General Info
Vernon County was named after president George Washington’s home Mt. Vernon and the green pastures located throughout the area. Vernon County was originally named Bad Axe County but it was renamed in 1862 because residents thought “Bad Axe” was considered unfavorable. Early on Vernon County was formed from portions of Richland and Crawford counties. The first settlers arrived to the area in the spring of 1844. John McCullough was considered the first settler of Vernon County which was then part of Crawford County. Many settlers were farmers and were attracted to the lush lands for agriculture as well as the Mississippi River to the west. Populations increased with the rise of agriculture and the introduction of steamboats in the upper Mississippi River. In 1900 Vernon County had a population of 28,351. Today Vernon County is home to approximately 29,324 residents with the city of Viroqua as the county seat.
