Welcome to the Lockkeeper’s House in De Pere, Wisconsin, a site that holds a rich history tied to the Fox River’s navigation and industrial growth. Established in the early 19th century, this location was pivotal in the development of the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway, a historic transportation route intended to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. In 1837, the Fox River Hydraulic Company constructed the first dam and a modest lock to facilitate river traffic. However, it was not until 1850 that a more significant 140-foot long lock was built, marking a crucial step in improving river navigation.
The Lockkeeper’s House you see today was constructed in 1912 in the Dutch Colonial Revival style, and served as the residence for the lockmaster who managed the operations of the lock. This house replaced an earlier structure and became central to the administration of the lock and dam system. Its presence highlights the importance of the lockmaster in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and people through this vital waterway.
Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Fox River played a crucial role in Wisconsin’s economic development, supporting industries such as logging and shipping. However, the rise of railroads and automobiles gradually diminished river commerce. Despite these changes, the lock and dam systems were modernized and rebuilt several times, with the most significant reconstruction occurring between 1934 and 1936, resulting in the lock chamber dimensions we see today.
By the mid-20th century, commercial traffic had waned, and the river system primarily served recreational purposes. In 1983, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers abandoned the Lockkeeper’s House, and it, along with the lock and dam system, fell into disrepair. Recognizing its historical significance, the De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District, including the Lockkeeper’s House, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. This designation underscores its value as a complete example of a 19th-century river transportation system.
The Lockkeeper’s House stands as a testament to the ingenuity and persistence of those who sought to harness the power of the Fox River, reflecting broader themes of industrialization and transportation in American history.
