territory, settling in the town of Cassville, which later became part of the Wisconsin Territory. He served as the state’s first governor from 1848 to 1852 and was an ambitious entrepreneur, investing in land, real estate and mining while holding several public offices during Wisconsin’s territorial and early statehood years. Although he envisioned Cassville as Wisconsin’s capital, that dream was never realized.

Today, Dewey’s former 2,000-acre estate, Stonefield, is a historic site owned and operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society and home to the Wisconsin Agricultural Museum. This recreated 19th-century farming community features more than 30 historic buildings, including several original structures from Dewey’s time in Cassville, such as the stone stable, which now serves as the visitor’s center and gift shop. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Stonefield offers visitors a glimpse of Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage and the life of its first governor.

Stonefield is open Thursday-Sunday through Oct. 4, with hours of admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $13.50 for adults and teens, $11 for seniors (65+), $8 for children (five to 12) and free for children under five. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free general admission and 10% off ticketed events and store merchandise. Parking is included in admission.

For further information or to purchase tickets, visit stonefieldhistoricsite.org. The address is 12195 Co Hwy VV, Cassville, WI 53806.

About Stonefield

Stonefield is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Comprised of a recreated 1900s-era rural farming village and the State Agricultural Museum, the site traces the history of Wisconsin agriculture from its inception into the 20th century. Stonefield is named after the estate once farmed by Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey, and includes the site of his former home. Visit stonefieldhistoricsite.org or call (608) 725-5210 for more information and a list of upcoming events. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.

About Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.