Adams County, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Adams County is a county in the U.S. state
of Wisconsin
. Sources differ as to whether its name is in honor of the second President of the United States
, John Adams
, or his son, the sixth President, John Quincy Adams
. As of 2000, the population of Adams County was 18,643. Its county seat
is Friendship.
, the county has a total area of 689 square miles (1,784.5 km²), of which 648 square miles (1,678.3 km²) is land and 41 square miles (106.2 km²) (5.92%) is water.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 18,643 people, 7,900 households, and 5,466 families residing in the county. The population density
was 29 people per square mile (11/km²). There were 14,123 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.63% White
, 0.27% Black
or African American
, 0.59% Native American
, 0.33% Asian
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
, 0.33% from other races
, and 0.83% from two or more races. 1.44% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 39.3% were of German, 14.8% American
, 9.2% Polish, 8.3% Norwegian, 8.0% Irish
and 6.0% English
ancestry. 96.1% spoke English
, 1.8% Spanish
and 1.1% German
as their first language.
There were 7,900 households out of which 23.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples
living together, 6.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.76.
In the county, the population was spread out with 20.80% under the age of 18, 5.60% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 28.40% from 45 to 64, and 20.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.30 males.
According to the 2005 Census, German was the most commonly reported ethnic group in Adams County. The leading ethnic groups were:
was created and included most of present day Columbia County
, including the city of Portage, Wisconsin
. In 1846, Portage County was renamed Columbia County. The area from the northern boundary of Columbia County to Lake Superior
was removed from Brown County and was then called Portage County. In 1848, the southern part of Portage County was renamed Adams County and included all of current-day Adams County and the northern section of Juneau County. In 1858, The northwestern part of Adams County was joined with the northern part of Sauk County
to form present-day Juneau County. At this time, Adams County took its current shape.
Friendship
was founded by settlers coming from Friendship, New York
. Today, Adams
is the largest community in Adams County, but this was not always so. In the 1880s, there were plans for a railroad that connected Chicago
and St. Paul to pass through Friendship. Once this was decided, local landowners increased their demands. Instead of paying more for the land in Friendship, the railroad placed the tracks two miles (3 km) south of Friendship. It was recorded that Emma Barnes, wife of "Appletree" Barnes, Friendship postmaster in the 1920s, wrote in 1957, "I believe that the people of Friendship should express their appreciation of two of the early citizens... J. B. Hill and J. W. Purves... for holding the price of their land so high that the great C&NW R.R. Co. would not purchase a right of way... for who would enjoy the smoke and the noise of a train running through this beautiful village?"
To service workers, boxcars were stacked to form housing, and the town of Adams was created. Actually the What is now called the City of Adams was created because the railroad originally did call it Friendship, but because there were two Rail Depot Stops named "Friendship" on the rail-line. Passengers were often confused and bought the wrong tickets, so it was suggested that the name be changed. Photo of Depot Showing "Friendship" The new name Adams was determined by the citizens who chose between the choice of Adams, for President Adams, and Nottingham. This stretch of track became the famous "400" route. Today, the population of Adams is about three times that of Friendship.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. Sources differ as to whether its name is in honor of the second President of the United States
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
, John Adams
John Adams
John Adams was an American lawyer, statesman, diplomat and political theorist. A leading champion of independence in 1776, he was the second President of the United States...
, or his son, the sixth President, John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams
John Quincy Adams was the sixth President of the United States . He served as an American diplomat, Senator, and Congressional representative. He was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican, and later Anti-Masonic and Whig parties. Adams was the son of former...
. As of 2000, the population of Adams County was 18,643. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Friendship.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 689 square miles (1,784.5 km²), of which 648 square miles (1,678.3 km²) is land and 41 square miles (106.2 km²) (5.92%) is water.
Major highways
Adjacent counties
- Wood County – northwest
- Portage CountyPortage County, WisconsinPortage County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 67,182. Its county seat is Stevens Point. The United States Census Bureau's Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Portage County.-Geography:...
– northeast - Waushara County – east
- Marquette CountyMarquette County, WisconsinMarquette County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 15,832. Its county seat is Montello.-Geography:...
– east - Columbia CountyColumbia County, Wisconsin-Unincorporated communities:*Anacker*Belle Fountain*Durwards Glen*East Friesland*Harmony Grove*Ingle*Keyeser*Lake Wisconsin*Leeds*Lowville*Marcellon*North Leeds*Okee*Otsego-External links:***...
– southeast - Sauk CountySauk County, WisconsinSauk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 55,225. Its county seat and largest city is Baraboo. Sauk County is included in the Baraboo Micropolitan Statistical Area and in the Madison Combined Statistical Area....
– southwest - Juneau CountyJuneau County, WisconsinJuneau County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2000 census, the population was 24,316. Its county seat is Mauston. It should not, however, be confused with the city of Juneau, Wisconsin, to which it has no connection.-Geography:...
– west
Demographics
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 18,643 people, 7,900 households, and 5,466 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 29 people per square mile (11/km²). There were 14,123 housing units at an average density of 22 per square mile (8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.63% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.27% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.59% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.33% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.33% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.83% from two or more races. 1.44% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 39.3% were of German, 14.8% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 9.2% Polish, 8.3% Norwegian, 8.0% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 6.0% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
ancestry. 96.1% spoke English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
, 1.8% Spanish
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
and 1.1% German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
as their first language.
There were 7,900 households out of which 23.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 6.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.80% were non-families. 25.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.76.
In the county, the population was spread out with 20.80% under the age of 18, 5.60% from 18 to 24, 24.30% from 25 to 44, 28.40% from 45 to 64, and 20.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 102.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.30 males.
According to the 2005 Census, German was the most commonly reported ethnic group in Adams County. The leading ethnic groups were:
- German 35.1%
- Irish 10.7%
- Polish 9.1%
- Norwegian 8.1%
- English 7.1%
History
The area covered by present-day Adams County was historically part of several other counties. In 1840, when Wisconsin was still a territory, Adams County was the southwestern section of Brown County. In 1836, Portage CountyPortage County, Wisconsin
Portage County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 67,182. Its county seat is Stevens Point. The United States Census Bureau's Stevens Point Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Portage County.-Geography:...
was created and included most of present day Columbia County
Columbia County, Wisconsin
-Unincorporated communities:*Anacker*Belle Fountain*Durwards Glen*East Friesland*Harmony Grove*Ingle*Keyeser*Lake Wisconsin*Leeds*Lowville*Marcellon*North Leeds*Okee*Otsego-External links:***...
, including the city of Portage, Wisconsin
Portage, Wisconsin
Portage is a city in and the county seat of Columbia County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,662 at the 2010 census making it the largest city in Columbia County...
. In 1846, Portage County was renamed Columbia County. The area from the northern boundary of Columbia County to Lake Superior
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest of the five traditionally-demarcated Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded to the north by the Canadian province of Ontario and the U.S. state of Minnesota, and to the south by the U.S. states of Wisconsin and Michigan. It is the largest freshwater lake in the...
was removed from Brown County and was then called Portage County. In 1848, the southern part of Portage County was renamed Adams County and included all of current-day Adams County and the northern section of Juneau County. In 1858, The northwestern part of Adams County was joined with the northern part of Sauk County
Sauk County, Wisconsin
Sauk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 55,225. Its county seat and largest city is Baraboo. Sauk County is included in the Baraboo Micropolitan Statistical Area and in the Madison Combined Statistical Area....
to form present-day Juneau County. At this time, Adams County took its current shape.
Friendship
Friendship, Wisconsin
Friendship is a village in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 698 at the 2000 census.-Geology:The Friendship Mound sits just to the north of town. It is a castillated mound formed from the last glaciers to cover the area during the Ice Age. Another mound, Roche-A-Cri,...
was founded by settlers coming from Friendship, New York
Friendship, New York
Friendship is a town in Allegany County, New York, USA. The population was 1,927 at the 2000 census. The town's name was adopted to mark the resolution of earlier conflicts....
. Today, Adams
Adams, Wisconsin
Adams is a city in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,914 at the 2000 census. The city is located within the Town of Adams.-Geography:...
is the largest community in Adams County, but this was not always so. In the 1880s, there were plans for a railroad that connected Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
and St. Paul to pass through Friendship. Once this was decided, local landowners increased their demands. Instead of paying more for the land in Friendship, the railroad placed the tracks two miles (3 km) south of Friendship. It was recorded that Emma Barnes, wife of "Appletree" Barnes, Friendship postmaster in the 1920s, wrote in 1957, "I believe that the people of Friendship should express their appreciation of two of the early citizens... J. B. Hill and J. W. Purves... for holding the price of their land so high that the great C&NW R.R. Co. would not purchase a right of way... for who would enjoy the smoke and the noise of a train running through this beautiful village?"
To service workers, boxcars were stacked to form housing, and the town of Adams was created. Actually the What is now called the City of Adams was created because the railroad originally did call it Friendship, but because there were two Rail Depot Stops named "Friendship" on the rail-line. Passengers were often confused and bought the wrong tickets, so it was suggested that the name be changed. Photo of Depot Showing "Friendship" The new name Adams was determined by the citizens who chose between the choice of Adams, for President Adams, and Nottingham. This stretch of track became the famous "400" route. Today, the population of Adams is about three times that of Friendship.
Cities, villages and towns
Towns
|
Lincoln, Adams County, Wisconsin Lincoln is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 311 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Lincoln is located at .... Monroe, Adams County, Wisconsin Monroe is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 363 as of the 2000 census. The unincoporated community of Monroe Center is located in the town.-Geography:... New Haven, Adams County, Wisconsin New Haven is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 657 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Big Spring is located in the town.-Geography:New Haven is located at .... Preston, Adams County, Wisconsin Preston is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,360 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Cottonville is located in the town.-Geography:Preston is located at .... |
Richfield, Adams County, Wisconsin Richfield is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 144 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Richfield is located at .... Rome, Adams County, Wisconsin Rome is a town in Adams County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,656 at the 2000 census. The census-designated places of Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot, and Lake Sherwood are located in the town.-Geography:... |
Unincorporated communities
- ArkdaleArkdale, WisconsinArkdale is an unincorporated census-designated place in the town of Strongs Prairie in Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 158. Arkdale has an area of ; of this is land, and is water.-External links:*...
- Big FlatsBig Flats (community), WisconsinBig Flats is an unincorporated community located in the town of Big Flats, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Big Flats is located at the junction of Wisconsin Highway 13 and County Highway C north of Friendship....
- Big SpringBig Spring, WisconsinBig Spring is an unincorporated community located in the town of New Haven, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Big Spring is east-northeast of Wisconsin Dells....
- BrooksBrooks, WisconsinBrooks is an unincorporated community located, in the town of New Chester, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Brooks is northwest of Oxford....
- CottonvilleCottonville, WisconsinCottonville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Preston, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Cottonville is located on Wisconsin Highway 13 and Big Roche Cri Creek north of Friendship....
- DellwoodDellwood, Adams County, WisconsinDellwood is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Dellwood is west of Friendship, in the town of Strongs Prairie. Dellwood has a post office with ZIP code 53927. As of the 2010 census, its population was 563....
- EastonEaston (community), WisconsinEaston is an unincorporated community located in the town of Easton, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Easton is located on County Highway A and White Creek near Wisconsin Highway 13, south of Adams....
- Grand MarshGrand Marsh, WisconsinGrand Marsh is an unincorporated census-designated place located in Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Grand Marsh is southeast of Adams, in the town of New Chester. Grand Marsh has a post office with ZIP code 53936. As of the 2010 census, its population is 127....
- Lake ArrowheadLake Arrowhead, WisconsinLake Arrowhead is a census-designated place in the town of Rome, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 838 as of the 2010 census....
- Lake CamelotLake Camelot, WisconsinLake Camelot is a census-designated place in the town of Rome, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 826 as of the 2010 census....
- Lake SherwoodLake Sherwood, WisconsinLake Sherwood is a census-designated place in the town of Rome, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 372 as of the 2010 census....
- Monroe CenterMonroe Center, WisconsinMonroe Center is an unincorporated community located in the town of Monroe, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Monroe Center is located at the junction of County Highways C and Z north-northwest of Friendship....
- PlainvillePlainville, WisconsinPlainville is an unincorporated community located in the town of Dell Prairie, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. Plainville is located at the intersection of Wisconsin Highway 13 and County Highway K north-northwest of Wisconsin Dells. The Wisconsin River runs west of the community....
- White CreekWhite Creek, WisconsinWhite Creek is an unincorporated community located in the town of Easton, Adams County, Wisconsin, United States. White Creek is located on County Highway H and White Creek south-southwest of Adams....
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Adams County, Wisconsin