National Register Listing

Court Street Commercial Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Richland Center City Auditorium

Roughly bounded by Mill, Church, Haseltine, and Main Sts., Richland Center, WI
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Wisconsin.
The first ever televised political debate was held in Wisconsin during the 1950 U.S. Senate race between Joseph McCarthy and Robert La Follette Jr.
Wisconsin random facts
Richland County, located in southwestern Wisconsin, has a rich and storied history that dates back thousands of years. Native American tribes, including the Ho-Chunk Nation, were the first inhabitants of the area. They relied on the fertile land and rivers for sustenance and established villages throughout the county.

European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile soil and plentiful resources. The lead mining boom in the early 1800s brought significant population growth to the region. The town of Richland Center, named after its location at the center of the county, was established in 1851 and became the county seat. The construction of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad in the late 1850s further facilitated the growth and development of the county.

Richland County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many residents volunteering to fight for the Union. The county also experienced economic growth during this time, with the establishment of industries such as lumber and cheese production. Agriculture remained a vital part of the county's economy, with dairy farming becoming particularly important in the 20th century.

In recent years, Richland County has focused on preserving its natural beauty and promoting tourism. The region is known for its rolling hills, rivers, and forests, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Today, the county continues to maintain a balance between its agricultural heritage, natural resources, and modern development, creating a diverse and thriving community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Richland County, Wisconsin.

  • 1818: Richland County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1836: Wisconsin becomes a separate territory, and Richland County is now part of it.
  • 1842: Richland County is officially established with its current boundaries.
  • 1850: The first courthouse is built in Richland Center, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1860s: Richland County experiences a surge in agriculture, particularly dairy farming.
  • 1874: The Chicago and North Western Railway reaches Richland County, boosting economic growth.
  • 20th century: Richland County faces the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1950s: Agriculture remains the dominant industry, with the introduction of mechanization.
  • 1970s: Richland County sees a decline in population as agriculture becomes more mechanized.
  • 1980s: Efforts are made to diversify the economy and promote tourism and industry.
  • 21st century: Richland County continues to be known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.