Milwaukee grew from a small fur-trading outpost to a city of more than 20,000 people by 1850, quickly becoming one of the most important ports and grain-shipping centers in the world. A wave of German immigrants arriving between 1846 and 1854 brought industrial skills and culture that shaped the cityās brewing, manufacturing, and trade industries. By 1860, Milwaukee was shipping more wheat than any other city on earth, and its factories produced everything from steam engines to agricultural machinery. The rare photographs and images below offer a glimpse into Milwaukeeās streets, buildings, and daily life during the 1850s and 1860s.
Hyatt House Hotel and its environs before the hotel burned down: A. Hyatt Smith built the Hyatt House on the site of the old Stevens House Hotel on the west side of the Rock River around 1856. The Stevens Hotel burned down on April 1, 1853. West Milwaukee and Franklin Street is the corner on which this hotel stood. Five stories high and built of brick, the Hyatt House was the most elaborate of the cityās nineteenth-century hotels. Its dining room could seat 400ā500 guests at one time. The building was destroyed by fire on October 12, 1867. Chester A. Arthur is said to have stayed at the Hyatt House in 1857, before he was president, when he was on a tour of the West on a prospecting trip. Stephen A. Douglas, a Democratic candidate for President against Abraham Lincoln, gave a campaign speech at this hotel on October 12, 1860.
Photo one, on the corner of River and Milwaukee Streets, includes views of the Hall, Sayles and Fifield Jewelry Store, Sarasy Drugs, and Kimball Undertaking as well. In the street, horse-drawn carriages, stores with awnings, and a man on a bicycle are seen. Photo two shows the parade crossing Milwaukee Street bridge. Chauncey Miltimore leads the parade on horseback, followed by a marching band.
The First National Bank is on the right-hand corner. A harness shop is next to the bank. Horses and wagons are tied up along the unpaved street.
Built by Charles Durkee in 1843 and burned January 31, 1871. Claimed to be the first brick hotel in Wisconsin, the second one being the Kirby House in Milwaukee built in 1844. The Durkee House was the first brick building in Kenosha.
This 1856 photo shows Janesvilleās Hyatt House Hotel and its environs before the hotel burned down. A. Hyatt Smith built the Hyatt House on the site of the old Stevens House Hotel on the west side of the Rock River around 1856. The Stevens Hotel burned down on April 1, 1853. West Milwaukee and Franklin Street is the corner on which this hotel stood. Five stories high and built of brick, the Hyatt House was the most elaborate of the cityās nineteenth-century hotels. Its dining room could seat 400ā500 guests at one time. The building was destroyed by fire on October 12, 1867. Chester A. Arthur is said to have stayed at the Hyatt House in 1857, before he was president, when he was on a tour of the West on a prospecting trip. Stephen A. Douglas, a Democratic candidate for President against Abraham Lincoln, gave a campaign speech at this hotel on October 12, 1860.
Elevated view of the first Milwaukee railroad depot, which was used by the Milwaukee & Waukesha and the Milwaukee & Mississippi railroads. The Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway acquired the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad in 1868 and later diverted the passenger trains to the Union Depot on Reed Street. The presence of passenger cars to the north of the depot suggests that this picture was taken shortly before that move.
Courthouse built in 1836, then torn down in 1871 to make way for a new structure. Tall central building with two wings coming off the sides. A path in front of the building curves among trees.
After the fire of October 22, 1865. The house takes up most of the image to the right, with burnt trees on the left and a building in the background. The road is in the lower foreground, and an unharmed tree is on the right.
Outdoor group portrait of the members of Milwaukee Hook and Ladder Company No. 1. Two men are posing behind the group on a platform bearing several U.S. flags and a banner, possibly recognizing the date the company was established, August 12, 1854.
Stereograph. This building, which was destroyed by fire in 1866, was located in the commercial district known as Market Square. The Square was actually a triangular piece of land that extended from East Water Street near Mason to Market Street at Juneau Avenue. From the middle of the nineteenth century on, it served as a social center for German-American civic life and included shops, beer halls, boardinghouses, and meeting halls. In the image, the large building has wings with roofs that step down two levels out to each side. A group of people stand on the right. On the left are more storefronts with awnings.
Elevated view over rooftops looking toward the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Seamanās Furniture and Rooms building is surrounded by other commercial buildings.
Exterior view of the Emil Wallber house with four people standing near the entrance. Wallber was the mayor of Milwaukee from 1884 to 1888. The location of the house was probably 604 Galena Street at its intersection with Sixth Avenue. This house was reported to be the first brick house to be moved in the city.
A bridge is on the left and a man is standing on it. Several boats are on the river, and some snow can be seen on pilings and piers. Located at the corner of Ferry and S. Water Street and seen from E. Water Street.
First building of Milwaukee College planned by Catherine E. Beecher. Front of building with gothic detailing in the architecture.
The first floor consists of businesses run by Dewey, Highby & Wardner, and Cary & Taylor. The Milwaukee Sentinel office was on the second floor of this building. A horse is tied to the post at the right, and a cart stands in front of the building. A couple is walking on the board sidewalk.
