Oil City, Wisconsin: The Site of a Nineteenth-Century Swindle
Nestled within the Town of Sheldon in Monroe County, Wisconsin, lies Oil City. While it remains an unincorporated community today, its name hints at a turbulent and deceptive past that captures the imaginative spirit and the pitfalls of nineteenth-century speculation.
Located approximately halfway between the towns of Wilton and Ontario along the WI-131 corridor, Oil City serves as a quiet reminder of a time when the promise of "black gold" drove people to the furthest reaches of the American Midwest.
Key Facts
- Location: Town of Sheldon, Monroe County, Wisconsin.
- Historical Significance: Site of a major nineteenth-century oil swindle.
- Geography: Situated halfway between Wilton and Ontario on WI-131.
- Elevation: 886 feet (270 meters) above sea level.
- Coordinates: 43°45′02″N 90°35′12″W.
The Legacy of the Oil Swindle
The community's identity is inextricably linked to a fraudulent oil scheme that took place during the 1800s. During this era, oil fever swept across the United States, leading speculators to claim vast reserves in unlikely places. In Oil City, this resulted in a swindle that promised wealth but left behind a legacy of caution and curiosity for local historians.
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The Sheldon Township Cemetery
One of the most poignant physical remnants of the area's early settlement is the local cemetery, referred to as either the Sheldon Township Cemetery or the Oil City Cemetery. This burial ground was actively used from the 1860s through the early 1900s.
The site suffered a significant setback in the 1940s when a local farmer plowed over the grounds. Although the cemetery has since been restored, the damage was lasting, and many of the original headstones were lost during that period.
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Community Profile and Geography
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| State | Wisconsin |
| County | Monroe |
| Township | Town of Sheldon |
| Elevation | 886 ft (270 m) |
| Time Zone | Central (CST/CDT) |
| Area Code | 608 |
| GNIS Feature ID | 1570758 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Oil City located?
Oil City is an unincorporated community in the Town of Sheldon, Monroe County, Wisconsin, located on WI-131 roughly halfway between Wilton and Ontario.
What is the "oil swindle" associated with the town?
Oil City was the site of a fraudulent oil speculation scheme during the nineteenth century, where investors were deceived into believing the area possessed significant oil reserves.
What happened to the Oil City Cemetery?
The cemetery, used from the 1860s to the early 1900s, was plowed over by a farmer in the 1940s. While it has been restored, many original headstones are missing.
What is the elevation of Oil City?
The community sits at an elevation of 886 feet (270 meters).
Is Oil City an incorporated town?
No, Oil City is an unincorporated community, meaning it does not have its own municipal government and is part of the Town of Sheldon.