Wisconsin History Day By Day

Related Web Sites:
Communities draw names from men, places, events

Edwin Hale Abbot (Wikipedia)

Wisconsin Central Railway


Read More About It

"Dictionary of Wisconsin Biography" Wisconsin Historical Society


Vocabulary:

instrumental
established


Interesting Fact:

Abbot received three degrees from Harvard, including his law degree in 1862. He practiced law in Boston before moving to Wisconsin.


Study Questions:

  • Why was Abbotsford named after Edwin Hale Abbot? Did he found the community? Locate Abbotsford on a Wisconsin map.
  • On a Wisconsin map, trace the routes of the Wisconsin Central Railroad in the late 1800's.
  • What other railroads was Abbot involved with?


    U.S. historical events that occurred on May 31:

    1889: A dam breaks, sending rushing water through Johnstown, Pennsylvannia, killing over 2,000 people.
    1977: The trans-Alaska oil pipeline is completed.



    • May 31

    May 31, 1927: Edwin Hale Abbot, lawyer and railroad executive, died. He was president of the Wisconsin Central Railroad and was instrumental in expanding the lines to Chicago and Minneapolis. Abbott established the first car ferry for entire trains across Lake Michigan. Abbotsford is named in his honor.

    Wisconsin History Day By Day homepage
    January - December calendar page