The Arcadia area in
the Trempealeau Valley of the upper Mississippi river valley had a great influx
of travelers, military personnel, political figures, writers, lumberman, and
artists during the 1820s and the early 1830s.
Originally the Mississippi river was the primary access route for
Trempealeau County, but railroads freed the area residents from their
dependence on the Mississippi waterway and towns began to grow in the sparsely
populated river valleys. Arcadia was established in 1855 with the arrival of a
group of settlers looking for agricultural land. These men registered
homesteads in the area of the crossroads, currently the intersection of State
Highway 93 and 95. At a meeting, the women of the settlement were given the
privilege of naming the town. They chose the name ARCADIA because it reminded
one of the early promoters of the ARKADHIA Mountains of Ancient Greece. The
business district, which developed at these corners is referred to as Old
Arcadia or Arcadia on the Hill, or EAST ARCADIA. It distinguishes it from the
area of Arcadia then known as Arcadia under the Hill that developed after 1873
with the location of the Green Bay and Minnesota Railroad. Arcadia was
incorporated in 1878 and had a population of 710.
Within the last 3 decades, a great deal of development in
commercial and residential has returned to Arcadia on the Hill. |
On your way to Arcadia, you will view some of the most beautiful
scenery to be found anywhere. As a part of the Driftless Area, or non-glaciated
area, when approaching Arcadia from the East, West, and South you will
encounter many of these beautiful vistas and rolling terrain formed during this
period.
On your tour of the Arcadia area, be sure to leave time for a trip
south of town on Highway 93. As you climb the hills you will be treated to some
of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere. On Skyline Drive, the scenic
overlooks offer you a fantastic view of the valleys, coulees, and family farms
nestled in the lush countryside.
While in town, visit our downtown and our 93/95 crossroads area for
many family owned businesses that offer a wide array of merchandise. Our aim is
to make you feel like you are coming home. See why we say, ARCADIA IS MORE! |