History of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 27, 2024

Wauwatosa, a suburb west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had a population of 48,387 as of the 2020 census. Part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area, its name originates from Potawatomi Chief Wauwataesie and the Potawatomi word for firefly.

1914: Demolition of Hart's Mill

Charles Hart's mill, which gave Wauwatosa its original name, Hart's Mill, was torn down in 1914.

1916: Design of Washington Highlands

Renowned city planner Werner Hegemann designed the Washington Highlands residential neighborhood in 1916.

1927: Annexation of North Milwaukee

In 1927, the city of Milwaukee annexed the southern part of former North Milwaukee, which was once part of the Town of Wauwatosa.

November 25, 1952: Annexation and Industrial Development

On November 25, 1952, Wauwatosa annexed 8.5 square miles of land west of the Menomonee River, leading to the establishment of cold storage facilities, food distribution terminals, and industrial plants from companies like Harley-Davidson and Briggs & Stratton.

1957: Adoption of City Seal

Wauwatosa adopted a city seal in 1957, designed by 9-year-old Suzanne Vallier. The seal's quadrants represent the city's history and values.

1957: Construction of Memorial Center

Wauwatosa's Memorial Center, housing the public library, an auditorium, and city hall, was built in 1957.

1961: Bob Dylan Writes "On, Wisconsin"

Bob Dylan penned the lyrics for an unrecorded song titled "On, Wisconsin" in 1961, featuring Wauwatosa as the narrator's hometown.

1972: End of Commuter Rail Service

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (Milwaukee Road) Main line's commuter service between Milwaukee and Watertown ended in 1972.

1989: Historic Districts Added to National Register

The Washington Highlands Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, along with the Kneeland-Walker House.

1992: Removal of Christian Cross from City Seal

In 1992, following a lawsuit threat, the Wauwatosa Common Council removed a Christian cross from the city seal and replaced it with "In God We Trust."

1998: Historic District Added to National Register

In 1998, the Milwaukee County School of Agriculture and Domestic Economy Historic District, located on a former high school campus, was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

2000: Census Data

The 2000 census reported Wauwatosa's median household income as $54,519 and the median family income as $68,030.

2010: Census Data

According to the 2010 census, Wauwatosa had a population of 46,396 with a racial makeup of 89.6% White, 4.5% African American, and other races making up the remaining percentage.

2018: Completion and Recording of "On, Wisconsin"

Local musician Trapper Schoepp completed Bob Dylan's 1961 lyrics for "On, Wisconsin" and recorded the song at Wauwatosa's Wire & Vice studio in 2018.

July 2019: Installation of Murals

Wauwatosa's Tourism Commission sponsored the installation of new murals by professional artists in July 2019, curated by Wallpapered City and displayed along North Avenue.

February 2, 2020: Shooting of Alvin Cole

On February 2, 2020, a police officer fatally shot 17-year-old Alvin Cole at Mayfair Mall. The incident sparked protests due to the lack of charges against the officer.