Ozaukee County, Wisconsin

A Lakefront in Transition A Reminder of Days Past A Unique Dinner Bell About the Quarry and the Limestone Anchor from Steamer Toledo Ancient Paths Baeseman Log Cabin Birthplace of Flag Day Blake Building Bublitz Store Cedarburg Mill Cedarburg Woolen Mill Cemetery Outhouse Chair Factory History Charles A Mueller Tannery (1872-1903) Cistern Coal Dock Park Prairie Restoration Concordia Mill Deckers Corners Destination and Uses of the Limestone Excess Soil Fire! Fire! Fire! Fishermen's Park Access Bridge Five Corners From Booming Business to Quiet Park Gierach Smokehouse Grafton Lime Kilns Hamilton Hamilton Turnhalle Henry Kolwey Homesite Historic Cedarburg Historic Thiensville In Loving Memory In memory of Pater J Schardt Interurban Bridge / Riding the Interurban Isham Day House John F. Gierach House Kaehlers Mill Klumb-Beuscher Bake Oven Lake Michigan Habitat Lakeside Brewery Site Last Covered Bridge Leland Stanford Liberty Tree Memorial Lime Kiln Dam Lime Kiln Dam Removal Limestone Little Quarry Loppnow Drug Store Louis and Pauline Staudy Residence Maas-Bublitz Residence Mueller Machine Shed Murder! National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark Northerner Of Valor and Sorrow Oil House Oldest Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Origin of Cedar Creek / Mills on the Creek Oscar Bublitz Store 1920 Paramount Records & F.W. Boerner Company Paramount Records Legacy Parsonage Barn Play Ball Port Washington Civil War Draft Riot Port Washington Fire Engine House Port Washington Light Station Port Washington State Bank Centennial Pavilion Pot Kiln Propeller from the S.S. Badger Radue Chicken Coop Reimer, Gerlach Residence Robert Cooley Homestead Sauk Creek Habitat Improvement Project Schumacher Building Sidewheel Steamer Niagara St. Cecilia Catholic Church St. Mary's Church Stone Crusher Stonehaven Housing Teacherage Summer Kitchen The Art of Commercial Fishing The Blues Trail: Paramount Records The Commercial House The Company Store The Company Town The First 100 Years The History of Knellsville, WI The History of the Boerner Building The Krier House The Lights of Port Washington The Northerner The Old Ozaukee County Courthouse The Saukville Trails The Steamer Niagara: The Fiery End The Wilson House The Wisconsin Chair Company Fire They Had To Go A Fishin' Thiensville Hotel Thiensville Mills Thiensville Recreation Parlor Thiensville State Bank Thiensville’s First Bank Thiensville’s First General Store Those That Fished Toledo 1854-1856 Trinity Horse Shed Reconstruction Trinity School Woodshed Veterans Memorial Village Hall & Fire House 1914 Vogt Woodshed/Radue Gas Engine Washington Avenue Historic District / Historic District Architecture Water Transport Welcome to the Grafton Riverwalk Well Wisconsin Street School Bell Wisconsin's German Settlers Wisconsin’s Luxembourgers Woodland Habitat
Ozaukee County, located in Wisconsin, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi and Menominee, who utilized the land for hunting and farming. In the early 1800s, European settlers began arriving in the area, establishing small communities along the Milwaukee River.

The county was officially formed in 1853, taking its name from the Native American word "ozaskeek," meaning "yellow earth" or "fine dust." Agriculture played a significant role in the early economy, with farmers cultivating crops such as wheat, corn, and oats. The Milwaukee River also served as a vital transportation route, enabling trade and commerce to flourish.

The growth of industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought about significant changes in Ozaukee County. The establishment of flour mills, sawmills, and other factories spurred economic development and attracted more settlers to the area. The village of Port Washington, located along Lake Michigan, became an important center for commerce, with its natural harbor serving as a hub for shipping and trade.

Over time, Ozaukee County continued to thrive and adapt to changing times. The construction of highways and railroads further enhanced transportation and connectivity within the region. Today, the county remains a vibrant and dynamic community, with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism. Its natural beauty, historic sites, and small-town charm continue to attract visitors and residents alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin:

  • 1835: Treaty of Chicago opens the area for settlement
  • 1839: Ozaukee County is created as part of Milwaukee County
  • 1840s: German immigrants begin to settle in the area
  • 1853: Ozaukee County is officially established as a separate county
  • 1854: Port Washington becomes the county seat
  • Late 1800s: Growth of industry, particularly shipbuilding and manufacturing
  • Early 1900s: Expansion of transportation infrastructure, including railroads and highways
  • Mid-1900s: Shift from agriculture to manufacturing and service industries
  • 1980s: Growth in residential development and population
  • 1990s: Preservation efforts to protect historical buildings and landmarks

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

Audiobooks about the history of Wisconsin.