Histories: Trempealeau Co. Historical Accounts:
"Trempealeau County" by Clarence J. Gamroth:
Volume 1A:
Communities: Crystal Valley
Crystal Valley (1854), 1948
Crystal Valley lies 3 miles north of Galesville on a tributary of Beaver Creek, called Dutch Creek. It lies 28 miles northeast of La Crosse on Hwy 53.
Timber was never abundant, however there was sufficient quantity for fuel and fencing. Seventy-five years or more it was cheaper to get lumber from Black River, 3 miles distant for fencing. The river was used for rafting lumber.
It is said that the valley was so named because some man remarked when drinking from a spring that the water was as clear as a crystal.
Many of the early settlers lived in dugouts, just holes burrowed in the side of a hill or bank. A small amount of land was cultivated at the time. Game was plentiful, such as deer, bear, prairie chickens, pigeons (passenger), pheasants, and quail. Wolves broke the silence many winter nights with howling. Oxen were used for work and travel. Horses were scarce.
"Trempealeau County" by Clarence J. Gamroth:
Volume 1A:
Communities: Crystal Valley
Crystal Valley (1854), 1948
Crystal Valley lies 3 miles north of Galesville on a tributary of Beaver Creek, called Dutch Creek. It lies 28 miles northeast of La Crosse on Hwy 53.
Timber was never abundant, however there was sufficient quantity for fuel and fencing. Seventy-five years or more it was cheaper to get lumber from Black River, 3 miles distant for fencing. The river was used for rafting lumber.
It is said that the valley was so named because some man remarked when drinking from a spring that the water was as clear as a crystal.
Many of the early settlers lived in dugouts, just holes burrowed in the side of a hill or bank. A small amount of land was cultivated at the time. Game was plentiful, such as deer, bear, prairie chickens, pigeons (passenger), pheasants, and quail. Wolves broke the silence many winter nights with howling. Oxen were used for work and travel. Horses were scarce.