By Tim Lambert
Early Milwaukee
Milwaukee began as three different communities. Solomon Juneau arrived in the area in 1818. He founded a town called Juneautown. In 1835, a man named Byron Kilbourn created a separate town to the west, across a river. It was called Kilbourntown. At the same time, George Walker started another settlement at Walker’s Point.
The Millwaukee Bridge War
At first, there was hostility between the settlements. Kinoulton deliberately laid out streets so they did not align with streets on the other side of the river. He also complained that the Chestnut Street Bridge, across the river, was interfering with river traffic. The citizens took the law into their own hands, and in May 1845, the people of Juneautown discovered that the Chestnut Street Bridge had been destroyed. The enraged people of Juneautown collected weapons, including a cannon (although it was not fired). The people of Juneautown retaliated by destroying the Spring Street Bridge, which Kilbourntown residents frequently used.
However, people on both sides realised that the hostility was putting off potential settlers. They decided to unite. So, on January 31, 1846, the three settlements on Kilbourntown, Juneautown, and Walker’s Point were given a city charter. The three of them became the city of Milwaukee. (It’s not certain how the name Milwaukee began). Solomon Juneau was the first mayor.
Large numbers of Germans migrated to Milwaukee, giving the city some German characteristics. The Germans founded many breweries in Milwaukee. The manufacturing industry grew rapidly in the late 19th century.
Milwaukee grew rapidly. The population rose to over 45,000 by 1860. In 1900, it reached 285,000. In the late 19th century, many Poles migrated to Milwaukee. So did people from several other parts of Europe, giving the city a diverse population.
The first train left Milwaukee in 1851. The city gained gaslight in 1852. The Milwaukee Public Museum was chartered in 1882.
In 1886, men in Milwaukee marched demanding an 8-hour day. The national guardsmen fired on them, killing 7 people.
Several famous buildings were erected in the city. The Iron Block Building was built in 1860. The Federal Building was erected in 1892. So was the Pabst Mansion. Milwaukee City Hall was built in 1895. Milwaukee Public Library followed in 1898. The Basilica of St. Josaphat was built in 1901.
Milwaukee Art Museum was founded in 1888.
Modern Milwaukee
In the 20th century, the population continued to grow rapidly. By 1900, it had risen to 285,000. In 1960, the city had 741,000 inhabitants. However, the population then fell.
The Oriental Theater was built in 1927. The Tripoli Shrine was built in 1928. The Wisconsin Gas Building was completed in 1930. Mayfair Mall opened in 1958. Discovery World opened in 1984. Betty Brinn’s Children’s Museum opened in 1995. Milwaukee Public Market opened in 2005. The Harley-Davidson Museum opened in 2008.
In the early 20th century, many African Americans moved to the city. They formed a community that became known as Bronzeville. In 1967, discrimination against African Americans led to the Milwaukee riot.
In the 21st century, the population continued to fall. In 2024, Milwaukee had a population of 563,000. Yet, Milwaukee is thriving.
Last revised 2026