Cambridge … A short History

The Best of Yesterday …..and Today

What else is there to know about Cambridge?

Yesterday…

A dam on Koshkonong Creek was the first sign of development for what would become the village of Cambridge.  The surrounding area had been settled by Scottish and Norwegian farmers establishing Cambridge in 1847.  Within the first few years, saw and gist mills, two general stores, two hotels, a boot and shoe shop, a harness shop, a cabinet shop, a tailor, a milliner store and a saloon all lined Main Street. One of the hotels on Main Street still stands and is currently the home of jewelry store today.

By the 1860s, Cambridge had grown to a population of 250 residents, mostly retired farmers and shopkeepers. In addition to the stores listed above, the town also boasted a blacksmith and repair shop, a hardware store a post office and a doctor’s office. Many of the village’s young men enlisted to serve in the Civil War. A statue in the Village Square today honors the veterans of that war.

In 1890 a fire broke out that destroyed much of the business district, as well as, some of the homes on upper Main Street.

By the 1910s, the population of Cambridge had grown to 700. And in the 1920s, the automobile had a profound impact on Cambridge, spurring its growth as a tourist town. Vacationers started coming to Cambridge and Lake Ripley from Chicago as far back as the late 1800s. To promote Cambridge as a tourist attraction, the village adopted the symbol of a blue and yellow umbrella, and dubbed itself the “Umbrella City”. This symbol  (based off umbrellas used at the beach on Lake Ripley) is still used by the village in some of its promotions today.

Cambridge came full circle by the turn of the century; a prosperous downtown area filled with quaint shops and restaurants, a beautiful public beach on Lake Ripley, and a wonderful park system.  Festivals, Bed & Breakfast getaways, and the talent of local artisans bring vacationers to our small village. The dreams and aspirations of our founders are alive and well in the Village of Cambridge today.

Cambridge Today…

In beautiful south central Wisconsin, just 20 minutes East of Madison and one hour West of Milwaukee lies the Village of Cambridge, nestled amid small rural towns, historic churches, lake and streams with a pleasant mix of farmers, business people, artists and entrepreneurs.

Cambridge is a strong artistic community, consisting of a diverse collection of independently owned businesses and services. Here you will find a mingling of both old and new. Inside Victorian storefronts and century old buildings are a variety of specialty shops featuring antiques, boutiques, art galleries, Amish made furniture, jewelry, salt-glaze and art pottery, home accessories, specialty foods and a coffee shop or two.

The Cambridge area offers an abundance of options for those searching for recreation and relaxation. Visit Lake Ripley’s clear waters which are ideal for water sports from canoeing to sailing, and avid as well as novice fisherman will enjoy the tranquility and bounteous catches offered up year-round. Or enjoy a
hike through one of the area’s many parks and nature trails, including the 300 acre Cam-Rock multi-use park and trail system, which offers bicyclists, cross-country skiers to picnic goers a wonderful place to kick back and experience the outdoors.

Recently voted one of the 100 Best Small Town Getaways in the Midwest (Midwest Living Magazine June 2007), Cambridge is full of charm and natural beauty.  Area Bed & Breakfasts extend that charm with Victorian, Lodge to Cottage style homes made into comfortable, relaxing and beautifully adorned places for you to “get-away”.  From couples and families to friends enjoying a week-end away, these area lodgings are the perfect place sit back and relax.

A year round community, Cambridge features festivals and activities for all ages.  In the spring and summer experience outdoor events like the Renaissance Fair and Pottery Festival & US Pottery Games, in the fall the Walk in the Park Antique Show and Folk Craft Fair offer great opportunities for shoppers, and winter is made for the holidays with Cambridge Country Christmas.  Young and old alike can visit the Matt Kenseth Museum and store for a little NASCAR experience or stop by the Cambridge Historic School, listed on the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places, to learn about the areas history.

Whether you are coming for the day or an extended stay, Cambridge welcomes you to a place where we have relaxing days in the park, wave to neighbors passing by and where we know you would feel right at home.

For more specific information on Cambridge business, services, civic groups, lodging, and recreational activities please visit: www.cambridgewi.com

 All photos on this page courtesy of Kristin Soper

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