Wendell Abraham Anderson (1840-1929) was born in Gray, Maine. He received a medical degree in 1863, served in the field during the last two years of the Civil War, and attained the rank of major. Anderson moved to La Crosse in 1866, set up a medical practice, and became involved in public service. He served as City Physician and was a member of the Board of Education.

Anderson was also active in politics. He was Chairman of the State Democratic Committee, U.S. Consul General in Montreal, and twice mayor of La Crosse, his first term running from 1899 to 1901, and the second from 1907 to 1909. As mayor, Anderson was representative of the Progressive movement, and sought to give local government an active role in urban reform and civic improvement. He is remembered today as the creator of La Crosse’s modern park system, particularly for Riverside Park, and for his large-scale paving projects.