Old Bayfield County Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Old Bayfield County Courthouse
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Old Bayfield County Courthouse
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| Location | Washington St. between 4th and 5th Sts., Bayfield, Wisconsin |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1884 |
| Architect | John Nader |
| Architectural style | Neoclassical/Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000058 |
| Added to NRHP | December 27, 1974 |
The Old Bayfield County Courthouse is a historic building in Bayfield, Wisconsin. It was built in 1884 and served as the main government building for Bayfield County. Today, it is an important part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
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A Building with Many Lives
This old courthouse has a very interesting past. It started as a place where important county decisions were made. A "county seat" is the main town where a county's government offices are located.
From Courthouse to School
The building was used as a courthouse for only a few years. In 1892, the county seat for Bayfield County, Wisconsin moved to Washburn, Wisconsin. After that, the building found new uses. It became a school, where many local children learned and grew.
A Special Role in World War II
During World War II, the building had a very unique role. It was used as a prisoner-of-war camp. This means it held prisoners from the war. Later, it served as a community center, a place for people to gather. It was also used as a warehouse to store things.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
Over time, local groups like the Bayfield Heritage Association and the Bayfield Historical Society took care of the building. They worked to protect its history. In 1974, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. It was also added to the State Register of Historic Places in 1989.
Home of the National Park Service
Since 1976, the National Park Service has used the building. It is now the main office for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. This beautiful area includes 21 islands and a stretch of mainland along Lake Superior. The old courthouse helps manage and protect this amazing natural space.
