Timber and Agriculture
The first sawmill was constructed in 1845 on the mainland. Logging was the major industry in the Bayfield Peninsula and Apostle Islands area from the 1850’s to 1925, focusing primarily on white pine.
After the pine forests fell to the lumber baron’s will and the lumberjacks’ axe, the cutover area’s fertile soil provided ample nutrients for the agricultural industry soon to follow. Local horticulturists began their venture by planting fruit trees, currants, grapes, berries and potatoes in and around the stumps. Many small fruit farms still operate around Bayfield.
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