National Register Listing

Adams County Courthouse

a.k.a. 1030741846;1020751833;0502783014;1031771749;0902712;02047721

402 Main St., Friendship, WI
Conveying both a sense of restraint and the suggestion of monumentality, the Adams County Courthouse is an architecturally significant example of the Neoclassical style in Adams County. Despite its modest size and detail, the structure is the dominant visual landmark in the village of Friendship; the shallow limestone portico and broad courthouse lawn create a sense of civic grandeur and testify to the ease with which classical detail could transform the simplest cubes into imposing public buildings. Built in 1913-14, the courthouse was designed by Arthur Peabody (1858-1942), Supervising Architect for the University of Wisconsin (and later Wisconsin's first State Architect), and executed by chief construction engineer George Kieke.
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

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I love representing Wisconsin. I love representing the work ethic and the values that I grew up with. I love being on the campaign trail and talking to my fellow Wisconsinites about what they care about.
Tammy Baldwin in Milwaukee Magazine
Adams County, Wisconsin holds a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee and Ho-Chunk nations, who relied on the land's natural resources for their sustenance and livelihoods. They left behind traces of their existence through burial mounds and other archaeological remnants that still dot the landscape today.

The arrival of European settlers in the early 19th century brought significant changes to Adams County. In the 1830s, lead mining attracted many pioneers to the area, leading to the establishment of several mining towns. However, the mining industry eventually declined, and the focus shifted to agriculture. The fertile soil of Adams County proved to be ideal for farming, and settlers began cultivating crops and raising livestock to support themselves.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the construction of railroads greatly facilitated the growth and development of Adams County. The arrival of the Wisconsin Central Railroad in 1872 opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, allowing the county's agricultural products to reach wider markets. This led to a population boom and the establishment of more towns and villages.

Over the years, Adams County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Today, it is known for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and tourist attractions such as the renowned Wisconsin Dells. The county's rich history is celebrated through various historical sites, museums, and events that help preserve and honor its past while also embracing its present and future.

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

  • Adams County, WI was formed on April 17, 1856.
  • In 1872, the Wisconsin Central Railroad was completed, improving transportation in the area.
  • The City of Adams, which became the county seat, was incorporated in 1891.
  • In 1914, Friendship, another prominent city in Adams County, was incorporated.
  • The Roaring 20s saw an economic boom in Adams County, with growth in agriculture and tourism.
  • During the Great Depression in the 1930s, Adams County, like the rest of the nation, faced economic challenges.
  • In the mid-20th century, the development of recreational areas like Castle Rock Lake attracted tourists to the region.
  • In 1974, the Adams County Historical Society was established to preserve and promote the area's heritage.
  • In recent years, Adams County has continued to grow and attract residents looking for a peaceful rural lifestyle.