The earliest explorers found the Trempealeau County area under the domain of the powerful Dakota (Sioux) Indians. In 1680, Father Louis Hennepin and early French voyagers became the first white men to set foot in the county near Trempealeau Mountain - an imposing rock and forest feature that appears to rise out of the river.

Early explorers called the mountain, La montagne qui trempe a'l'eau, which has been translated to mean the "Mountain that Stands in the Water." The name of the county is composed from this French phrase.

The first white settlement of land presently included in the county was during 1685 when Nicholas Perrot established a trading post near the present site of Trempealeau; this post was abandoned about 1732.

The first permanent settler and farmer, Jon Douville, an Englishman, came to the county in 1839, and settled near the village of Trempealeau. He tilled the soil, planted grain, raised potatoes and became Trempealeau County's first farmer. The settlement of the county's interior began around 1850. The period from 1850 to 1870 is considered the real pioneer period in the county's history. It was in 1854, that the county became an entity.

Located in west-central Wisconsin, the county lies within the driftless or nonglaciated area of Wisconsin. It is 42 miles long and 18 to 23 miles wide with an area of 745 square miles or 476,800 acres. Its boundaries are formed by the Mississippi River on the south, the Trempealeau River on the west, the Black River on the southeast and the Buffalo River in the north. This positioning account for the many breathtaking views as one gazes from scenic highlands to the valleys below. This is the "Coulee Region of Wisconsin."

As a visitor, you will be captivated by the abundance of beauty on the scenic drives, wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, eagles, upland game birds and animals as well as non-game species and songbirds. The mix of cropland, woodland and water provides variety in industry as well as habitat.

Trempealeau County is one of the largest cheese producing counties in Wisconsin. Ashley Furniture, whose facilities are among the largest in North America and Gold'n Plump, featuring premium poultry products and services are both fast growing industries. Farmers grow alfalfa, hay, corn, and soy beans. Excellent apple orchards can be found and other seasonal produce including organics are available.

Trempealeau County is fast becoming a center for cyclists as they travel the 382 miles of paved back roads that have an average of about 3 cars per hour. Motor coach tours and auto travelers are finding a place to come to for the beauty and come back again and again for the hospitality.

Area (sq miles)

             28,883

  $1,363,762,700