New Glarus, WI was founded in 1845 by appoximately 100 immigrants from the canton of Glarus in Switzerland, who were fleeing economic crisis in their homeland.
In 1845, magistrates from Glarus sent two men, Nicholas Duerst and Fridolin Streiff, to find a suitable location for a colony in the New World. After searching many other states, they settled on two square miles along the Little Sugar River. On July 17th, 1845 they purchased 1,200 acres for $1.25 per acre. And although some thought it to not be the best property available, it reminded them of the valleys and hilltops of their native Switzerland.
This land is now the Village of New Glarus. Enjoy a little slice of history and Happy Geocaching!