National Register Listing

West Fifth Street-West Sixth Street Historic District

W. Fifth St. and W. Sixth St., generally bounded by Adams Ave. and Oak Ave., Marshfield, WI
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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 deadliest tornado in Wisconsin's history occurred on May 18, 1883, when a tornado swept through the town of Rochester, killing 117 people and injuring more than 200 others.
Wisconsin random facts
Wood County, Wisconsin has a fascinating history that stretches back to the mid-19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee and Ho-Chunk people. In the early 1800s, European settlers arrived in the region, drawn by the ample resources and fertile lands.

In 1856, Wood County was officially established and named after Joseph Wood, a prominent Wisconsin Supreme Court judge. The county's early economy was driven by logging and the timber industry, with vast forests covering the area. Logging camps, sawmills, and lumber mills sprang up throughout the county, attracting a diverse population of workers. This logging boom continued into the late 1800s, shaping the landscape and fostering the growth of towns like Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, and Pittsville.

By the early 1900s, the timber resources of Wood County began to dwindle, leading to a decline in the logging industry. However, the region quickly adapted to new industries, particularly agriculture and manufacturing. Farmers settled in the area, establishing dairy farms and cultivating crops, making Wood County known for its rich agricultural heritage. At the same time, manufacturing companies emerged, producing everything from furniture to paper.

In the 20th century, Wood County experienced significant growth, driven by the rise of tourism and advancements in technology. The Wisconsin River, which flows through the county, became a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping. The development of highways and transportation infrastructure allowed for easy access to the county's natural beauty. Additionally, the availability of electricity and the expansion of telecommunications spurred economic growth and improved the quality of life for residents.

Today, Wood County continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community. While agriculture and manufacturing remain vital industries, the county has embraced a more diversified economy that includes healthcare, education, and tourism. The deep-rooted history of Wood County serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of its people, who have transformed the region with each passing era.

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

  • 1836 - Wood County, WI established as part of Iowa County
  • 1846 - Wood County separated from Iowa County and became part of Portage County
  • 1856 - Wood County officially recognized as a separate entity
  • 1873 - Marshfield chosen as the county seat
  • 1893 - Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Wood County, boosting economic growth
  • 1922 - Introduction of electricity and telephones in Wood County
  • 1940s-1950s - Wood County experiences increased population and industrial growth
  • 1991 - Opening of the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation
  • 2006 - Completion of Marshfield Medical Center, a state-of-the-art healthcare facility