Governor William H. Upham Mansion, Marshfield

Marshfield is known for its medical prowess with Marshfield Clinic as well as being “Hub City” right in the center of the state. This city of 20,000 hosts the Central Wisconsin State Fair and offers a quality zoo, a vibrant downtown, and some interesting history. One historic gem within walking distance of downtown is the Upham Mansion.

William H. Upham, previously a Civil War veteran who had already lived in Kenosha, Racine, and Kewaunee, Wisconsin, was a three-term mayor of Marshfield and also served as the 18th Governor of Wisconsin starting in 1895. His heart, family, and businesses were focused in Marshfield, as his Upham Manufacturing Company owned a shingle mill, grist mill, and a furniture factory.

In 1880 he oversaw construction of his family home, now known as the Gov. William H. Upham House. An Italianate structure but mid-Victorian designs, it’s featured on the Wisconsin and National Register of Historic Places. The furnishings of the house are mainly the original family furnishings, other items are of a matching, Victorian, vintage. Many are products of Upham’s furniture business. The bottom line is, you get to see plenty of original artifacts that really do transport you back to the late 19th century when you tour.

The kitchen has a lot of original equipment, including the medieval-looking device called the Flax Hackle, which is designed to prepare fibers to be spun. But wow – it would also keep one behaving, right??

The side and backyard at the Upham Mansion features the Heritage Rose Garden and New Garden. The Heritage Rose Garden contains 32 historic rose types that range from the 15th to the early 20th centuries. They include the Apothecary’s Rose and others. The New Garden features seven additional types, including the Hybrid Tea Dainty Bess and two damask roses, Celisana and the Rose of Castile. It’s a beautiful set of gardens, so enjoy them in-season!

Gardens at the historic Upham Mansion, Marshfield, Wisconsin — Gardens at the Upham Mansion in Marshfield

The Upham Mansion is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 1:30 to 4:00pm or by appointment. You can call (715) 387-3322 to make arrangements.

The Governor William H. Upham Mansion is on 3rd Street within the downtown area, one block west of Central Avenue and a few blocks south of Highways 13 and 97, within sight of the Wenzel Family Plaza. U.S. 10 and Highway 80 also bring you into Marshfield from the south!