National Register Listing

Kurth, John H., and Company Office Building

a.k.a. The Brewery Tavern

729--733 Park Ave., Columbus, WI
Local significance of the building:
Industry; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the oldest and largest public university in the state, and is often referred to as the "Harvard of the Midwest." It was founded in 1848, just two months after Wisconsin became a state.
Wisconsin random facts
Columbia County, Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Menominee, who made use of the area's vast resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, establishing fur trading posts along the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers.

In 1839, Columbia County was officially established, named after Christopher Columbus. The county's first seat was at the village of Portage, which quickly developed as a transportation hub due to its strategic location at the junction of the two rivers. Portage became a vital stopping point for travelers between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.

The completion of the Portage Canal in 1851 further bolstered the county's economic growth. This canal connected the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, allowing for easier navigation between the two. The canal facilitated the transportation of goods, led to the development of new industries, and attracted more settlers to the area.

The mid-19th century saw rapid expansion in Columbia County, with the construction of railroads and the establishment of numerous farming communities. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with dairy farming and corn production flourishing. The county also saw industrial progress, with the opening of mills, foundries, and other manufacturing businesses.

Today, Columbia County is a thriving community with a diverse economy. It remains an important agricultural center, while also housing a variety of industries such as tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. The county's history is celebrated through conservation efforts, preservation of historic sites, and community events, ensuring that its rich heritage continues to be valued and appreciated.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Columbia County, Wisconsin.

  • 1838 - Columbia County is established on December 7, 1838.
  • 1851 - The county seat is moved from Wyocena to Portage.
  • 1855 - Portage is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865 - Many residents of Columbia County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1883 - The Chicago and North Western Railway reaches Columbus, bringing increased transportation and trade opportunities.
  • 1914-1918 - Columbia County residents participate in World War I.
  • 1929-1941 - The Great Depression affects Columbia County, causing economic hardships for residents.
  • 1941-1945 - Columbia County residents contribute to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1955 - The Wisconsin Dells tourist industry begins to grow, attracting visitors to the county.
  • 1973 - The Portage Canal is designated a National Historic Landmark.
  • 2008 - The town of Pacific is disincorporated, becoming part of the village of Portage.