Nathaniel Potter Tallmadge moved to Fond du Lac County when he was appointed Governor of Wisconsin Territory in 1844. Shortly after, Nathaniel’s 19-year-old son William died and was buried on a hill next to the Tallmadge home. Eight years later Abby Tallmadge, Nathaniel’s wife, donated eight and a half acres, including the burial site of their son and other family members, for a public cemetery. Today Rienzi Cemetery resides on 100 acres of beautiful, wooded hills and is the final resting place for over 24,000.
Much of Fond du Lac’s history is reflected in the family plots and grave stones of Rienzi Cemetery. The cemetery is open to the public most days, and walking tours are offered several times each year with live actors portraying early settlers.