Boscobel, Wisconsin

Boscobel
City
Country	United States
State	Wisconsin
County	Grant
Area
• Total	3.05 sq mi (7.90 km2)
• Land	3.00 sq mi (7.77 km2)
• Water	0.05 sq mi (0.13 km2)
Population  (2010)
• Total	3,231
• Estimate  (2012)	3,219
• Density	1,077.0/sq mi (415.8/km2)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code	53805
Area code	608

The old Boscobel Train Station in the center of the town

Boscobel Grand Army of the Republic Hall

Boscobel High School as of 1900

Boscobel is a city in Grant County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,231 at the 2010 census. Approximately 0.6 mi. (1 km) to the north of the city, across a riparian swamp, is the Wisconsin River. U.S. Route 61 crosses the Wisconsin River at Boscobel. To the south, the city is surrounded by the town of Boscobel. Boscobel is the site of a stop along the now defunct Wisconsin Western Railroad. It is also the site of the Wisconsin Secure Program Facility (WSPF), a Wisconsin Department of Corrections prison for men. Businesses include the historic Central House Hotel, the birthplace of Gideons International.

Boscobel calls itself the wild turkey hunting capital of Wisconsin. It hosts several living history and re-enactment events each year, including large Society for Creative Anachronism and American Civil War events in the summer.

Geography

Boscobel is located at 43°8′11″N 90°42′15″W (43.136473, -90.70418), in the Driftless Zone.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.05 square miles (7.90 km²), of which, 3.00 square miles (7.77 km²) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km²) is water.

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 3,231 people, 1,195 households, and 727 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,077.0 inhabitants per square mile (415.8/km²). There were 1,307 housing units at an average density of 435.7 per square mile (168.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 90.1% White, 8.3% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population.

There were 1,195 households of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.2% were non-families. 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the city was 38.1 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 10% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.9% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.6% male and 45.4% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,047 people, 1,174 households, and 752 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,068.6 people per square mile (412.8/km²). There were 1,266 housing units at an average density of 444.0 per square mile (171.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94.78% White, 3.74% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. 1.18% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,174 households out of which 32.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 30.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.8% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 98.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,698, and the median income for a family was $37,527. Males had a median income of $24,806 versus $19,617 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,432. About 6.0% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.4% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

• George Barnett, 12th Commandant of the Marine Corps, grew up in Boscobel.
• Thomas P.M. Barnett, military geostrategist, grew up in Boscobel.
• John J. Blaine, a United States Senator and Governor of Wisconsin, died and is buried in Boscobel.
• Otey Clark, Boston Red Sox pitcher, was born in Boscobel.
• Benjamin M. Coates, businessman and politician, lived in Boscobel.
• Jefferson Coates, Medal of Honor recipient, lived in Boscobel.
• James O. Davidson, Governor of Wisconsin, lived in Boscobel.
• DuWayne Johnsrud, Wisconsin legislator
• Samuel Hof, Army Distinguished Service Medal recipient, was born in Boscobel.
• Helmar Lewis, mayor of Boscobel, Wisconsin State Senator
• Bobby G. Rice, country music singer
• Ora R. Rice, Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, was born in Boscobel.
• Elaine Szymoniak, former Iowa State Senator, was born in Boscobel.
• Nathan C. Twining, United States Admiral, was born in Boscobel.

External links

• Boscobel, Wisconsin
• Boscobel High School
• Boscobel area attractions
• Sanborn fire insurance maps: 1884 1892 1899 1904 1912