FOX2548 & WIProud is excited to announce an original production, a spooky special – Rivertown. In this 30-minute special program, we uncover the historic underbelly of early small-town life in the La Crosse area. Explore the gritty history of our Rivertown with interviews with local historians and dramatic reenactments of the shocking events in our small town’s history.

Rivertown will feature several stories of the dark-side of early La Crosse life.

The making of Rivertown La Crosse

Murder in Mormon Coulee

In 1852, the first murder was recorded in La Crosse, involving David Darst and William Watts. The sordid tale of two pioneers shows the violent end to their shared dream of finding riches in the mid-19^th Century Frontier.

The Life and Husbands of Emma Cameron

In 1846, Emma and Peter Cameron were the first recorded marriage in La Crosse. Emma, at the age of 22, was getting married for the 4^th time. She soon became known around town for her beauty, her sharpshooting skills, and a suspicious number of dead husbands. Peter’s death in 1855 sent Emma into a 40 year legal battle with the City and the Cameron family, over much of what is now downtown La Crosse, including Cameron Park. At the time of her death in 1905, she had married and “outlived” 9 men.

The pit on French Island

In 1918, Dr. Lemial Jones, a 60-year-old veterinary surgeon suffered from Lump Jaw. Jones elaborately planned a day that centered around the creation of his final resting place.

Grab a blanket and get the popcorn ready to explore the spooky, dark-side stories of our Rivertown, La Crosse.

Rivertown La Crosse is an original production by the FOX2548 team.

Thanks to Anita Doering and Scott Brouer from the La Crosse Public Library, and Therese Berns Samudio for their appearances. Thanks to these organizations for their help in research: La Crosse Public Library, Murphy Library at UW-La Crosse, La Crescent Historical Society, McGregor Historical Museum, and Dahl Automotive. And special thanks to Ron Harris for additional research. Thanks to Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center, The Court Above Main for their generosity. Rivertown is made possible by our sponsors.