C.P. White was one of Stoddard's first residents and is responsible for much of what Stoddard is today. His family moved here from Vermont. White accumulated much land. He was instrumental in bringing the Alma and Northern Railroad (now known as the Burlington Railroad) to the area. He then planned a village which consisted of the first four blocks of Stoddard. White opened a general store and became the first postmaster. Several businesses emerged such as a cigar factory, kraut factory, spoke factory, and various woodworking shops. The town was booming. The president of the railroad suggested that White name the village after himself since he'd been so involved in the development.

C.P. White had other plans. A man named Colonel T.B. Stoddard came to the area in 1853. Colonel Stoddard was La Crosse's first mayor. He is credited with helping build Western Wisconsin and furthering the expansion of the railroad in the area. White believed the growing town should be named after the Colonel, and so Stoddard was christened. Stoddard has grown over the years but is still filled with old-fashioned values, traditions, and friendly folks. Come visit Stoddard and enjoy the natural beauty and small-town flavor.