National Register Listing

Water Street Commercial Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Monroe County Courthouse;Sparta Masonic Temple;Spar

Roughly bounded by K, Main, Bridge and Spring Sts. and Jefferson Ave., Sparta, WI
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Commerce; Education; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

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
Monroe County, located in southwestern Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk, who utilized the land for hunting, gathering, and farming. European exploration and colonization began in the 17th century, with French and British traders venturing into the region to establish fur trading posts.

In the early 19th century, European settlement in Monroe County began to increase. The economy primarily revolved around agriculture, with settlers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and oats. The construction of the La Crosse-Milwaukee Road, a major railroad line, in the late 19th century brought further growth and development to the county, facilitating commerce and trade.

Monroe County experienced significant growth and transformation in the 20th century. During World War II, the county was home to Fort McCoy, a military training site that played a vital role in the war effort. The fort continues to operate today and has become an important economic and cultural asset for the county. In addition, the construction of Interstate 90 in the 1960s further improved transportation and contributed to the county's economic expansion.

Today, Monroe County maintains its strong agricultural heritage while embracing tourism and outdoor recreation as key economic drivers. Visitors can explore the county's natural beauty by hiking or biking along numerous trails, kayaking in the Kickapoo River, or camping in its scenic parks. The county also hosts cultural events, such as the annual Monroe County Fair, which celebrates the county's agricultural traditions and showcases local talent. With a rich history and vibrant present, Monroe County continues to thrive and offer its residents and visitors a high quality of life.

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

  • 1818: Treaty of 1818 establishes the northern border of Monroe County
  • 1849: Monroe County is created and named after President James Monroe
  • 1854: First settlers arrive in the area
  • 1856: Sparta becomes the county seat
  • 1862: The Civil War begins, several men from Monroe County enlist
  • 1873: Railroad reaches Sparta, boosting transportation and trade
  • 1904: A major fire destroys parts of Sparta's downtown area
  • 1967: Fort McCoy army base is established in the county
  • 1970: Monroe County celebrates its 125th anniversary
  • 1990: The population of Monroe County reaches over 40,000
  • 2008: Record flooding affects many communities in the county