Taylor County Courthouse
224 S. 2nd, Courthouse Sq., Medford, WI Local significance of the building: Politics/government; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
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.
The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born and raised in Wisconsin. Many of his most famous buildings, including Taliesin and the Johnson Wax headquarters, are located in the state.
About Taylor County
Taylor County Timeline
Taylor County, located in north-central Wisconsin, was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Menominee Native American tribes. European settlement began in the mid-19th century, and the area was officially formed as Taylor County in 1875. The county was named after William Taylor, a prominent early settler and politician in Wisconsin.
The rich natural resources in Taylor County, such as timber and fertile soil, attracted settlers looking to exploit these opportunities. Logging became a major industry in the late 1800s, driving the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The logging industry also led to the construction of railroads in the area, which facilitated the transport of timber to other parts of the state.
As the timber resources diminished, agriculture became increasingly important in Taylor County. Dairy farming in particular thrived, and the county became known for its high-quality dairy products. The development of efficient farming techniques and machinery further boosted agricultural productivity in the county.
In the 20th century, Taylor County experienced significant changes as it became more industrialized. The decline of the logging industry led to the establishment of paper mills, which became a major source of employment for the local population. Other industries, such as manufacturing and food processing, also flourished.
Today, Taylor County remains a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit communities. It continues to be a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, while also preserving its rich history and natural resources.
The rich natural resources in Taylor County, such as timber and fertile soil, attracted settlers looking to exploit these opportunities. Logging became a major industry in the late 1800s, driving the local economy and providing employment for many residents. The logging industry also led to the construction of railroads in the area, which facilitated the transport of timber to other parts of the state.
As the timber resources diminished, agriculture became increasingly important in Taylor County. Dairy farming in particular thrived, and the county became known for its high-quality dairy products. The development of efficient farming techniques and machinery further boosted agricultural productivity in the county.
In the 20th century, Taylor County experienced significant changes as it became more industrialized. The decline of the logging industry led to the establishment of paper mills, which became a major source of employment for the local population. Other industries, such as manufacturing and food processing, also flourished.
Today, Taylor County remains a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its close-knit communities. It continues to be a place where residents enjoy a high quality of life, while also preserving its rich history and natural resources.
Taylor County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Taylor County, Wisconsin.
- 1845: Taylor County is established as an original county in the state of Wisconsin.
- 1867: Medford, the county seat of Taylor County, is incorporated as a village.
- 1881: The first railroad, the Wisconsin Central Railroad, reaches Taylor County.
- 1885: The Chequamegon National Forest is established, covering parts of Taylor County.
- 1891: Taylor County's first courthouse is built in Medford.
- 1920s: The St. Croix Tavern, a rustic bar and dance hall, becomes a popular entertainment destination in Taylor County.
- 1933: The Taylor County Fair begins, becoming an annual tradition.
- 1950s: Taylor County experiences a significant growth in agriculture, with dairy farming and crop production becoming primary industries.
- 1960s: The construction of the Medford Dam and the formation of the Medford Flowage create a recreational area for fishing and boating.
- 1990s: The Taylor County Historical Society is established, preserving and promoting the county's history.
- 2002: The Pershing Wildlife Area is established, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife species in Taylor County.
- 2010: The Taylor County Population Center is determined to be the unincorporated community of Rib Lake.