National Register of Historic Places listings in Taylor County, Wisconsin facts for kids

Location of Taylor County in Wisconsin

Have you ever wondered about the oldest and most special buildings and places in your community? In Taylor County, Wisconsin, there are several amazing spots that are so important they're listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that tell us about history, architecture, or culture. Let's explore some of these cool historic sites right here in Taylor County!

There are 8 properties and districts listed on this important register in the county.

Exploring Taylor County's Historic Gems

J. W. Benn Building: A Historic Hub

The J. W. Benn Building in Medford.

The J. W. Benn Building is located at 202-204 S. Main St. in Medford. This beautiful building was built in 1912. It has a fancy style called Beaux-Arts architecture. For many years, it was the local post office, where people sent and received their mail. Later, it became Gruener's Bakery, filling the air with the smell of fresh bread. Today, it's home to Damm Accounting. It's a great example of how buildings can change uses over time while still keeping their historic charm.

Big Indian Farms: A Place of Native American History

A view of Big Indian Farms.

Big Indian Farms is a very special and private historical site near Perkinstown. From 1896 to 1908, about 100 Native Americans lived here. These were "stray band" Potawatomi, Ojibwe (also known as Chippewa), and other groups. This remote area includes important historical features like burial sites and a dance ring. It helps us remember and understand the lives of Native American people in Wisconsin long ago.

Jump River Town Hall: A Unique Design

The Jump River Town Hall, built in 1915.

You can find the Jump River Town Hall south of WI 73 on Bridge Dr. in Jump River. This building was constructed in 1915. It's a cool example of Prairie School architecture. This style was popular in the early 1900s. The architects, Purcell & Elmslie, designed it to look like a logging camp building. It might even remind you of a "wannigan," which was a floating cook shanty used by log drivers. It's a unique piece of history from the logging days!

Medford Free Public Library: A Gift from Carnegie

The Medford Free Public Library.

The Medford Free Public Library is at 104 E. Perkins St. in Medford. This library is a "Carnegie library." This means it was built with money donated by Andrew Carnegie, a very rich businessman who helped fund many libraries across the country. It was designed in the Prairie School style by architect Hans Liebert and finished in 1916. It's a place where generations of Medford residents have gone to learn and read.

Medford Post Office: A Classic Look

The former Medford Post Office building.

Another historic building in Medford is the old Medford Post Office, located at 304 S. Main St. This building was built in 1937. It has a Colonial Revival style, which means it looks like older American colonial buildings. While it used to be the main post office, it is now used by other businesses. It still stands as a reminder of the town's past.

Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area: Built by Young Hands

Mondeaux Dam, part of the recreation area.

The Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area is a beautiful spot near Westboro. It includes a reservoir (a lake created by a dam), campgrounds, and a lodge. What makes it special is how it was built. Young people from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs) constructed it between 1936 and 1938. These programs were created during the Great Depression to give people jobs. They built many parks and public works, and this recreation area is a wonderful example of their hard work.

Historic St. Ann's Catholic Church and Cemetery: A Rural Landmark

Historic St. Ann's Catholic Church.

Historic St. Ann's Catholic Church and Cemetery is found at W3963 Brehm Ave. in the Town of Greenwood. This church is a classic wooden Gothic Revival style building. It was built in 1888. It stands at a rural crossroads a few miles east of Chelsea. It's a peaceful and historic place that has served its community for over a century.

Taylor County Courthouse: A Grand Building

The Taylor County Courthouse in Medford.

The Taylor County Courthouse is located at 224 S. 2nd, Courthouse Sq. in Medford. This grand building was designed in a Classical Revival style. It has a metal clock dome on top. It was designed by B. Mehner and completed in 1913. The courthouse is where many important county decisions are made and records are kept. It's a symbol of justice and local government in Taylor County.