In 1848, two young Swiss men arrived in this area to cut the wood which would be used to fuel the steamboats which traveled the Mississippi River.  They built a small shack and decided to stay.  Others soon followed these early settlers.  Until 1857, the newcomers were mostly Swiss immigrants.  Perhaps the geographical features of this area reminded them of their native Switzerland.  Twelve Mile Bluff was the original name (assigned by pilots of steamboats as they used a prominent cliff as a guide on dark nights) for the settlement.

Picture from the Wisconsin Historical Society Taken from the Minnesota side of the river in 1890

There are several theories as to how the current name, Alma, was chosen for this new settlement.  One was that it was short and easier to spell.  Another was that it derived its name from the battle of 1854 on the Alma River, in Russia. 

The Mississippi River has served the area in many ways.  It was used to move wheat, logs, supplies and the daily mail.  The arrival of the railroad in 1885 changed things and later in 1935 the building of U. S. Lock and Dam #4 again changed the character of river shipping.

From an Indian trail along the river, the settlers built two streets at the base of the bluffs.  They were – and still are – called Main (or First) Street and Second (or Upper) Street.  A number of short streets connect them.  Automobiles can drive on some of the streets while some are concrete stairways for foot traffic; a unique feature of the City.  Main Street is also State Highway 35, a part of the Great River Road.

The first industry in Alma was a brewery.  This is understandable since the river froze in the winter and settlers were isolated, and the Swiss were fond of their special beer.  There were a number of cigar factories also intended for relaxation during the winter months.

The population has never been large.  Only when the Beef Slough area was being used for sorting logs did the population exceed 1400.  At the time U. S. Lock and Dam #4 was built (1935) there was an increase in population.  When Dairyland Power Cooperative constructed the large power plant (its large smokestacks are visible for miles) just south of the City, neither housing nor population were affected as is it was built in increments.

Fishing and hunting have always been important to the area.  A fishing float near the dam offers a place for those who enjoy the sport, as is a handicap accessible fishing dock.  Motels, bed and breakfast facilities and tourist rooms are available in and near Alma.  Many unique shops and dining facilities are located in Alma.

Buena Vista Park (a gift to the City by the Ganz family) high above the City of Alma, affords a wonderful view of the surrounding area.  There is no admission charge.  The park is accessible via County Road E or via a well-marked hiking trail.  Rieck’s Lake Park located north of the City is also free, however a small fee is charged for overnight camping.  Rieck’s Lake offers an observation platform from which wildlife can be seen.  The real treat comes in mid-October to the end of November when the Tundra Swans arrive.  Hundreds of visitors return year after year to see and hear these magnificent birds as they rest and feed during their migration to the East Coast.  Bald eagles are often seen roosting and fishing along the Mississippi River during the Winter.
 

A large portion of the City is listed within the National Register of Historic Places.  Many of the houses and buildings are over 100 years old.  The Alma Area Museum, located on Second Street, is open to visitors weekends during the summer months.
	Alma Area Museum

Alma is the county seat for Buffalo County; their offices are located on Second Street.  A complex consisting of the City Hall, Library, Fire Station, and Ambulance Garage is located on Main Street.  In spite of a small population, estimated to be 900, four churches (all located on Second Street) thrive in the City.

Alma High School is small, of course, but many graduates have excelled in the fields of medicine, education, finance and other fields.  This is evidence of the quality of education offered in a small Midwest high school.  Perhaps the most famous graduate of Alma High School is Dr. Arnold Gesell, graduate of Yale University School of Medicine and Doctor of Psychology.