Ladysmith, city in and county seat of Rusk County, Wisconsin, United States
Ladysmith is a small city in Rusk County, Wisconsin, sitting along the Flambeau River with around 3,200 residents. The town spreads across quiet streets with a mix of older buildings from its founding era and newer homes, plus parks along the river for outdoor activities.
Ladysmith was founded in 1885 when a railroad crossed the Flambeau River, first called Flambeau Falls. After several name changes, it received its current name in 1900 to honor a local railroad worker's wife.
The name Ladysmith comes from the wife of a local businessman, honored in 1900. The small downtown with its shops and buildings today reflects the character of a logging-era working town.
The city is easily reached by car via US Route 8 and Wisconsin Highway 27, connecting it to larger regional cities. The downtown is small enough to explore on foot, and parks along the Flambeau River and the Reclaimed Flambeau Mine Trail offer outdoor options for visitors.
A rifle purchased at a local store was later used in a nationally known incident during protests, connecting this small town to larger national events. The Reclaimed Flambeau Mine is now a hiking area where visitors can see how the land was restored after 1990s mining operations.
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