Kissel Motor Car Company: Hartford's Automotive Giant

The Kissel Motor Car Company opened in 1906 and quickly became Hartford’s dominant industry. Founded by Louis Kissel and his four sons, the company produced high‑quality luxury automobiles, including the famous “White Eagle” model. At its peak, the factory employed hundreds of workers and put Hartford on the map. After the company closed in 1930, the factory was sold to West Bend Aluminum Company, which retooled for wartime production. Today, the Wisconsin Automotive Museum (located at 147 N. Rural Street) preserves the Kissel legacy with a large collection of Kissel cars and other Wisconsin‑built vehicles.