New Diggings
State: Wisconsin
County: Lafayette County
Founded: 1824
Peak Population: 2,000+
New Diggings was one of Wisconsin's earliest lead mining settlements—predating statehood. At peak, 2,000+ miners worked the 'diggings.' When easy lead ran out and the California Gold Rush called, they left. A few residents remain in this near-ghost town.
Quick Facts
- Pre-dates Wisconsin statehood (1848)
- Miners lived in hillside burrows—hence 'Badger State'
- Part of the Fever River lead rush
- Many left for California Gold Rush in 1849
Location
Address: Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Coordinates: 42.5361, -90.3686