Waukesha in Waukesha County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Courthouse Square
Photographed By Paul F, October 5, 2010
1. Courthouse Square Marker
Also was site of earthen mounds of a Native American people, Effigy Mounds Tradition, late Woodland period (ca. 600-1200 A.D.)
The mounds were on what became Main Street, on eastern part of this site; and the turtle and 2 others on St. Joseph’s property in back of this building. Most of the 7 mounds were in geometric shapes, but one was a giant “turtle”, whose body was 56’ & tail was 250’. It stood 6’ tall. Because of development in the 1840’s 50’s, nothing remains of this mound group.
Erected 1999 by Waukesha Count Historical Society. (Marker Number 34-03.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 43° 0.752′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Courthouse Complex (a few steps from this marker); The Waukesha Freeman (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waukesha Civic Theatre (WCT) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rotunda (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Legion Home (approx. ¼ mile away); New Tribes Bible Institute (approx. 0.3 miles away); Silurian Spring (approx. 0.3 miles away); Cohn's Shoe Store (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waukesha.
Additional commentary.
1. Waukesha County Courthouses
On July 4, 1846, the towns west of Milwaukee were separated from Milwaukee County and became Waukesha County. A new governing body was chosen for this new county in the territory of Wisconsin. There were 25 formal ballots taken before Prairieville was chosen to be the county seat. Once that was determined, lots 1, 2, and 3 of Block F on the Prairieville plat map became the site for the county buildings.
The jail was completed on that site in 1847.
Photographed By William H. Roth, August 3, 2013
2. Courthouse Square Marker
In 1885 a new jail was built which added steam heat, iron bunks instead of hammocks, and plumbing connected to the city sewer system. In 1892 an annual inventory taken showed that more space was needed as the county continued to grow. A new and modern courthouse was designed in a Richardson Romanesque style with a Lannon stone exterior.
Some of the unique features of this new building were the Goddess Of Justice statue constructed of iron and gold leaf overlay on the tower, a clock face 7 feet in diameter, and a three-paneled stained glass window with the center panel depicting a blindfolded justice holding scales. Many vaults were independently built of fireproof brick throughout the building to contain the court's documents and other important papers. In March 1893 the old courthouse was razed to make room for the new one. On January 1, 1894, the fist circuit court was held in the new building.
Again in 1938 more office space was needed. It was during the Great Depression, so it was taken on as a WPA project. There were no frills,
Photographed By Paul F, October 5, 2010
3. Courthouse Square Marker
After World War II and into the 1950s, things were changing and growing again. Parking became a big issue with only street parking available in front of the courthouse. The people of the county wanted to find a piece of land west of the city on which to expand. So a site was purchased on West Moreland Boulevard. The new courthouse and jail was dedicated on October 11, 1959.
The old 1893 courthouse, 1938 addition, and 1895 jail were kept for other government agencies and the Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum to reside. The original 1846 wood-carved coat of arms of the State of Wisconsin was saved and brought to the 1959 courthouse. Also the Goddess of Justice was brought from the 1893 building tower and resides inside the main doors of the new courthouse.
— Submitted April 27, 2011, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
2. This marker was removed.
This marker was removed while the courthouse was being remodeled. Awaiting decision if this marker will be put up again.
— Submitted July 9, 2020, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin.
Photographed By Paul F, October 5, 2010
4. Courthouse Square
Looking southwest from corner of Main Street and East Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,308 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 11, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on August 15, 2013, by William H. Roth of Deltona, Florida. 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
