Travel Back in Time to La Crosse

The largest Wisconsin city on the state’s western border, La Crosse has historically made full use of its place on the Mississippi River. This shipping center for lumber, beer and goods has since added three institutions of higher education and is now becoming a regional medical and technology hub.

All images are from the La Crosse Public Library Archives and Winding Rivers Library System‘s ECHO (Exploring Cultural History Online).

We couldn’t possibly fit all the great historic photos into this post, so be sure to check out more at ECHO and the La Crosse Public Library Archives collections!

200 block of State Street, undated.
200 block of State Street, undated.
Holy Cross parish Polish Parade, undated. Ferry Street, 1300 block.
Holy Cross parish Polish Parade, undated. Ferry Street, 1300 block.
Image of the Gateway Lumber Co. fire on January 23rd, 1948. Cameron Avenue, 200 block.
Image of the Gateway Lumber Co. fire on January 23rd, 1948. Cameron Avenue, 200 block.
Image of Front Street downtown during a flood in 1920. La Crosse Plumbing Co. is pictured on the left.
Image of Front Street downtown during a flood in 1920. La Crosse Plumbing Co. is pictured on the left.
Image of the Doerflingers building circa 1910. Main Street - 400 Block.
Image of the Doerflingers building circa 1910. Main Street – 400 Block.
NW corner of 5th and Main, ca. 1915.
NW corner of 5th and Main, ca. 1915.
Image of Caledonia Street looking north from Windsor Street circa 1915.
Image of Caledonia Street looking north from Windsor Street circa 1915.
Image of the Burlington Route Streamliner passenger train heading south on Second Street, circa 1930s. Donated by Patty Fellows. 2nd Street South- 100 block
Image of the Burlington Route Streamliner passenger train heading south on Second Street, circa 1930s. Donated by Patty Fellows. 2nd Street South- 100 block
Bodega Lunch Club on 4th Street and Pearl Street, La Crosse, circa 1926. 4th Street South- 100 block.
Bodega Lunch Club on 4th Street and Pearl Street, La Crosse, circa 1926. 4th Street South- 100 block.
Image of automobiles lined up outside of the La Crosse Motor Car Company, Cadillac agency, ca. 1910. 100 block of 3rd Street North.
Image of automobiles lined up outside of the La Crosse Motor Car Company, Cadillac agency, ca. 1910. 100 block of 3rd Street North.