Milwaukee has quite an interesting history, but very few of us weren’t around 100 years ago to see it. Brew City has kept a lot of its past alive to this day. From our breweries to our beautiful City Hall, you can see where our little city comes from. Here’s what Milwaukee looked like 100 years ago.
This sweeping panoramic view of the city was snapped around 1898.
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Public Domain
For nearly 80 years, City Hall was Milwaukee’s tallest building. It still outshines many buildings, just like it did here in 1901.
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Company / Public Domain
Here’s the Mitchell Building in 1876. It’s said to have housed Milwaukee’s first mayor.
Wikimedia Commons / Photographer W. H. Sherman, Public Domain
Milwaukee has always been an industry city, and many railroad connections like these from 1901 are still in operation.
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
1914: The Milwaukee Turnverein gymnasium, now Turner Hall, is still fully operating and acts as a concert venue.
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
The Pabst Building occupied this spot on Wisconsin Ave. between 1891 to 1981.
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
This photo, snapped sometime between 1880 and 1899, shows the Chicago & North Western Railway Station.
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Co. / Public Domain
This detailed drawing of the popular Menomonee Valley was created in 1882!
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
How cool is this photo of pit crews working on the racecars at the 1912 American Grand Prize? The race was held in Wauwatosa.
Wikimedia Commons / Wisconsin Historical Society Caleb Bragg, the driver of car #41, won the race!
The Merrill Theatre, circa 1917. This vaudeville themed theatre is now filled with shoppers, as it sat where the Shops of Grand Avenue are today.
Flickr / CharmaineZoe’s Marvelous Melange
Here’s another amazing drawing detailing the city of Milwaukee as seen from Bay View circa 1882.
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Ok, so this photo isn’t of the city, but we think it’s pretty cool! The USS Milwaukee (C-21) was named for the city in honor of its sponsor, Janet Mitchell - daughter of U.S. Senator John L. Mitchell of Wisconsin. The ship was completed in 1904, but ran aground in Eureka, CA and stranded in 1917.
Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Naval Historical Center, Public Domain
Which historic Milwaukee photo was your favorite? What similarities do you see between the past and present-day? Let us know in the comments!
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Public Domain
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Company / Public Domain
Wikimedia Commons / Photographer W. H. Sherman, Public Domain
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Detroit Publishing Co. / Public Domain
Wikimedia Commons / Wisconsin Historical Society
Caleb Bragg, the driver of car #41, won the race!
Flickr / CharmaineZoe’s Marvelous Melange
Wikimedia Commons / U.S. Naval Historical Center, Public Domain
For more fascinating information about our little city, check out these awesome facts about Milwaukee.
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