Rhinelander in Oneida County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

First Rural Zoning Ordinance

Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, July 24, 2024

1. First Rural Zoning Ordinance Marker

Inscription. The Oneida County Zoning Ordinance, adopted May 16, 1933, was the first comprehensive rural zoning ordinance in the United States. In the early 1930's, most northern Wisconsin counties were in financial difficulties. The Oneida County Board of Supervisors resolved the costs of transporting school children, and the construction and maintenance of new roads, by adopting a zoning ordinance prohibiting settlement in remote areas. The purpose was to promote public health, safety, and welfare, and to regulate, restrict, and determine the areas within the county where various activities could be conducted.

The Ordinance became a model for other counties in Wisconsin and throughout the United States. It was a new concept in rural land management. It demonstrated that careful planning by local people, involving joint discussions and joint decisions with many agencies of the County, State, and Federal Governments, is essential for wise use of our natural resources.

Erected 1969

Erected 1969 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 167.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 16, 1933.

Location. 45° 38.272′ N, 89° 24.502′ W. Marker is in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, in Oneida County. It is at the intersection of Oneida Avenue and Davenport Street on Oneida Avenue. Marker is at the Oneida County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: One Oneida Avenue, Rhinelander WI 54501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North

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America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hodag (approx. one mile away).

Also see . . . Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on July 27, 2010.)