The Story of Alma Center
A Legacy of Faith, Farming, and Community Spirit
1856: The Mormon Refugees
The Village’s roots stretch back to 1856, when a group of Strangite Mormon refugees arrived in northern Jackson County. Fleeing persecution after the death of their leader, James Strang, they sought a “paradise of peace and plenty.”
They settled near what is now the village, surviving by picking wild berries and logging. The name “Alma” was chosen in honor of a prophet from the Book of Mormon, and because of its central location in the township, it eventually became Alma Center.
1902: Official Incorporation
While the area had been a bustling trade hub for decades—thanks to the Green Bay & Western Railroad (completed through here in 1873)—it wasn’t until 1902 that Alma Center officially incorporated as a Village.
This allowed the community to establish its own local government, including the historic Village Hall and public safety services that continue to serve residents today at the intersection of Main and Church Streets.
The Strawberry Capital of Wisconsin
By the early 20th century, Alma Center had become the premier shipping point for strawberries in the Midwest. The Alma Center Strawberry Exchange managed the massive harvest, shipping crates across the country via rail.
To celebrate this heritage, the Lions Club launched the first Strawberry Fest in 1945. Over 80 years later, the festival remains the heartbeat of the Village every June.
Watch: County by County – The Strawberry Industry
Alma Center – A Visual History
