Footville, WI

Footville is a Rock County village along Highway 11, about 15 minutes from Janesville. It was first called Bachelor’s Grove, then took the name of Ezra Foot, who helped plat the village in 1854 ahead of the railroad. The 2020 census counted 772 residents. Rail once moved mail, farm goods, and dairy products through the depot; today the road, post office, and nearby Janesville carry more of that movement.

Community Park gives Footville its signature local landmark: the village says its ball diamond was the first lighted one in the United States. Two diamonds, a walking trail, pavilion, playground, and summer snack bar keep the park tied to the calendar. Footville also has a fire department, EMS, Parkview schools, downtown post office, village office, and Memorial Park’s veterans ceremony. The post office and ball fields keep downtown tied to the village calendar. The village’s weekly rhythm is built from ball games, school runs, utility business, and the short drive to Janesville.