Columbia County, Wisconsin

Columbia County, Wisconsin is a county located in the United States in the state of Wisconsin, bordered by Marquette County, Wisconsin to the north, Green Lake County, Wisconsin to the northeast, Dodge County, Wisconsin to the east, Dane County, Wisconsin to the south, and Sauk County, Wisconsin to the west. The county seat is Portage, Wisconsin, which is situated on the Wisconsin River and is home to the Portage Canal, a National Historic Landmark. The county is part of the Madison, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area and is near the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Luther College. The area is also close to the Wisconsin Dells, a popular tourist destination, and the Baraboo Hills, a region known for its unique geological features.

Geography

Columbia County, Wisconsin is located in the south-central part of the state, with its geography characterized by the Wisconsin River and its tributaries, including the Baraboo River and the Yahara River. The county's terrain is varied, with areas of prairie and forest as well as numerous lakes and wetlands, such as Lake Wisconsin and the Horicon Marsh. The county is also home to several parks and wildlife areas, including the Aldo Leopold Foundation and the Mackenzie Center, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and conservation. The area is near the Driftless Area, a region known for its unique geological features, and is close to the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the Black River State Forest.

History

The area that is now Columbia County, Wisconsin was originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk and Menominee Native American tribes, who were later displaced by European-American settlers. The county was established in 1846 and was named after Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer who is credited with the European discovery of America. The county's early history was marked by the establishment of farming and lumbering industries, with the Wisconsin Central Railway and the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad playing important roles in the county's development. The area is also home to the Circus World Museum, which showcases the history of the circus and is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin, the former headquarters of the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Columbia County, Wisconsin was 58,505, with a population density of 76 people per square mile. The county's population is predominantly White American, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian American, and Hispanic or Latino American residents. The median household income in the county is around $60,000, with a per capita income of around $30,000. The area is home to several universities and colleges, including the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and Ripon College, as well as the Madison Area Technical College and the Moraine Park Technical College.

Communities

Columbia County, Wisconsin is home to several cities, villages, and towns, including Portage, Wisconsin, Columbus, Wisconsin, and Lodi, Wisconsin. The county is also home to several townships, including Fort Winnebago Township and Lowville Township. The area is near the City of Madison, the State Capitol of Wisconsin, and is close to the Village of Maple Bluff and the Town of Middleton. The county is also home to the Wisconsin Veterans Home, a nursing home for veterans located in King, Wisconsin.

Government

The government of Columbia County, Wisconsin is headed by a county board of supervisors, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget and policies. The county is also home to several municipalities, each with its own government and services. The area is represented in the Wisconsin State Legislature by the 26th Senate District and the 42nd Assembly District, and is part of the Wisconsin's 6th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. The county is also home to the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, which is responsible for law enforcement in the county.

Economy

The economy of Columbia County, Wisconsin is diverse, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including the Columbia County Government, the Portage Community School District, and the Columbus Community Hospital. The area is also home to several small businesses and startups, with the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Madison Region Economic Partnership providing support for entrepreneurship and economic development. The county is also close to the Dane County Regional Airport and the General Mitchell International Airport, which provide access to air travel and cargo shipping. The area is also home to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, which oversee the county's transportation infrastructure.