Ashland County Courthouse
a.k.a. 1030741846;1020751833;0502783014;1031771749;0902712;02047721
201 W. 2nd St., Ashland, WIA Neoclassical design executed with the severity of the Beaux-Arts Style, the Ashland County Courthouse is a fine representative of a period of construction, Appropriately, the building is faced with locally-quarried sandstone, and was designed by locally-significant architect Henry Wildhagen in association with Milwaukee architect Herman W. Buemming. A native of Hanover, Germany, Wildhagen (1856-1920) was trained at the University of Hanover and came to the United States in 1886. After designing sulphite mills for several years, Wildhagen opened an architectural office in Ashland. For nearly thirty years Wildhagen practiced in the city and throughout northern Wisconsin, and may well have been that area's most significant architect to date. Wildhagen is best-known for his impressive Richardsonian Romanesque and NeoClassical designs. Works listed in the National Register include the Bayfield Carnegie Library, the South Shore Public School in Port Wing (demolished, 1981), and the Wilmarth, Beaser, Ellis, and Ashland Middle Schools.
Aside from its significance as a fine (and then progressive) local landmark, the Ashland County Courthouse is also a pivotal element in a potential commercial historic district in the center of Ashland.
Local significance of the building:
Aside from its significance as a fine (and then progressive) local landmark, the Ashland County Courthouse is also a pivotal element in a potential commercial historic district in the center of Ashland.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
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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In 1933, Wisconsin became the first state in the country to ratify the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition.
About Ashland County
Ashland County Timeline
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and other Native American tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing a presence in the region. The area was heavily involved in the fur trade, with trappers and traders using the nearby waterways to transport goods.
In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.
The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.
Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.
In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.
The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.
Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.
Ashland County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ashland County, Wisconsin.
- 1860: Ashland County is created by the Wisconsin State Legislature
- 1870: Ashland becomes the county seat
- 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy
- 1883: The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Ashland
- 1894: Ashland experiences a devastating fire that destroys most of the city
- 1900: The population of Ashland County reaches its peak
- 1920s: The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift in the local economy towards tourism and agriculture
- 1940s: Ashland County contributes to the war effort during World War II
- 1970s: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is established, boosting tourism in the area
- 1990s: The population of Ashland County begins to decline