National Register Listing

Oneida County Courthouse

S. Oneida Ave., Rhinelander, WI
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

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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Oneida County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area originally inhabited by multiple Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk. These tribes lived off the land, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Oneida County. The first permanent settlement was established in 1853 by lumbermen attracted to the area's abundant forests. The timber industry quickly boomed, attracting more settlers and leading to the establishment of several logging communities. The logging industry played a significant role in the county's economy for many years.

Oneida County was officially created in 1887, named after the Oneida tribe of Native Americans. The newly formed county experienced rapid growth during this time, with many new towns and villages being established. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the region's development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.

As the logging industry declined in the early 20th century, tourism began to take center stage in Oneida County. The pristine lakes, forests, and outdoor recreational opportunities attracted visitors from all over. Today, Oneida County is known as a premier destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, and winter sports. The county's history is still evident in its numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural events that celebrate its past.

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

  • 1831: Oneida County is established as an original county in the Wisconsin Territory.
  • 1880: Logging becomes a major industry in the region, leading to increased settlement and economic growth.
  • 1887: Rhinelander, the largest city in Oneida County, is incorporated.
  • 1925: The first flight over the North Pole, known as the "Roald Amundsen Transpolar Flight," passes through Oneida County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression heavily impacts the logging industry and the local economy, leading to a period of economic decline.
  • 1975: The Nicolet National Forest is established, providing a resource for outdoor recreation and promoting tourism in Oneida County.
  • 1999: The "Spirit of Wisconsin Wilderness" bill is signed into law, designating over 169,000 acres of public land in Oneida County as wilderness.
  • 2020: Oneida County celebrates its 200th anniversary as a county in the state of Wisconsin.