Stanley, WI

Stanley is a small town located in Walworth County, Wisconsin. The population was 1,812 at the 2010 census. Stanley is home to the historic Stanley Opera House and the Stanley Historical Museum.

The first settlers arrived in Stanley in 1836. The town was named for Lord Stanley of Preston, who donated land for a railroad station. The first business in Stanley was a general store operated by James and Sarah Brown. In 1847, the Brown family built the first brick structure in Stanley – a two-story frame house on Main Street that still stands today.

In 1851, the Milwaukee & St Paul Railroad came through Stanley and built a depot on what is now known as Depot Street. This gave rise to an agricultural economy based on dairy farming and grain milling. By 1880, there were twenty-one businesses in town; eleven of which were related to transportation or trade.

In 1890, construction began on the present day Opera House – one of Wisconsin’s most significant examples of Romanesque Revival architecture. The opera house opened its doors to the public that same year and has been hosting performances ever since. In 1898, construction began on what would become Stanley’s most famous landmark – the Stanly Historical Museum (now known as Heritage Hall). This museum features exhibits about local history dating back to pre-colonial times through modern times; it also contains an extensive collection of local artifacts including furniture, clothing, tools and more from throughout Stanly’s history.

Today, much has changed since those early days when Stanly was just starting to grow into its present form as a small town with a rich history rooted in agriculture and transportation; however, one thing that remains constant is the strong community spirit that exists among residents here today. Whether it’s supporting local businesses or coming together for events like festivals or concerts – residents here are always willing to come together and have fun!