The Wade House, one of the earliest stage coach inns in Wisconsin, was built by Sylvanus Wade between 1847 and 1851 at a total cost of $300 and became the most important stage coach stop on the plank road between Sheboygan and Fond du Lac. As a "halfway house," it hosted meetings to discuss Civil War issues and early railroad construction. The Butternut House, home of Wade's eldest daughter and son-in-law, took its name from the timber cut on its site and used in its construction. Horses were shod and stages were repaired in the Blacksmith Shop adjoining the Wade House.