Welcome to Colby, Wisconsin, the birthplace of Colby cheese and home to Wisconsin State Historical Marker 161. The story of Colby cheese begins in the late 19th century with the Steinwand family. Ambrose Steinwand, Sr., a pioneering cheesemaker, settled in northern Clark County in 1875. In 1882, he built the first cheese factory in the area, a modest wood structure that produced 125 pounds of cheese daily. His son, Joseph F. Steinwand, was instrumental in the development of what we now know as Colby cheese. At just 16, Joseph began working alongside his father, quickly mastering the cheesemaking process.
In 1885, Joseph’s natural curiosity and innovative spirit led him to experiment with the cheesemaking techniques he had learned. Through minor adjustments, he created a cheese that was both milder and moister than traditional cheddar. This new cheese was aptly named ‘Colby’ after the township where the factory was located, which itself was named after Gardner Colby, whose company facilitated the construction of the Wisconsin Central railroad through the area.
Colby cheese quickly gained popularity, with its fame spreading far beyond Wisconsin. By the early 20th century, Colby had become a favorite not only across the nation but also internationally. This prompted the region around Colby to become one of the United States’ great cheese-producing centers, with approximately 65 cheese factories within a 30-mile radius producing millions of pounds of cheese annually.
The original site of the Colby cheese factory still plays a vital role in cheese production today. Now owned by Lawrence ‘Jake’ Hoernke and Sons, the modern facility can handle vast quantities of milk, producing thousands of pounds of cheese daily. Visitors to the factory can witness the cheesemaking process through windows that overlook the production room, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich dairy heritage.
Colby cheese’s legacy is not only a testament to local ingenuity and tradition but also to the broader story of American cheese production and innovation. As you explore this historic marker, remember that you’re standing in a place that helped shape the way the world enjoys cheese today.
