You've heard of a gold rush, but have you ever heard of a lead rush? Probably not, but that doesn't mean it never happened. Platteville, WI, was once a center of mining, back in the 1820's, when miners were hunting for galena, also known as lead. When lead prices faded, so did mining in Platteville.
Platteville, with a population of 11,224 as of the last census in 2010, is the largest city in southwestern Wisconsin's Grant County
You've heard of a gold rush, but have you ever heard of a lead rush? Probably not, but that doesn't mean it never happened. Platteville, WI, was once a center of mining, back in the 1820's, when miners were hunting for galena, also known as lead. When lead prices faded, so did mining in Platteville.
Platteville, with a population of 11,224 as of the last census in 2010, is the largest city in southwestern Wisconsin's Grant County. It's a part of the Platteville Micropolitan Statistical area, and a part of the Hollow Region, making this community hilly and green.
When you move to Platteville, give yourself about a month to find rental apartments, as vacancies can be tight in this community. Look in spring, fall, or summer months - winter can be snowy. You can find some all utilities paid city apartments as well single family homes among the properties available.
Where to Search
Looking around the community in person can give you a feel for the neighborhood you most want to live in, but you should also look online and in The Platteville Journal for rental listings.
What to Bring
Your future landlords will doubtlessly require a credit report, and rentals here can come and go quickly particularly in the fall, so be prepared to show yourself in the best positive light. That means come equipped with your ID, work and rental history, bank statements, and W2s or tax returns.
On average, residents here commute only 15 minutes or less to work, with 13% actually walking to their jobs, and about 75% using their own vehicles to make the commute.
Platteville City Center: With a suburban density and an old fashioned, comfortable Main Street, this pretty neighborhood is made up of medium to small single family homes and a variety of apartment complexes both small and large, like Fox Ridge Estates. Most of the residential real estate here is occupied by a mix of both owners and renters. This is good area to search for apartments. Many of the residences were built between 1970 and 1999. A number of residences are more historic in nature, built before 1940. This is where you'll find the renowned Rollo Jamison Museum, pretty Round View Park, and the waters of the Rountree Branch Stream.
N Water St: This suburban neighborhood consists of a variety of medium to smaller single family homes and apartment complexes. Many residences here are occupied by renters, and were built between 1970 and 1999, although some older constructions also are located here. Want to take a swing at living here? Platteville Golf and Country Club are a part of this area.
Platteville was once a quiet agricultural and trading community along the Platte River. Then lead was discovered, almost as lucrative as gold in other parts of the country.
But, the mining heritage that began in the 1820's faded, leaving the quiet community you'll find today. Of course you'll still hear cheers: football forms a strong community spirit in town. In fact, from 1984 to 2001 the Chicago Bears held their training camp here. Now local teams take up the town's enthusiasm for the gridiron.
Culture and Fun
History is a big deal in this idyllic community. Check out some of the local landmarks, like Stone Cottage, built in 1837. Yes, the furnishings are original in this home that once belonged to one Major John Rountree, one of the founders of this town, and for whom a river branch is named. This house is built to last: made with two feet thick of Galena limestone mined in the area. You may not find walls that thick yourself.
Platte Mound M is a major landmark, too - history of a different sort. A mighty M monogram on a mound above the city, made from giant whitewashed rocks. They stand tall - very tall, over 241 feet tall and 214 feet wide. You can see it all over town, so you'll know you're home. If you climb the Mount yourself you're gazing out on three different states - Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa.
You'll also enjoy the Rollo Jamison Museum and the adjoining Mining Museum, which will show you the history of the mining industry in the region. Tour an 1845 lead mine, ride a 1931 era mine train, and view a personal collection of arrowheads, too . Born in the area, Jamison loved the history of southwestern Wisconsin.
Theater more your thing? The Center for the Arts sponsors a steady flow of professional touring events from music to theater and lectures. The Heartland Festival holds its semi-pro theatrical presentations here: there's four every summer. Always wanted to act? The cast is made up of both professional actors and local residents. Let your inner thespian thrive.
After the theater, feeling hungry? You can get a bite to eat at Benvenuto's for Italian delights, or make your own at home, with a stop at Papa Murphy's Take and Bake which promises oven fresh pizza professionally made - right in your own oven.
