African Americans have lived in Wisconsin since the early 18th century, when they participated in the fur trade.

Many arrived in the 1820s and 1830s as slaves belonging to southern lead miners. Before the Civil War several communities of black farmers from the South were established in western Wisconsin.

Many African Americans, including escaping slaves, also came to Wisconsin's cities during the Civil War era.

Black (male) citizens were given the right to vote in a referendum held in 1849, though it was not implemented until 1866.

After World War I increasing numbers of African Americans came to Wisconsin from southern states, though the major migration of black citizens only occured after World War Two.

Most encountered segregation in housing, education, and employment, and many black residents of Wisconsin spent the subsequent decades redressing these injustices.

Learn More

• Read Black History in Wisconsin

• View Pictures of African Americans in the Society's Collections

• Read About Pleasant Ridge, Wisconsin

[Source: Turning Points in Wisconsin History]