This old river town traces its founding back to when it was settled because of its possibilities as a steamboat shipping point and farm market.

William Garrison, the first arrival in 1848, laid claim to some 14,000 acres of land in the valley and surrounding countryside.  He was later joined the same year by John Haney Sr., his son, James, and H.H. Houghton of Galena, IL.

Haney and Houghton purchased Garrison's land rights and laid out the new community in 1851, naming it after the original proprietor's native city in Michigan.  A post office was established in 1849, a year after the new community was settled, and W.C. Garrison was the first postmaster.

The new community was incorporated as a town in 1864, and as a second class city in 1867, when S.V. Shaw became the first mayor.

From its beginning, the community was a booming one, providing a port of call for the many steamboats, shipping grain, merchandise and passengers on the Mississippi.  In the early 1850's, farmers brought their grain to the Lansing mills and returned home with wares purchased or bartered from its merchants.

The lumber mills were fed by large logs floated down river and they ran 24 hors a day.

In May, 1899, the first pearl button factory was started by Mr. J.M. Turner and this industry has grown until it employs hundreds of hands, largely women.

  The Blackhawk Bridge that links the state of Iowa and Wisconsin was dedicated on June 17, 1931. With three States enjoying the jamboree, most businesses in La Crosse were closed for the celebration enabling their employees to attend the program. Heading the list of invited speakers were Governor Philip La Follette of Wisconsin, Governor Floyd Olson of Minnesota and U.S. Minister of Canada, Hanford McNider.

After being idle for many years following a flood that took out a bridge on the Wisconsin side, the bridge was repaired and again was dedicated on May 30-31, 1957. The first bridge was a toll bridge between the states of Iowa and Wisconsin. Lansing Fish Days were celebrated at that time, along  with "Venetian Night" where decorated boats parade down the river illuminating the night with colorful lights.

Lansing Fish Days are still celebrated every second weekend in August with a parade, Venetian Nights and the always "Fish" sandwiches and many other attractions.

Lansing is proud of its Lansing Sports Complex. It has a beautiful ball park, tennis court and many other play items in its park. Lansing has become a resort area, many people have their summer homes along the Mississippi River. Its boat harbors are always full of beautiful boats of all sizes. Lansing is a busy town with its many organizations, three churches. Mt. Hosmer offers a wonderful picnic spot, with city water and tables.

*Excerpts taken from the La Crosse Tribune written by Robert C. Gehl and from the Lansing Fish Days Commemorative Book 2000