Mineral Point Railroad Society

10/20/2026

September 30, 1879, marked a final chapter for the Mineral Point Railroad as an independent line before it was absorbed into the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. Buried within the mandatory annual reports submitted to the State of Wisconsin Railroad Commission that year are some details of 19th-century railroad life. Financial comparisons across nearly a century and a half are notoriously tricky, but while an average laborer's salary was $310 a year—management comfortably commanded over three times that amount. Even in the golden age of steam and iron, some workplace dynamics remain remarkably unchanged.

10/03/2026

This photograph captures Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul (CM&StP) locomotive No. 335—the first engine to reach Mineral Point in 1881 after the line from Monroe to Gratiot (and Shullsburg) was completed following the purchase of the Mineral Point Railroad. The image was likely captured by C.E. Gale, who served as station agent in Mineral Point from the late 1860s until 1884.

Built in 1876 by the Brooks Locomotive Works, No. 335 was a classic 4-4-0 "American" type steam engine. It originally rode the rails as Chicago & Pacific No. 4 (named the "Byron") before being absorbed into the CM&StP fleet and renumbered.

When the CM&StP bought the Mineral Point Railroad to access Southwest Wisconsin's booming lead and zinc mining districts, they couldn't send their massive mainline locomotives down the branch—the line's older, lighter iron tracks simply couldn't support the weight. The lightweight No. 335 was the perfect engine to navigate the line safely.

Thanks to a 1930s issue of the Milwaukee Railway System Employes’ Magazine, we know the names of the men pictured alongside the locomotive (left to right):

Pat Leathy – Conductor (perched on the front deck)
Will Leathy – Brakeman
Jack Riorden – Brakeman
Anthony Wilkeron – Fireman
Pat Whalen – Engineer
(The young man in the photo remains unidentified!)

After years of service, No. 335 was officially retired around 1902–1903, after which it was dismantled and scrapped. Though the engine is long gone, this snapshot keeps its history on the Mineral Point line alive!

Come see a large print of it in person at the Mineral Point Railroad Museum, 11 Commerce St. Hours are 10-4 Thursday-Saturday and 12-4 Sunday, May through October.

09/25/2026

09/25/2026

If you're at the Cornish Festival Mineral Point, Wi this weekend come explore Cornish heritage at the Mineral Point Railroad Museum. Reflecting building styles of their native Cornwall, John Toay and Philip Allen built the depot in Vernacular style in 1856, cutting native limestone carefully for the front facade while leaving the rear and side quarry rough. The sided gabled building is distinguished by five round-arched doorways. Thanks to them, it is now the oldest surviving depot in Wisconsin and the oldest structure on the former Milwaukee Road system.

We are open Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm and Sunday 12noon-4pm. Lots to see and enjoy.

09/10/2026

Mineral Point's Changing Community

History isn’t just about buildings and businesses. It’s also about the people who came here, why they came, and how they helped make the community.

Thanks to the Zinc Works—and the railroad’s essential role in moving both materials and people—Mineral Point became an increasingly diverse community in the early 20th century.

The New Jersey Zinc Company, which purchased the Mineral Point Zinc Works, recruited workers from several countries in Europe. Perhaps the most notable influx was from Italy, with many Italian families settling on the south side of town, just uphill from the Zinc Works. Interestingly, we don’t have an Italian recruitment poster in the museum. We’ve been told that word-of-mouth was largely responsible for bringing Italian workers to Mineral Point.

These two fascinating posters are displayed in the Kackley Room at the Mineral Point Railroad Museum, where our exhibits explore the Zinc Works and its important relationship with the railroads. The posters are in English, German, Hungarian, Czech, and Spanish, offering a glimpse into the international workforce.

Take a closer look at the posters—the full details about each one are included in the individual picture descriptions.

09/02/2026

Here are some photos from the Mineral Point Insulator Show held last weekend at the Mineral Point Railroad Musuem.

09/01/2026

It was a great show!

08/28/2026

Why the Mineral Point Railroad Museum Is Important to the Community

Sometimes we are asked why the Mineral Point Railroad Museum is important. Here are some of the reasons.

The museum preserves a unique piece of Mineral Point’s history while helping connect the past to the present. Housed in the historic railroad depot, the museum tells the story of how the railroad helped shape the growth, economy, and daily life of Mineral Point and the surrounding region. Without the railroad, it is most likely that Mineral Point would be only a mere shell of what it is today.

The museum is more than a building filled with old artifacts. It is a place where residents, visitors, students, and families can learn about the people and events that helped build our community. By preserving the depot and sharing its stories, the museum helps ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the role the railroad played in Mineral Point’s history.

The museum also contributes to the community today. It attracts visitors, supports local tourism, creates opportunities for volunteers, and serves as a source of community pride. As Mineral Point continues to grow and change, the Railroad Museum provides an important connection to our heritage and reminds us that preserving our history is an investment in our future.

Image: Wisconsin Historical Society, Brosius, H., Bird's-Eye View of Mineral Point looking southeast, Unique Identifier W014GGG.

We’d love to hear why you think the Mineral Point Railroad Museum is important in the comments.

08/26/2026

Here’s another reason to attend the Mineral Point (Wisconsin) Insulator Show on August 29! One of our featured raffle items will be the incredible artwork "The Team" by renowned railroad illustrator M.F. Kotowski (Mike Kotowski). Valued at an estimated $200, this limited-edition print is an absolute must-have for train enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Raffle tickets are $1 each or 25 for $20 and the drawing time is 1:00 PM. You do not need to be present to win! If you have to leave early, just write your name and phone number on the back of your ticket.

About the Artwork: Completed and signed by the artist, "The Team" is a stunning, highly detailed piece capturing the human and industrial heart of classic American railroading. It features a hardworking train crew posing proudly in front of the historic Southern Pacific Diesel Locomotive #2547, set against the backdrop of an active freight yard. Kotowski is nationally celebrated for his vintage realism and technical accuracy with his original work housed in the California State Railroad Museum.

Don't miss your chance to take this beautiful piece of railroad history home. See you at the show!

08/24/2026

THIS SATURDAY (August 29) at the Mineral Point Railroad Depot - An Insulator Show!