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

First Rural Zoning Ordinance

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

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

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. 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. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 1 other marker is within walking distance of this marker. Veterans Memorial Monument (within shouting distance of this marker).

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

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

2. First Rural Zoning Ordinance Marker

Hodag near the First Rural Zoning Ordinance Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Gary Sonnenberg, August 3, 2023

3. Hodag near the First Rural Zoning Ordinance Marker

Oneida County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

4. Oneida County Courthouse

Marker is left of the walkway.
State and National Register of Historic Places #81000052.

Nearby Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

5. Nearby Plaque

In Memory of the Oneida County Early Pioneers The dreams of my old home place. Years have passed since I saw the place, or slept secure, neath the roof' trees old: Still in my fancy I like to trace' the dreams and shadows the land infold, calling me back to my youth again. Dedicated by Oneida County Historical Society September 2nd 1935

Oneida County Early Pioneers Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

6. Oneida County Early Pioneers Plaque

Located across from the marker.
(Other plaques are located at the courthouse entrance.)

First Wisconsin County Extension Agent Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

7. First Wisconsin County Extension Agent Plaque

Oneida County · Site of the First Wisconsin County Extension Agent · Commemorating 75 years of educational partnership: Oneida County Cooperative Extension Service University of Wisconsin-Extension · February 12, 1912-1987 Donated by Lions Clubs of Oneida County

National Register of Historic Places Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, July 21, 2010

8. National Register of Historic Places Plaque

The Oneida County Courthouse in Rhinelander, Wisconsin is listed in the National Register of Historic Places March 20, 1981 · The State Historical Society of Wisconsin in association with the U.S. Department of Interior Donated by: Rhinelander Rotary Club

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 942 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on August 11, 2023, by Gary Sonnenberg of Waukesha, Wisconsin. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.