Milwaukee is dedicated to keeping our history alive, and there is a lot of it. From our industrial era to our astounding architecture, Milwaukee history is as fascinating as it is beautiful. Thanks to a large catalog of historic photographs, we can view today what our city looked like as far back as the early 1900s! Brew City’s roots run far back into history, but you can still see glimpses of present day beneath the film of these photographs from over a century ago.
- City Hall
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. In 1901, our city hall was the tallest structure in the country. Now, though without the claim of “tallest,” it still is as beautiful as it was then.
- Wisconsin Street
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Did you know Wisconsin Avenue used to be Wisconsin Street? We wonder if it was as busy then as it is now! It sure looks like it.
- New Public Library
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. The Milwaukee Central Library is the oldest library in the city, but it was once named New Public Library.
- Pabst Building
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Look at where are roots have taken us…
- West Michigan Street
Library of Congress This public service building was bustling with workers in 1905. Our industry field might not be what it was then, but our architecture on Michigan Ave. is still just as beautiful.
- Layton Art Gallery
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Art galleries today aren’t this rich!
- Shipping on the Milwaukee River
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Our river used to be a channel used to ship goods. Now, we mostly boat on it for fun, but how cool is it to see how it was used in 1900?
- Juneau Park
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Lake Michigan was looking good in 1900, though many other parks have popped up alongside it since.
- Schlitz Brewery
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Can you believe they used to use horse-drawn delivery trucks?
- American Bowling Congress
Library of Congress/Geo. R. Lawrence Co. This bowling tournament in the early 1900s was a big deal. It’s no wonder we’ve held onto the sport so dearly.
- Lobby of Hotel Pfister
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Many believe thePfister is haunted, but these photos don’t look too scary to us!
- The Parlor inside Hotel Pfister
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. The decor was just as charming and elegant so many years ago.
- Dining Room of Hotel Pfister
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co. Who do you think held their banquets here in 1900? They must have been extravagant!
Did you imagine that this is how Milwaukee used to look? Does it bring up stories from your own past? Share your thoughts below!
Library of Congress/Detroit Publishing Co.
In 1901, our city hall was the tallest structure in the country. Now, though without the claim of “tallest,” it still is as beautiful as it was then.
Did you know Wisconsin Avenue used to be Wisconsin Street? We wonder if it was as busy then as it is now! It sure looks like it.
The Milwaukee Central Library is the oldest library in the city, but it was once named New Public Library.
Look at where are roots have taken us…
Library of Congress
This public service building was bustling with workers in 1905. Our industry field might not be what it was then, but our architecture on Michigan Ave. is still just as beautiful.
Art galleries today aren’t this rich!
Our river used to be a channel used to ship goods. Now, we mostly boat on it for fun, but how cool is it to see how it was used in 1900?
Lake Michigan was looking good in 1900, though many other parks have popped up alongside it since.
Can you believe they used to use horse-drawn delivery trucks?
Library of Congress/Geo. R. Lawrence Co.
This bowling tournament in the early 1900s was a big deal. It’s no wonder we’ve held onto the sport so dearly.
Many believe thePfister is haunted, but these photos don’t look too scary to us!
The decor was just as charming and elegant so many years ago.
Who do you think held their banquets here in 1900? They must have been extravagant!
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