Milwaukee Through History

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A Young Reader's Guide to the People and Events That Shaped a City

James K. Nelsen

New perspectives on state and national history through the lens of Wisconsin's oldest and largest city.

224 pages, 8 x 10, 133 color and b&w photos
Paperback: $29.95 | ISBN: 978-1-9766-0003-6
Ebook: $19.99 | ISBN: 978-1-9766-0004-3
Publication Date: 12/2/2025

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Description

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Milwaukee is the oldest and largest city in Wisconsin. Over its long history, the city has gone through multiple transformations—from a resource-rich homeland of Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and other First Nations peoples, to an immigrant hub and industrial boomtown, to its current status as a cosmopolitan urban center and vibrant tourist destination. This richly illustrated book for middle grade and high school learners dives deep into the story of Milwaukee and explores the city's role in Wisconsin and US history.

Using a plethora of primary sources and archival photos, Milwaukee Through History reveals the key people, places, events, and innovations that made Milwaukee—and national—history, including:

Freedom seeker Joshua Glover
Industrial giants such as Harley Davidson and Allen Bradley
Whitnall Park and the North Point Water Tower
Labor movements and the fair housing marches
Civil rights leader Vel Phillips

Author James K. Nelsen sheds new light on important events and milestones in history, including the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and the Great Migration. Written with middle and high school readers in mind, the book will appeal to people of all ages who are curious about Milwaukee’s history and culture. Milwaukee Through History is both an engaging supplement to Wisconsin and US history curricula and a great read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of a diverse and dynamic city.

Author Bio

James K. Nelsen is a lifelong resident of Milwaukee, where he teaches social studies and history courses at Golda Meir High School. He is the author of Educating Milwaukee and A History Lover’s Guide to Milwaukee. He has a PhD in urban history from UW–Milwaukee.