National Register Listing

Cass-Wells Street Historic District

712, 718, and 724 E. Wells St. and 801, 809, 815, 819, and 823 N. Cass St., Milwaukee, WI
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state's name is derived from the Wisconsin River, which was named by the French traders and explorers who arrived in the area in the 17th century. The river's name is believed to come from the Ojibwe word "meskonsing," which means "it lies red" or "red stone place."
Wisconsin random facts
Milwaukee County, located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Ho-Chunk. In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive and establish fur trading posts in the region.

In 1834, Solomon Juneau and Byron Kilbourn, two pioneers, founded the town of Milwaukee, which quickly grew due to its strategic location on the western shore of Lake Michigan. With access to waterways and proximity to the Mississippi River system, Milwaukee became an important trading center. In 1846, the town was officially incorporated as the City of Milwaukee.

Milwaukee County was established in 1835 as one of the original counties in the Wisconsin Territory. As the population of Milwaukee grew, so did the county's importance. The city became a major industrial hub and attracted immigrants from various countries, including Germany, Ireland, Poland, and Italy. These immigrants played a significant role in shaping the culture and identity of Milwaukee.

In the early 20th century, Milwaukee County faced challenges associated with urbanization and industrialization. The county experienced growth and prosperity, but also social and economic inequality. Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Milwaukee County has made efforts to address these issues through urban planning, social programs, and economic development initiatives. Today, Milwaukee County is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, diverse population, and strong sense of community.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

  • 1834 - Milwaukee County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1838 - The city of Milwaukee becomes the county seat.
  • 1846 - Wisconsin becomes a state and Milwaukee County remains part of it.
  • 1860 - Completion of the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad brings economic growth to the county.
  • 1893 - Construction of the Milwaukee City Hall is completed.
  • 1939 - Completion of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee campus.
  • 1950 - Milwaukee Braves, the county's Major League Baseball team, wins the National League pennant.
  • 2000 - Completion of the Milwaukee Art Museum's iconic Calatrava-designed addition.
  • 2010 - Milwaukee County opens the Oak Leaf Trail, a 125-mile multi-use trail system.