Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images James Tolleth

Historical Insights The Cheese Industry in Wisconsin

Early factories were fueled by dairy from neighboring farms, but as the cheese-making hubs expanded, owners began buying their own cows to power production. About 1900, USA. Credit: Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

The Cheese Industry in Wisconsin

James Tolleth

1816–1898

2nd great-grandfather

James Tolleth was living in Fredonia, Wisconsin in 1880, when cheese dominated the state’s industry. *

* Insight to be reviewed

Other relatives

{{count}} of your family members lived in Wisconsin when cheese factories gave the state its dairy-centric identity.

The influx of European immigrants and the decline of wheat made Wisconsin the “dairy king” starting in the late 1800s. German, Swiss, Dutch, and Italian immigrants flocked to the lush northern farmlands, lending their unique cheese blends to the state. The first large cheese factory opened its doors in 1864 in Ladoga and soon hundreds followed suit. By the century’s end, Wisconsin was winning international awards and today is home to more than 10,000 dairy farms producing more than 2.8 billion pounds of cheese each year.

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Originally, cheese making was considered women’s work—women often milked the cows and made butter and other products on farms. But as business flourished, men joined the industry.
Originally, cheese making was considered women’s work—women often milked the cows and made butter and other products on farms. But as business flourished, men joined the industry. About 1899, USA. Credit: Buyenlarge/Archive Photos/Getty Images
Although the cheese industry took root in other states like New York and Pennsylvania, Wisconsin remained king, claiming both national and international recognition for its spreads. Today, Wisconsin produces 25 percent of all domestic cheese.
Although the cheese industry took root in other states like New York and Pennsylvania, Wisconsin remained king, claiming both national and international recognition for its spreads. Today, Wisconsin produces 25 percent of all domestic cheese. About 1925, Pennsylvania. Credit: FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images