Milwaukee, the most populous city in Wisconsin, is the 31st largest in the US with a population of 577,222 (2020 census). It serves as the county seat of Milwaukee County and anchors the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the 40th largest metro area in the nation with 1.57 million residents.
1900: German Population in Milwaukee
By 1900, individuals of German descent constituted a significant portion of Milwaukee's population, accounting for 34 percent of the city's residents.
1900: Incorporation of East Milwaukee (Shorewood)
In 1900, East Milwaukee, later renamed Shorewood, was officially incorporated.
1902: West Allis Becomes a City
The community of West Allis was incorporated as a city in 1902.
1906: West Milwaukee's Incorporation
West Milwaukee achieved city status through incorporation in 1906.
1910: Milwaukee's High Percentage of Foreign-Born Residents
By 1910, Milwaukee shared the distinction with New York City of having the highest percentage of foreign-born residents in the United States.
1910: End of Major German Immigration Wave
By 1910, the third and largest wave of German immigration to the United States, lasting from 1880 to 1910, had come to an end, with 90% of the immigrants settling in the Mid-Atlantic states and the Midwest.
1910: Emil Seidel Elected Mayor of Milwaukee
Emil Seidel, a member of the Socialist Party of America, was elected as the mayor of Milwaukee, serving from 1910 to 1912.
1912: End of Emil Seidel's Term
Emil Seidel's term as the mayor of Milwaukee concluded in 1912.
1915: Growth of Milwaukee's Polish Population
The Polish population in Milwaukee County experienced significant growth, increasing from 30,000 in 1890 to 100,000 by 1915.
1916: Daniel Hoan Elected Mayor of Milwaukee
Daniel Hoan, a member of the Socialist Party, was elected as the mayor of Milwaukee in 1916.
1919: Ogren Automobile Company Founded
Milwaukee saw the establishment of Ogren, one of the pioneering brass era automobile makers, in 1919.
1922: Milwaukee Badgers Founded
The Milwaukee Badgers, a National Football League team, were founded in 1922.
1922: End of Ogren Automobile Company
The Ogren Automobile Company, based in Milwaukee, ceased operations in 1922, marking the end of its brief but significant run in the early days of the automotive industry.
1925: Mexican Population in Milwaukee
By 1925, Milwaukee was home to approximately 9,000 Mexicans, although the Great Depression led many to relocate.
1926: Milwaukee Badgers Fold
The Milwaukee Badgers folded in 1926.
1933: Green Bay Packers Begin Playing in Milwaukee
The Green Bay Packers began splitting their home schedule between Green Bay and Milwaukee in 1933.
July 24, 1934: Highest Recorded Temperature
Milwaukee experienced its highest recorded temperature of 105 °F (41 °C) on July 24, 1934.
1940: End of Daniel Hoan's Mayoralty
Daniel Hoan's tenure as the mayor of Milwaukee came to an end in 1940.
1947: Hal Leonard Corporation Founded
Hal Leonard Corporation, one of the world's largest music print publishers, was founded in Milwaukee in 1947.
1948: Frank Zeidler Becomes Mayor of Milwaukee
Frank Zeidler, a member of the Socialist Party, assumed the position of mayor of Milwaukee in 1948.
1952: Father Josef Kentenich's Exile to Milwaukee
Father Josef Kentenich, a key figure in the Schoenstatt Movement, was exiled to Milwaukee in 1952. His exile lasted for 14 years.
1954: Charles J. Kersten Loses Congressional Seat
Charles J. Kersten, the last Republican to represent a significant portion of Milwaukee in Congress, lost his seat in 1954.
1960: Racial Segregation in Milwaukee
By 1960, Milwaukee remained a highly segregated city. Despite African Americans comprising 15 percent of the population, they continued to face significant residential segregation.
1960: End of Frank Zeidler's Time as Mayor
Frank Zeidler's time as the mayor of Milwaukee concluded in 1960.
1960: Milwaukee's Peak Population and Racial Demographics
In 1960, Milwaukee reached its peak population of 741,324 residents. The Census Bureau reported that 91.1% of the city's population was white, while 8.4% was black.
1964: Start of Segregation Index Use
A segregation index, developed in the mid-1950s, began being used in 1964 to measure racial segregation in cities.
1965: End of Father Josef Kentenich's Exile
Father Josef Kentenich's exile in Milwaukee ended in 1965.
1968: Summerfest Begins in Milwaukee
Milwaukee became the home of Summerfest, a renowned large-scale music festival, in 1968.
1968: Summerfest Founded
Milwaukee's most famous music venue, Summerfest, was founded in 1968.
1970: Start of Population Decline
Since the 1970 census, Milwaukee has experienced a consistent decline in population with each census count.
1973: U.S. Bank Center Completion
The U.S. Bank Center, the tallest building in Milwaukee, was completed in 1973.
1981: Milwaukee's Peak Brewing Capacity
Milwaukee reached its zenith as a beer-producing powerhouse in 1981, boasting the highest brewing capacity globally.
January 17, 1982: Cold Sunday
On January 17, 1982, Milwaukee experienced "Cold Sunday," with a record low temperature of -26 °F (-32 °C), with temperatures in some suburbs dropping as low as -40 °F (-40 °C).
1984: ComedySportz Founded in Milwaukee
Milwaukee native Dick Chudnow established ComedySportz in 1984, which has since blossomed into a successful franchise with locations across the United States and England.
1988: Mayor Henry Maier Retires
Henry Maier, who held the record for longest term of service for a city of Milwaukee's size, retired in 1988.
1988: Milwaukee Adopts Cabinet Form of Government
With the election of Mayor John O. Norquist, Milwaukee adopted a cabinet form of government in 1988.
1990: First School Voucher Program
In 1990, Milwaukee made history by becoming the first city in the United States to offer a school voucher program, allowing parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools.
1991: Green Bay Packers Request New Stadium
The Green Bay Packers claimed that revenue from Milwaukee games were lower than in Green Bay and requested a new stadium in 1991.
1992: Wayne's World Popularizes Milwaukee Nickname
The 1992 comedy film "Wayne's World" features a line that popularized the claim that Milwaukee's name originates from an Algonquian word meaning "the good land."
1994: Green Bay Packers Stop Playing in Milwaukee
The Green Bay Packers stopped playing home games in Milwaukee in 1994.
February 4, 1996: Record Low Temperature Tied
On February 4, 1996, Milwaukee tied its record low temperature of -26 °F (-32 °C), previously set in 1982.
1999: Summerfest Recognized by Guinness World Records
Milwaukee's annual lakefront music extravaganza, Summerfest, earned a coveted place in the 1999 Guinness Book of World Records as the largest music festival worldwide.
2000: Milwaukee Household Composition
In 2000, the Census provided insights into the composition of Milwaukee households: 30.5% had children under 18, 32.2% were married couples, 21.1% were female-headed households, and 41.8% were non-families.
2000: Same-Sex Households in Milwaukee
The 2000 Census estimated that there were at least 1,408 same-sex households in Milwaukee, representing approximately 0.6% of the city's total households.
2001: Milwaukee Ranked #1 City for Lesbians
Girlfriends magazine bestowed upon Milwaukee the title of "#1 City for Lesbians" in 2001, highlighting the city's growing gay-friendly communities.
2001: Milwaukee Ranked Among Most Dangerous Cities
Milwaukee was ranked among the ten most dangerous large cities in the United States in 2001.
2002: Milwaukee's Segregation Highlighted
In 2002, Jet Magazine published an article citing Milwaukee as the most segregated metropolitan area in the United States based on a historical segregation index.
2003: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Segregation Study
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee conducted a study in 2003 disputing Milwaukee's "hypersegregated" label and ranking it as the 43rd most integrated city in America.
2004: Hmong American Peace Academy Opening
The Hmong American Peace Academy/International Peace Academy, a K-12 school dedicated to serving the Hmong community, was established in Milwaukee in 2004.
2004: Milwaukee Police Department's Gang Unit Reactivated
The Milwaukee Police Department's Gang Unit was reactivated in 2004 after Nannette Hegerty was sworn in as chief.
2005: Amtrak Hiawatha Service Connects to Mitchell International Airport
Since 2005, travelers have been able to access Mitchell International Airport via Amtrak's Hiawatha train service, which provides connections to Chicago and downtown Milwaukee.
2006: Milwaukee's Gang Unit Brings Charges
In 2006, 4,000 charges were brought against suspects through Milwaukee's Gang Unit.
2006: Bronze-Level Recognition for Bicycle Friendliness
In 2006, Milwaukee achieved bronze-level status from the League of American Bicyclists, a notable accomplishment for a city of its size, highlighting its commitment to becoming more bicycle-friendly.
2006: National Trust for Historic Preservation Recognition
In 2006, Milwaukee was recognized for its historical preservation efforts and named one of the "Dozen Distinctive Destinations" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
2006: Milwaukee Public Schools Teacher Employment
Milwaukee Public Schools employed 11,100 full-time and substitute teachers in 323 schools as of 2006.
2006: Start of American Community Survey on Ancestry
The American Community Survey began collecting data on the ancestry of Milwaukee residents for the period of 2006 to 2008.
2006: Holy Hill Designated as Basilica
The Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians, located northwest of Milwaukee in Hubertus, Wisconsin, was elevated to the status of a Basilica in 2006.
2006: Asbestos Lawsuit Settlement
The asbestos lawsuit, settled in 2006, stemmed from the release of asbestos into the environment during the demolition of the Courthouse Annex.
2007: Milwaukee Public Schools Enrollment
Milwaukee Public Schools had an enrollment of 89,912 students in 2007.
2007: Milwaukee Ranked Among Most Dangerous Cities
Milwaukee was ranked among the ten most dangerous large cities in the United States in 2007.
2007: Milwaukee Intermodal Station Opens
Milwaukee's Amtrak station underwent renovations in 2007, leading to the creation of the Milwaukee Intermodal Station. Located near downtown Milwaukee and the Third Ward, the station replaced the Everett Street Depot and provided Amtrak riders with convenient access to intercity bus services.
2008: Barack Obama Wins Milwaukee
Barack Obama won Milwaukee with 77% of the vote in 2008.
2008: Identification of Streets for Bike Lanes and Installation of Bike Racks
In 2008, the city conducted an assessment and identified over 250 miles (400 km) of streets suitable for bike lanes. Out of these, 145 miles (233 km) were prioritized for bike lane installation. In line with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force's mission to enhance bicycle and pedestrian friendliness, over 700 bike racks were installed throughout Milwaukee.
2008: End of American Community Survey on Ancestry
The American Community Survey concluded data collection on ancestry for Milwaukee residents for the 2006-2008 period.
2008: Coors Production Begins in Milwaukee
The production of Coors beer commenced at the historic Milwaukee Brewery in "Miller Valley" in 2008, bringing new brewery jobs to the city. However, this coincided with the company's decision to relocate its headquarters from Milwaukee to Chicago.
2008: Formation of MillerCoors
The year 2008 witnessed the creation of MillerCoors, a joint venture between Milwaukee-based Miller Brewing Co. and Golden, Colorado-based Molson Coors Brewing Company. This strategic alliance aimed to leverage the strengths of both entities in the competitive beer market.
July 2009: ComedySportz World Championship Returns to Milwaukee
The ComedySportz World Championship made a triumphant return to its birthplace, Milwaukee, in July 2009, coinciding with the organization's 25th anniversary.
2009: Bicycle Racks on County Buses
In a move towards greater environmental sustainability, the Milwaukee County Transit System began installing bicycle racks on the front of county buses in 2009. This initiative was part of a settlement in an asbestos lawsuit filed against the county by the state.
2009: Formation of the Milwaukee Water Council and UW-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences
In response to algae blooms in Lake Michigan, Milwaukee became an "Innovating City" in the Global Compact Cities Program, and the Milwaukee Water Council was formed to address freshwater system dynamics. The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee also established the School of Freshwater Sciences, the first graduate school of limnology in the U.S., in 2009.
2009: Wisconsin Brewers Rank Among Top 50 in the US
In 2009, three beer brewers with operations in Wisconsin earned their place on the prestigious list of the 50 largest beermakers in the United States, based on their impressive beer sales volume.
2010: Milwaukee's Population Decline and Metropolitan Growth
By 2010, Milwaukee's population had declined to 594,833 as people moved to the suburbs. However, the population of the overall metropolitan area continued to grow.
2010: High Black-White Segregation According to 2010 Census
Demographer William H. Frey's analysis of the 2010 United States Census data revealed Milwaukee had the highest black-white segregation level among the 100 largest metropolitan areas in the U.S.
2010: Milwaukee Ranked High for Commuters
In 2010, Forbes recognized Milwaukee as the 4th best city for commuters.
2010: Religious Demographics of Milwaukee
In 2010, a study revealed that about 51.8% of Milwaukee area residents regularly attended religious services. The largest religious groups were Catholic (24.6%), Lutheran (10.8%), Methodist (1.6%), and Jewish (0.6%).
2010: Median Income and Poverty in Milwaukee
In 2010, the median household income in Milwaukee was $32,216, while the median family income was $37,879. The data also indicated a gender pay gap, with males earning a median income of $32,244 compared to $26,013 for females. Notably, the city experienced a 3% increase in rent for home renters during this year.
2010: 2010 Census Racial Demographics
The 2010 Census revealed Milwaukee's racial demographics: 44.8% White, 40.0% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 3.5% Asian, 3.4% from two or more races, and 17.3% Hispanic or Latino.
2010: 2010 Census Hispanic Origin Data
The 2010 United States Census provided detailed information about the Hispanic origins of Milwaukee residents.
2010: Marshall & Ilsley Acquired by BMO Harris Bank
The year 2010 marked a significant event in Milwaukee's financial landscape as Marshall & Ilsley, a prominent local institution, was acquired by BMO Harris Bank.
2011: Milwaukee Ranked 15th Most Walkable City
In 2011, Walk Score, a renowned walkability ranking system, placed Milwaukee as the 15th most walkable city among the 50 largest U.S. cities.
2012: US Water Prize Award
Milwaukee's comprehensive approach to water treatment, using the Circles of Sustainability method, earned the city the US Water Alliance's US Water Prize in 2012.
2012: Gamma City Classification
The Globalization and World Cities Research Network designated Milwaukee as a gamma city in 2012.
2013: Murders in Milwaukee
There were 105 murders in Milwaukee in 2013.
2013: Milwaukee Parks Ranked
The Trust for Public Land ranked Milwaukee's park system as 19th best among the 50 most populous U.S. cities in 2013.
2013: Homeless Population Estimated
A Point-In-Time survey in 2013 estimated 1,500 people were homeless on Milwaukee's streets each night.
2013: Hmong Migration in Milwaukee
In 2013, the editor of the Hmong Studies Journal, Mark Pfeifer, observed that Hmong residents in Milwaukee were moving to the northwest side of the city, having previously resided in the north and south areas.
August 2014: Bublr Bikes Launch
August 2014 marked the launch of Bublr Bikes, Milwaukee's bicycle sharing system. This partnership between the City of Milwaukee and the local non-profit Midwest Bike Share (operating as Bublr Bikes) aimed to provide a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option.
2014: Port of Milwaukee Cargo Handling
Milwaukee's main port, the Port of Milwaukee, handled a substantial amount of cargo in 2014, with 2.4 million metric tons passing through its municipal port, primarily steel and salt.
February 10, 2015: Streetcar Project Approval
On February 10, 2015, the Milwaukee Common Council granted its approval for a streetcar project, bringing an end to decades of debate. The streetcar was designed to connect the Milwaukee Intermodal Station with the city's Lower East Side.
May 2015: Interstate 894 Designation Change
In May 2015, Interstate 894, bypassing portions of Milwaukee's southwest side, was updated to also include Interstate 41.
July 2015: Mitchell International Airport Passenger Count
In July 2015, Mitchell International Airport, Wisconsin's largest airport, served 610,271 passengers.
November 2015: Construction Begins on Fiserv Forum
In November 2015, construction began on the Fiserv Forum, a state-of-the-art multipurpose arena in Milwaukee. The arena was designed to be the centerpiece of a new "live block" zone, featuring a mix of public space, commercial developments, and residential properties.
2015: Interstate 41 Approval
The year 2015 saw the approval of Interstate 41, which follows I-94 north from the state line before turning west at the Mitchell Interchange to the Hale Interchange and then continuing north to Green Bay, passing through Fond du Lac, Oshkosh, and Appleton.
2015: Worst City for Black Americans Ranking
Milwaukee was ranked as the "worst city for black Americans" in 2015 due to significant disparities in employment, income, incarceration rates, and educational outcomes between Black and White residents.
2015: Surge in Craft Breweries in Milwaukee
The craft beer movement gained significant momentum in Milwaukee, with nearly two dozen craft brewing companies establishing themselves in the city since 2015.
2015: Journal Communications Split
Journal Communications, a publicly traded corporation, was divided into two entities in 2015. The Journal Media Group took over publishing, while the E. W. Scripps Company acquired the television and radio stations.
2015: Households Without a Car
In 2015, 17.9% of Milwaukee households did not own a car, reflecting a growing trend towards alternative modes of transportation.
2015: Milwaukee Ranked 15th Most Walkable City
A 2015 study by Walk Score ranked Milwaukee as the 15th most walkable city among the 50 largest U.S. cities. While the city received an overall score of 62 out of 100, several densely populated neighborhoods earned significantly higher scores, highlighting their pedestrian-friendly environments.
2015: Murders in Milwaukee
146 people were killed in Milwaukee in 2015.
2016: Increase in Households Without a Car and Car Ownership Rate
This trend continued, with the percentage of car-free households rising to 18.7% in 2016. It's worth noting that the national average for car-free households in 2016 was 8.7%. Furthermore, Milwaukee's average car ownership rate in 2016 was 1.3 cars per household, contrasting with the national average of 1.8 cars per household.
2016: Start of American Community Survey Period
The American Community Survey collected data on Milwaukee's socioeconomic indicators from 2016 to 2020.
2016: Milwaukee Ranked Second Poorest City
Milwaukee ranked as the second poorest U.S. city with over 500,000 residents in 2016, behind only Detroit.
2016: Journal Media Group Merges with Gannett
Journal Media Group merged with Gannett in 2016, further changing the media landscape in Milwaukee.
2016: Amtrak Hiawatha Line Service Upgrade Studies
In 2016, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) conducted studies to explore increasing the service frequency of the Amtrak Hiawatha line from seven to ten times daily between downtown Milwaukee and downtown Chicago.
March 2017: Streetcar Construction Begins
Construction on the Milwaukee Streetcar commenced in March 2017, marking a significant step towards enhancing the city's public transportation infrastructure.
2017: Summerfest Attracts Record Crowd
Summerfest continued its reign as a premier music festival, attracting an impressive 831,769 attendees in 2017.
August 26, 2018: Fiserv Forum Opens to the Public
On August 26, 2018, the Fiserv Forum, a new multipurpose arena in Milwaukee, opened its doors to the public. The $524 million venue was built to host a variety of events, including Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette Golden Eagles games, as well as college and professional ice hockey games.
October 2018: Complete Streets Policy
Since October 2018, the city has implemented a Complete Streets policy, ensuring that the addition of bicycle facilities is consistently considered for all new road projects, further demonstrating its commitment to creating a more bike-friendly environment.
2018: Milwaukee Ranked Eighth Most Dangerous City
Milwaukee was ranked the eighth most dangerous city in the US in 2018.
2018: Milwaukee Voted "The Coolest City in the Midwest"
Milwaukee's allure and charm earned it the coveted title of "The Coolest City in the Midwest" in 2018, as voted by Vogue, a leading fashion and lifestyle magazine.
2018: Scripps Sells Radio Stations
In 2018, the E. W. Scripps Company sold its Milwaukee radio stations to Good Karma Brands, effectively dismantling the near-monopoly Journal Communications once held in local news coverage.
2018: Milwaukee's Commitment to Paris Agreement
In 2018, Mayor Tom Barrett announced Milwaukee's commitment to the Paris Agreement, setting a goal to use renewable energy for a quarter of the city's electricity by 2025.
2018: Fiserv Forum Opens
Fiserv Forum, a venue designed for hosting sporting events and concerts, opened in Milwaukee in late 2018.
2018: Initial Streetcar Operation and Naming
By mid-2018, the streetcar project, later named "The Hop," became operational, offering residents and visitors a new mode of transportation. Notably, The Hop was implemented as a free transit system.
2019: Persistent Segregation in Milwaukee
As of 2019, Milwaukee continued to grapple with persistent racial segregation, with a significant proportion of black residents needing to move to achieve racially integrated neighborhoods.
2019: High Lead Levels in Children
In 2019, data revealed that over 10% of children in Milwaukee had elevated blood lead levels, posing significant health risks.
2019: Silver-Level Status for Bicycle Friendliness
Milwaukee's efforts to enhance its bicycle infrastructure and promote cycling were further recognized in 2019 when it attained silver-level status from the League of American Bicyclists.
2019: Expected Lakefront Service
The Lakefront service, an extension of The Hop, was expected to commence operation by 2019.
2020: Incarcerated and Student Population in 2020 Census
The 2020 census for Milwaukee included 1,198 individuals in adult correctional facilities and 9,625 individuals residing in university student housing.
2020: End of American Community Survey Period
The American Community Survey, providing estimates for socioeconomic factors in Milwaukee, concluded its data collection for the 2016-2020 period.
2020: 2020 Census
According to the 2020 Census, Milwaukee's population was 577,222, with a population density of 6,001.2 inhabitants per square mile.
2020: 2020 United States Census
The 2020 United States Census determined that Milwaukee had a population of 577,222, making it the 31st-most populous city in the United States.
2020: Milwaukee's Regional GDP
In 2020, Milwaukee's regional GDP surpassed $102 billion, solidifying its position as a significant economic center.
January 2021: St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral Financial Challenges
In January 2021, the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, a significant landmark for Milwaukee's Serbian community, faced financial difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading the congregation to put the American Serb Hall, which they operated, up for sale.
2021: "Amtrak Connects Us" Initiative
As a result of the 2021 infrastructure bill and the "Amtrak Connects Us" initiative, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station is slated to once again accommodate passenger trains to Madison and Green Bay.
2021: Lead Levels in School Drinking Fountains
As of 2021, out of over 3,000 drinking fountains in the Milwaukee Public School District, 183 were found to have lead levels exceeding the federal action level of 15 parts per billion.
2021: Mayor Tom Barrett Retires
Tom Barrett retired as the longest-serving mayor of any of the United States' 50 largest cities in 2021.
2022: Milwaukee's On-Street Bicycle Facilities
By 2022, Milwaukee had established an extensive network of on-street bicycle facilities, spanning 195 miles (314 km) and encompassing various types of bicycle lanes, boulevards, and trails.
2022: Commuting Patterns in Milwaukee
The 2022 American Community Survey shed light on the commuting habits of Milwaukee residents. According to the survey, 66% of working residents commuted by driving alone, while 11.1% carpooled, 4.5% relied on public transportation, and 4.3% opted for walking.
2022: Homeless Population Estimate Reduced
The estimate of homeless people in Milwaukee was reduced to 832 in 2022.
August 2023: Bublr Bikes Expansion
As of August 2023, the Bublr Bikes system has expanded to include over 100 stations across Milwaukee and the neighboring cities of West Allis and Wauwatosa, providing a wider coverage area for users.
2024: Architectural Digest Ranks Milwaukee's Skyline
In 2024, Architectural Digest, a prominent design publication, recognized Milwaukee's skyline as the 15th most beautiful in the world.
2025: Renewable Energy Goal
Milwaukee aims to achieve its goal of using renewable energy for 25% of the city's electricity by 2025.
2026: Goal for Protected Bicycle Lanes
The following year, the city set an ambitious goal of significantly expanding its protected bicycle lane network from 2.6 miles (4.2 km) to 50 miles (80 km) by 2026.
2035: Projected Operation of New Train Routes
The goal is to have the new train routes connecting Milwaukee to Madison and Green Bay operational by 2035.