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.

Timber-Agriculture - BHA Exhibit

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.

Check out the slideshow below. Hover/tap on the slides and a full-screen option will appear.

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Timber-Agriculture - Assorted Saw Blades
Timber-Agriculture - Brass Token for Lumber Yard Timekeeping
Timber-Agriculture - Blueberry Picking Tools
Timber-Agriculture - Tools for Putting Set in Saw Teeth
Timber-Agriculture - Team of Horses with Sled of Hay
Timber-Agriculture - Michigan Island Lighthouse Cherry Orchard
Timber-Agriculture - Transporting Logs with Tug and Boom in Lake Superior 1912
Timber-Agriculture - WWII Bayfield POW Camp Labor
Timber-Agriculture - Wisconsin State Fair Exhibit 1911
Timber-Agriculture - Assorted Saw Blades Timber-Agriculture - Brass Token for Lumber Yard Timekeeping Timber-Agriculture - Blueberry Picking Tools Timber-Agriculture - Tools for Putting Set in Saw Teeth Timber-Agriculture - Team of Horses with Sled of Hay Timber-Agriculture - Michigan Island Lighthouse Cherry Orchard Timber-Agriculture - Transporting Logs with Tug and Boom in Lake Superior 1912 Timber-Agriculture - WWII Bayfield POW Camp Labor Timber-Agriculture - Wisconsin State Fair Exhibit 1911