Long before settlers arrived, this land was the home of indigenous people. The Ho-Chunk lived throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois until the 19th century. The Ho-Chunk were forced to give up much of their land in Wisconsin in the early1800’s due to a treaty with the US government. The Ho-Chunk demonstrated incredible strength and love of their homelands and returned. Today they are our friends and neighbors, and we continue to learn about their culture and their respect and knowledge of this land we now share. To learn more, People of the Big Voice is a wonderful book of personal history and photos of the Ho-Chunk.
Immigrating Czechs began arriving in Hillsboro from the Bohemian region of what is now the Czech Republic in the mid-1800’s, bringing their traditions, foods, and culture.
The land between Hillsboro and nearby Ontario once known as Cheyenne Valley in the Town of Forest had one of the largest rural African American settlements in the late 19th century, after the Civil War. We have also come to learn that many of those who came were descendants of Free People of Color, and many were descendants of Native People. Their histories intermingled with those of White settlers before the Revolutionary War. There are still many residents in Southwestern Wisconsin who are proud descendants of this rich heritage. Yearly reunions celebrate their history and their present.
Wisconsin’s early defiance of the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, requiring slaves to be returned to their plantations, encouraged freed slaves to come to Wisconsin. Aided by Quakers, nearly 150 African American settlers came to Cheyenne Valley and surrounding areas.
Alga Shivers
The Shivers family was one of the families to establish here. Thomas Shivers used the Underground Railroad to make his way to Cheyenne Valley. Alga (Algie) Shivers (1889-1978) was one of his children and became an integral member of the community. Many of the African American Settlers became known for building “round barns,” which were considered “novel and progressive” and were common in our area. Many round barns are still visible today.
Today small dairy, beef and other farms dot the hillsides, and we share a portion of our beautiful landscape with Wildcat Mountain State Park.
With Organic Valley nearby, many of our farms are small and organic. Cooperatives have always been rural farmers’ friends, and a new Driftless “Back to the Land Co-op” is being formed. The co-op includes small farmers who raise grass-fed and free-range animals as well as organic crops.
Activities in the area include recreation on the Kickapoo and Baraboo Rivers, canoeing and kayaking, trout fishing. Wildcat Mountain State Park, camping, hiking, biking horseback riding. Vernon County round barns, hunting, motorcycling routes, and Amish communities. Their simple lifestyle and unique craftsmanship makes the Amish part of our local culture.
Town of Forest 