The Wilmarth House/Ashland General Hospital is situated on the northern edge of one of the city's premier residential neighborhoods, five blocks uphill from the Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior. The current building represents two major construction periods: the 1885 mansion and the 1918 hospital wing.

The original house is a combination of the Georgian and Neoclassical styles of architecture, a unique concoction exemplifying the character of its owner and possible architect and the unrestrained American spirit of the Gilded Age. The red brick building is accented by cut sandstone quoins, stringcourses, sills and lintels, and a heavy wood entablature. The north two-story portico is defined by four colossal columns of the Corinthian order. The interior has elaborate woodwork, fireplace trim and doors and ornate plaster cornices and ceiling relief, the style of which varies from room to room and floor to floor. Built by Ashland's first banker, Lewis Cass Wilmarth, the 1885 residence retains most of its architectural detail in near original condition, despite functioning as something other than family home for most of its existence.

Ashland General Hospital was founded and funded by local people concerned for the health needs of their fellow citizens in a dramatic 10-day campaign. Between 1917 and 1972, the house served primarily as the entrance and administrative space for the larger ward and treatment wing added to the building's east side. The 1918 hospital and the 1957 elevator extension were remolded in 1999 for their current use as multi-family housing.

The building is privately owned. Please respect the rights and privacy of the property owners and residents.