The Challenge
These are narrative histories of La Crosse, themselves written at various times throughout history.
These are designed to be read at length. There may be statistics contained within the narrative, or there may even be tables of statistics to be found, but you may have to read through the document carefully to locate such data.
Also, as these were each written as one-time projects, it may be relatively difficult to find directly comparable statistics from more than one source.
La Crosse History Books (print and/or online)
A brief sketch of La Crosse, Wisc'n, showing the location of the place, its surrounding scenery, commercial advantages, early history, and the social, moral, literary, and religious character of the inhabitants; and various other interesting items by Call Number: F589.L13 C3 1854a Rare BooksPublication Date: 1854Also ONLINE (La Crosse History Unbound)History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin : containing an account of its settlement, growth, development and resources : an extensive and minute sketch of its cities, towns and villages-their improvements, industries, manufactories, churches by
Call Number: F587.L14 H5Publication Date: 1881Also ONLINE (La Crosse History Unbound)A history of La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1841-1900 by
Call Number: F589.L13 S3Publication Date: 1951Copies at 2nd Floor Stacks and at Special Collections Rare Books
A history of La Crosse, Wisconsin in the twentieth century : reinventing La Crosse again and again by Call Number: F589.L13 H468 2007ISBN: 0979850207Publication Date: 2007Copies at 2nd Floor Stacks and at Special Collections Rare Books
A history of La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1900-1950 by Call Number: F589.L13 M51 2004 Rare BooksPublication Date: 1959also ONLINE (Murphy Library Digital Collections)
More local histories (online)
- Industries of La Crosse, Wisconsin, 1884This first half of this 123-page pamphlet extols the natural resources and economy of the area. The second half is a directory of representative trade, commerce, and manufacturing firms in La Crosse in 1884, with a a narrative description of each one, sometimes with accompanying detailed woodcuts of buildings or advertising.
- The Industries of La Crosse, Wis., 1888. La Crosse, Wis.: Spicer & Buschman, 1888.This informative 90-page book includes an overview of government services and living conditions in La Crosse circa 1888. It is followed by short chapters on the press, transportation facilities, banks, and real estate. The longest chapter has paragraphs on the leading lumbermen, merchants, and manufacturing firms. It is richly illustrated with detailed woodcut drawings of many buildings and businesses. There is a general index at the back of the book.
- La Crosse, Wisconsin: The Gateway City: A City of Great Enterprises, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Agricultural Resources Unsurpassed. La Crosse, Wis.: Spicer & Buschman, 1904?This 31 page tract is good example of early 20th century civic “boosterism.” It includes a short overview of the social life and features paragraph-length descriptions of businesses, businessmen, and professionals. It is illustrated with photographs and woodcut images and has an index at the back.
- La Crosse Labors (Terry Hicks, 2009)history of local labor