Old Bayfield County Courthouse, historic former courthouse in Bayfield, Wisconsin, USA
The Old Bayfield County Courthouse is a Richardsonian Romanesque building in Bayfield, Wisconsin, defined by its massive stone walls and rounded arches that convey solidity and permanence. Built in the late 1880s after fire destroyed the previous wooden courthouse, it served as the county's administrative center with thick walls and tall windows throughout its structure.
The courthouse was built in the late 1880s after fire destroyed the previous wooden structure, prompting the community to vote for a new courthouse. In 1892, the county moved its seat to Washburn, reflecting rivalry between towns, and during World War II the building served as a holding facility for prisoners of war and military workers.
The building displays a carved stone with a Freemason symbol and the Latin inscription "In the Year of Light," reflecting traditions common when it was built. These details speak to the values and customs that shaped the community at that time.
The building sits near the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore headquarters, offering visitors both historical and nature-related information in one location. The thick stone walls and wide hallways are straightforward to navigate, and the rooms are regularly used for community events and museum displays.
The building served as a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, with detainees working on farms in Wisconsin's fruit-growing region. This lesser-known role ties the local courthouse to larger national events and shows how small communities were actively involved during wartime.
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