Address: 13 S Bridge St

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Community: Chippewa Falls

Category: Arts + History / Play + Shop

Hiram S. Allen was one of the most important early figures in Chippewa Falls, helping shape the community from its earliest days. Known for his business leadership and public service, he played a major role in the city’s growth and is often called the founder of Chippewa Falls.

• What he did:
  Allen arrived in the Chippewa Valley in 1834 and went on to build the first grist-mill, flour-mill, and hotel in Chippewa Falls. He also operated the Allen & Bass Sawmill in 1846 and built keel boats for travel on the Chippewa and Mississippi Rivers.
• What changed over time:
  He married Marie De Marie in 1838, and together they had eleven children. In 1853, when Chippewa County was organized, Allen was chosen as county treasurer, and he later became the first postmaster of Chippewa Falls.
• Why it matters:
  Allen directed the surveying and plotting of the village in 1856, helping lay out the community that would become modern Chippewa Falls. His work in business, government, and town development made him a foundational figure in the city’s history.