Waushara

Formed February 15, 1851 (37^th county)

Waushara County (24,526), Wautoma (2,206)                

The Classical Revival tan brick structure was built in 1929.  It sits at the intersection of Saint Marie, Elin, Scott, and Park streets.  Wisconsin State Highway 21 passes one block north of the facility.  E. A. Stubenrauch is the architect.  The building has been enlarged with a Law Enforcement Center.  The courthouse features columns and veteran memorials on the grounds.  There was also an 1888 version of the courthouse.  Sacramento was the first county seat until 1854 when Wautoma became the seat.  The county was formed on February 15, 1851 from Marquette County as the 37^th county.  Waushara County is a Native American word meaning “good earth.”  The county seat was named for a Native American chief. 

Waushara County government consists of a sheriff and 11 Supervisors.  One Circuit Court Judge and Three Municipal Court Judges serve Waushara County.  The county is located in the center part of the state.  Green Bay, Wisconsin is northeast and Madison, Wisconsin is south of the county.  The county center is 6.1 miles Northeast of Wautoma nearer Mount Morris.  The county is surrounded clockwise by Waupaca, Winnebago, Green Lake, Marquette, Adams, and Portage counties. 

The area of the county is 626.2 square miles.  It is 47 out of 72 in the state.  It ranks 47 out of 72 in population in the state.  It has a density of 39.2 persons per square mile making it 41 out of 72 in the state.  Waushara County has 29.9% of its population in its incorporated areas.  Interstate Highway 39 crosses north to south through the county from Portage County to Marquette County.  The county is a rectangle.  Wautoma is located in the southwest quarter of the county.  Wautoma is the county seat and the largest city.  It is 9.0% of the county population.  The county is pronounced WA-SHAR-A.  The county seat is pronounced WA-TOE-MA.