2.
First settled by the Potawatomi tribe, Milwaukee remained a fairly small development until the 1830s. By 1837, the population had grown to several hundred due to the influx of fur traders and their families. It wasn't until the 1840s though that the city really began to prosper. But by 1872, German brewers had made Milwaukee the biggest beer exporter in the country!
3.
The streets on the east side of the Milwaukee River are not directly opposite the streets on the west side. Look carefully and you'll also see that the bridges across the river are positioned at an angle. In the 1840's, the areas east and west of the river rivaled over payment for the bridge that was to connect the two cities. The "war" was so intense that citizens carried white flags when they needed to tread onto rival land. The state legislature settled the Great Bridge Battle in 1845.
4.
Settled on the Marquette University campus in 1966, the little St. Joan of Arc Chapel was first moved from its original home near Lyon, France to New York in 1927. There are many stories and legends associated with the 15th century chapel, but perhaps the most well known concerns a certain stone, said to have been kissed by Joan of Arc before she was burned to death. That stone is supposedly noticeably colder to the touch than any of the others.
5.
The Allen-Bradley Co. Clock is a Milwaukee landmark, and according to the Guinness Book of World's Records, it's the largest 4-faced clock in the world. The ships on Lake Michigan often use the landmark as a navigational reference point.
6.
The Milwaukee Public Museum is considered one of the best natural history museums in the United States. The museum houses more than 6 million specimens and artifacts.
7.
Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes and the fifth largest lake in the world. When it comes to swimming, this is the place to be. However, we'd like to forewarn you ... mid-summer water temperatures linger in the 50's and 60's.
8.
Harley-Davidson, one of the most famous American companies, is based in Milwaukee. Who would've thought that when the small powered bicycle business began in the backyard of the Davidson family, the motorcycle company would eventually sell their bikes to celebrities including Jay Leno?
9.
William Rehnquist, former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, was born in Milwaukee.
10.
Milwaukee is home to the Pabst Mansion, constructed in 1892 for beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. The 37-room Flemish Renaissance-style mansion is one of Milwaukee's most treasured landmarks.
