Erin is located in the farthest southwest corner of Washington County. It was relatively distant in the early years from the bustling, growing communities of West Bend Waukesha, and Watertown. Having no railroad line or river of any consequence, Erin remained quite rural, and this characteristic is evident today. The town was incorporated in 1846; two years before Wisconsin became a state.

In the 1840's, the settlers of Erin were predominantly Irish. However, in the 1850's, German families started moving into Erin. By the Civil War Era, a number of Irish families had moved on with much of the east side of town sold to the Germans. At the same time, the southwest area of Erin was settled by Norwegians.

As in other areas of Washington County, artifacts of Native Americans have been found in Erin indicating their presence here. In fact, the village of Monches, immediately across the south border of Erin, is named after the Indian Chief Monches.

Erin was an agricultural community and remained so until the suburban growth of the 1960's. There were only a
couple of hamlet commercial centers during the settlement era. One was Thompson ? site of the town hall, a church, a cemetery, a blacksmith shop, and a general store and post office. Another early hamlet was St. Augustine, which had a church, cemetery, tavern, and cheese factory turned into a grocery store in later years.

J. M. LeCount in his book, HOLY HILL, (c.1891) relates the legend of Pere Marquette and Louis Joliet whom, in the autumn of 1674, traveled inland from Lake Michigan hoping to find, what we know as, the Rock River. They traveled only as far west as Holy Hill, and failing to discover the river, they returned to their companions. Before returning however, as was the missionary custom, Marquette and Joliet erected a cross on the hill.

Another story relating to Holy Hill is the tale of the Hermit of Holy Hill. A Frenchman, Francois Soubrio, was discovered living at Holy Hill by a local farmer sometime between 1862 and 1864. Over time a friendship developed between the Frenchman and the area farmers, whom supplied him with food and other necessities, to the extent of building a small cabin for him. Various accounts of his reasons for coming to Holy Hill have been put forth, however, they all conclude with the observation that he was a man of great inner pain who sought comfort in God. Over one hundred years later, the building and grounds provide visual beauty and inner peace to visitors from all over the United States.

Enjoy your drive on the winding roads with the Irish names and scenic vistas - enjoy your tour of Erin.

TOWN OF ERIN

 St. PAUL'S CHURCH
 

 

(1) 495 St. Augustine Road
Founded in 1840, two of the founders were Jacob and John Loew whose farms, along with some others, are now Loew Lake State Park. The present building was constructed in 1880.

 

 

 

 

(2) LOEW'S LAKE STATE PARK
This area was set-aside in late 1980 by the State to preserve natural species and waterways.


(3) DOWN SLOPE PUB ? 1702 CTH CC
 

 

(1901) J. Schwartz of the Schwartz
Brewing Company purchased the site of a general store and constructed this building as a hotel and saloon. It is still operating as a tavern.
 

 

 

(4) St. AUGUSTINE CHEESE FACTORY 5331 HWY 167

This structure was utilized as a cheese factory from early 1900 to 1913. In 1922, Henry Lofy opened a general store and operated it until 1968. The building is now a private residence.

 

 

(5) HEILIGER HUEGEL SKI HILL
North Side of HWY 167
A private ski club founded in February 1936 on leased land. In 1938, a tractor powered tow-rope was installed, the second in the state.


(6) HOLY HILL NATIONAL SHRINE OF
MARY ? HELP OF CHRISTIANS
1525 Carmel Road (5800 HWY 167)
On the National Register of Historic Places, it is the highest hill in eastern Wisconsin, original measurements: 289 feet above its base, 809 feet above Lake Michigan, and 1,409 feet above sea level. The first chapel, a sixteen foot square structure, was started in the summer of 1862 and finished on Good Friday 1863. The dedication ceremony was on May 24, 1863, and Fr. George Strickner used the name Holy Hill formally for the first time. A second structure, brick, was started in Spring 1879. The hill was excavated approximately twenty feet before a spot was level to a size adequate for the foundation. In 1925, the second structure was razed and the hill leveled another twenty feet for the third and present church. The cornerstone was laid in August 1926 and dedication took place in July 1931. In 1962, the elevator tower and observation deck were completed. There is a gift shop stocked with items relating to Holy Hill and a restaurant serving meals and snacks. A must stop. WCL, NRHP


(7) TALLY HO TAVERN - 1866 HWY 83
 

 

The Tally Ho Tavern building was built in the late 1870's as a hotel, general store, and saloon. Over the years, it served as a post office, dance hall, telephone office as well as its original purpose. It continues to serve the public food, drink, and entertainment.

 

(8) HORSESHOE INN - 1874 HWY 83
 

 

Originally, the site of a blacksmith shop, the second structure, built in 1909, was converted in 1932. The tavern continues operating today.

 

 

(9) ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH 1902 HWY 83
 

 

This congregation and building traces its beginning to 1853. The church was merged with St. Kilian's of Hartford in June 1999; however, weddings, funerals, and other special services are still held at the church.

 

 

 

 

 

(10) SCONFINATO DRIVE -- A Sconfinato House 
 

 

Off Mayo Road, HWY 83, S The buildings are of unusual designs, mostly residential, with some artisan workshops.