Westown in Milwaukee in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Gertie

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

1. Gertie Marker

Inscription.
On September 25, 1997 Eppstein Uhen Architects-Milwaukee, presented this replica of "Gertie" to the City of Milwaukee, in appreciation of their 90 year partnership.

Gertie is the mallard that captivated the City and the Nation in 1945. Replacement of the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge pilings were postponed when it was discovered that Gertie had made a home for her future family under this bridge. Gertie diverted attention as the world watched and awaited the arrival of this Mother's ducklings. At a grim time of war and depression in our nation's history Gertie and her family represented new life and hope.

Eppstein Uhen Architects gratefully acknowledges sculptor Gwendolyn Gillen, Mayor John Norquist, the RiverWalk District and the City of Milwaukee in their support.

Erected by Eppstein Uhen Architects and the City of Milwaukee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1859.

Location. 43° 2.33′ N, 87° 54.612′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Westown. Marker is on the Wisconsin Ave Bridge over the Milwaukee River, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee WI 53202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First House on the East Side of Milwaukee (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin's Oldest Newspaper (within shouting distance of this marker); Milwaukee's Bridge War (within shouting distance of this marker); Milwaukee's Miraculous Mallard (within shouting distance of this marker); Every Building Tells a Story (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Milwaukeeans (within shouting distance of this marker); Nearly a Century of Planning (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Architectural Gems on the Riverfront (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

More about this marker. All of Rosie's ducklings are nearby, along the RiverWalk.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . . Milwaukee's Gertie the Duck. (Submitted on December 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Gertie, Dee Dee, Pee Wee, and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

2. Gertie, Dee Dee, Pee Wee, and Marker

Looking north along the Milwaukee River

Dee Dee Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

3. Dee Dee Marker

Pee Wee Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

4. Pee Wee Marker

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

5. Black Bill

Black Bill Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

6. Black Bill Marker

Rosie Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

7. Rosie Marker

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

8. Rosie

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

9. Freddie

Freddie Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

10. Freddie Marker

Millie Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

11. Millie Marker

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

12. Millie

Gertie and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

13. Gertie and Marker

Looking east across the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge.

Former Gimbel's Department Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

14. Former Gimbel's Department Store

Where Gertie and family found refuge. Bridge tender quarters in foreground.

Gertie Gets Her Ducks in a Row Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

15. Gertie Gets Her Ducks in a Row Marker

Gertie Gets Her Ducks in a Row image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

16. Gertie Gets Her Ducks in a Row

East of Wisconsin Avenue Bridge along the RiverWalk

Gertie RiverWalk Banner image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 5, 2010

17. Gertie RiverWalk Banner

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,151 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. submitted on December 2, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.