Downtown Ripon. Ceresco, the Wisconsin Phalanx, was founded in 1844 by followers of Charles Fourier, led by American pioneer Warren Chase. Ceresco prospered, and the NYTribune gave weekly news of its doings, considering it worthy of emulation. Wisconsin became a state in 1848: everywhere people were making money through land speculation and the planting of new industries but, here, community life allowed no man to rise. The members found themselves hampered by their bond and left in 1850. From “Systems of Harmony”.

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