History of Watertown, Wisconsin, USA

Watertown, a post-township in the N. part of Jefferson co., Wisconsin. Pop., 1850.

Watertown, a city of Jefferson and Dodge cos., Wis., on the Rock River and on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul R. and the Northwestern Line, 44 miles W. by N. of Milwaukee. It is the seat of the Nortwestern University (Lutheran), organized in 1865, and of the Sacred Heart College (Roman Catholic). It is the centre of an extensive farming region, and has manufactures of machinery, bricks, cigars, flour, apiary-supplies, dairy products, etc. Pop. in 1900, 8437.

Watertown, Wis., June 21. - Fire yesterday destroyed the main factory building of the G. B. Lewis company, manufacturers of beekeepers' supplies and one of the largest in this country. The loss is estimated at $80,000 and was fully insured. Help was asked of Oconomowoc and the department sent an engine, but the fire was under control at the time it reached the city. Several firemen were overcome by the smoke and heat, one of them GUSTAV SCHAULDT, being in a serious condition during the day, but will recover. One hundred and twenty-five men are thrown out of employment.

Probably but one third of the city of Watertown lies within the county of Dodge but it is of importance to make some mention of the place here, from the fact that some of the very early settlers of Dodge county located in or about that portion of Watertown which lies in the town of Emmet Timothy Johnson is said to have been the first settler on that part of Rock river now within the limits of Watertown and the place was known for some years as Johnson's Rapids. Johnson was a native of Connecticut, and after traveling over and living in many parts of the south and cast, he arrived in the village of Racine, in the fall of 1835. In January, 1836, undeterred by the severity of the winter storms, so Mr. Johnson writes in a narrative of his early experiences, he continued his march westward, struck the Rock river valley in the vicinity of Janesville and going to Rockford, Illinois, for a supply of provisions, he renewed his journey, following the course of the river northward. Stopping...

Watertown, Wis. - (UP) - Firemen battled for five and one-half hours before extinguishing a fire which started early today and destroyed the IRA L. HENRY Paper Box manufacturing concern.

The company's three-story main plant building burned to the ground, as did two warehouses containing large supplies of paper board used in production, several company trucks, all plant machinery and office equipment. No one was injured.

Ixonia, Oconomowoc and Watertown firemen fought the fire which, since the company had no night watchman, had a good start before discovery by the local depot agent. Two minor explosions occurred during the fire fighting, but cause of the blaze was unknown.

The plant which employed approximately 60 persons, was engaged in about 60 per cent war work. No estimate was given as to the loss. However, company officials said they would not be able to rebuild for the machinery, now unobtainable, was completely destroyed.

Plant President E. A. PRATT was in Florida....

Watertown, Wis. - (U.P.) - A fire which raged out of control for more than an hour ravaged the Savoy theater today, damaged offices above it and scorched an adjoining hardware store.

One fireman was overcome by smoke. Fire Chief AL LINDY estimated the total loss at more than $50,000.

The fire started in the theater. The front of the KUSEL hardware next door was scorched. Smoke swirled through the National bank building on the other side of the theater but did no damage.

Rock River

First things first, take a stroll along the Rock River. It's a peaceful spot, perfect for a leisurely walk or just chilling with a book. The river adds a calming touch to the town.

Octagon House

Check out the Octagon House. No, it's not some weird geometry experiment gone wrong; it's a historical gem. Tours are available, and you can get a taste of what life was like in the 1800s.

Tivoli Island Park

If you're into parks (who isn't?), Tivoli Island Park is a green oasis. Picnics, frisbee, or just laying on the grass – it's your call. Plus, there's a playground for the little ones.

Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters

Need a caffeine fix? Head to Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters. It's a local joint with fantastic coffee. The aroma alone is worth the visit.

Watertown Historical Society

Dive into Watertown's past at the Historical Society. They've got exhibits, artifacts, and stories that give you a peek into the town's history. It's like a time machine,...