History of Ellsworth

The Village of Ellsworth exists today because of a rivalry between Prescott and River Falls over who should serve as the county seat. In the spring of 1861, after much debate, they came to a compromise and the exact location of the county seat was determined by drawing lines on a map of Pierce County to determine the center of the county. The lines crossed in what was known as the township of Perry, but the name of needed to be changed because there was already a Perry in another Wisconsin county. Perry was renamed Ellsworth for Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth—a close friend of President Lincoln and the first Union officer killed in the Civil War while removing a Confederate flag in Arlington, Virginia.

The first families settled here in Ellsworth in 1855, feeling it held great opportunity. The first school in Ellsworth was built in 1857, and the first post office, store, and hotel in 1860. Ellsworth was platted in 1862 and the Village of Ellsworth was incorporated in 1887.

By the 1880s, Ellsworth had expanded and the people of the village were looking forward to a railroad connection to be built by the Omaha Railway. The railway was completed in 1885 but due to the steep terrain by what is now Main Street, the railroad was situated on the flatter outskirts of Ellsworth. This area became known as East Ellsworth and several businesses were constructed here because of a desire to operate near the railroad. Ellsworth's industry continued to see growth in both East Ellsworth and on top of the hill as time carried on. Today, Ellsworth is proud to be home to the Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, the historical Pierce County Courthouse, and several more businesses.