National Register Listings in
Jefferson County, Wisconsin

Aztalan Beals and Torrey Shoe Co. Building Beck, Michael and Margaritha, Farmstead Brandt House Chicago and Northwest Railroad Passenger Station City of Waterloo Carousel Clyman Street Historic District Copeland-Ryder Company Curtis, David W. and Jane, House Enterprise Building Fargo, Enoch J., House Fargo, L. D., Public Library First Kindergarten Fort Atkinson Club Fort Atkinson Water Tower Fuermann, August, Jr., and Eliza, House Hebron Town Hall Hoard's Dairyman Farm Hoard, Arthur R., House Jefferson Fire Station Jefferson High School Jefferson Public Library Jones Dairy Farm Knapp-Calkins Farmstead Lake Mills Downtown Commercial Historic District Main Street Commercial Historic District Main Street Commercial Historic District Main Street Historic District May, Eli, House McKenzie, Monroe, House Merchants Avenue Historic District Mulberry Street Residential Historic District Niedecker, Lorine, Cottage North Washington Street Historic District Octagon House Palmyra Boy Scout Cabin Pioneer Aztalan Site Puerner Block-Breunig's Brewery Richards Hill Residential Historic District Saint Bernard's Chruch Complex Schweiger Industries Plant III Shekey, Albert and Mary, House Smith, Richard C., House Solliday, Albert F., House South Main Street Residential Historic District South Washington Street Historic District St. Paul's Episcopal Church St. Wenceslaus Roman Catholic Church Stoppenbach, Emil and Flora, House Waterloo Downtown Historic District
The famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini spent his early childhood in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin random facts
Jefferson County, located in south-central Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back thousands of years to when Native American tribes first inhabited the region. The Ho-Chunk (Winnebago) and Menominee tribes were among those that lived in the area before European settlers arrived. In the early 19th century, during the era of westward expansion, American fur traders and prospectors arrived in the region, establishing a trading post along the Rock River.

The county was officially created in 1836 and named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. The first European settlers moved into the area shortly after the establishment of the county, primarily coming from New England and New York. They began to cultivate the land, establishing farms and small communities. The town of Watertown, located in the northwestern part of the county, quickly became the county seat and a significant center of trade and commerce.

Throughout the 19th century, Jefferson County experienced significant growth and development. The construction of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad, later known as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, in the 1850s, played a crucial role in connecting the county with larger markets in Milwaukee and Chicago. This led to increased industrialization and population growth in towns like Fort Atkinson, Johnson Creek, and Lake Mills.

In the 20th century, Jefferson County continued to evolve as technology and transportation advanced. World War II brought economic opportunities as industries expanded to support the war effort. The county also became a popular recreational destination, with the establishment of beautiful parks, lakes, and natural areas. Today, Jefferson County remains an attractive place to live, offering a mix of rural and suburban settings, a vibrant agricultural community, and a rich historical heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jefferson County, Wisconsin.

  • 1836: Jefferson County, Wisconsin is established as a county
  • 1841: The first courthouse is built in Jefferson
  • 1850: The population of Jefferson County reaches 22,000
  • 1860-1865: Jefferson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
  • 1900: The city of Watertown becomes the largest city in Jefferson County
  • 1920: The county experiences significant growth in manufacturing and agriculture
  • 1942-1945: During World War II, Jefferson County contributes to the war effort
  • 1963: The first Interstate highway, Interstate 94, is completed in the county
  • 1990: The population of Jefferson County reaches 68,000
  • 2000: The city of Fort Atkinson celebrates its 150th anniversary