Luxembourg Immigrant Stone Houses

County Road LL

Town Port Washington & Town Belgium, Wisconsin

The region of northern Ozaukee and southern Sheboygan Counties is proud to retain approximately 20 stone houses built by Luxembourg immigrants in the second half of the 19th century.  These houses reflect Luxembourgian architecture and construction styles and have survived the ravages of time.  This same region boasted many more Luxembourgian stone structures including houses, barns, summer kitchens and smoke houses that were demolished over the years because of deterioration, challenges in upkeep, and in the name of “progress”.

            The remaining stone houses of this region are primarily located on County Roads LL, KW, and K which are main roads in the area.  A few of the stone houses are located on other side roads in the region.  While some of these 20 stone houses stand abandoned and deteriorated, most of them continue to serve as family dwellings.  Some have been maintained meticulously and others look more primitive.  While most continue to be recognizable with their stone and stucco exterior, a few have been covered with siding for easier maintenance. 

            If you are interested in viewing some of the 20+ stone houses in this region, the best way to see them is by driving north on County Road LL from Port Washington to Belgium.  This road runs parallel to I-43.  County Road LL was originally the noteworthy “Green Bay Road” and “Lake Shore Road” connecting Green Bay and Chicago.  It was a major Indian trail and a life line of transportation for early settlers in the region. 

            A sampling of the Luxembourg Immigrant Stone houses in this region is located at the following fire numbers on County Road LL between Port Washington and just beyond Belgium: 

Town Port Washington, County Road LL, Fire #’s

3966

4084

4190

4257

4290

4322

4417

4836

Town Belgium, County Road LL, Fire #’s

5756

6309

*6380

6419

The fire number signs are small blue signs bearing the number above.  They are located in the front yards of each home.  The speed limit on Hwy LL is 55 mph.  For safety’s sake consider pulling off on the shoulder of the road for extended viewing of the houses.

*Note that the frame building at 6380 County Road LL which resembles a wooden shed, is actually the immigrant home of Nicholas Langers built in 1849.  It was recently restored by the current owner.  It is also interesting to view.

Nicholas Langers House - 1849

            While these homes can be viewed from the roadside, they are all private dwellings and not available for tours.  These immigrant stone houses continue to stand in testimony of the sturdy settlers of this region who hailed from the Grand Duchy.  For more information on the Luxembourg immigrant stone houses of this region contact the LACS office at 262-476-5086 or admin@luxamculturalsociety.org.