Mequon in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wisconsin's German Settlers

Photographed By Paul F

1. Wisconsin's German Settlers Marker

Inscription. The oldest German settlements in Wisconsin are found in the Town of Mequon. In 1839 a small group of German immigrants from Saxony settled near the Milwaukee River. They were followed that same year by about twenty immigrant families from Pomerania searching for religious freedom. They established farmsteads in the west part of the town and founded the small community of “Freystatt” or “free place,” now known as Freistadt. The first Lutheran church in Wisconsin was built there in 1840. Over the next fifty years, thousands more German immigrants settled in the surrounding area.

Erected 1996 by State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 331.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 43° 13.43′ N, 87° 59.048′ W. Marker is in Mequon, Wisconsin, in Ozaukee County. Marker is on North Cedarburg Rd., half a mile north of Mequon Road, Cedarburg Road, on the left when traveling north. In front of Mequon City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11333 North Cedarburg Rd, Mequon WI 53097, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Isham Day House (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Thiensville (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry Kolwey Homesite (approx. 0.3 miles away); Loppnow Drug Store (approx. 0.3 miles away); Thiensville Recreation Parlor (approx. 0.4 miles away); Bublitz Store (approx. 0.4 miles away); Maas-Bublitz Residence (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Commercial House (approx. 0.4 miles away).

More about this marker. Marker was removed for a street improvement project during the summer of 2010. The city hopes to restore it in the general vicinity in the summer of 2011.

Photographed By Paul F, July 2, 2009

2. Wisconsin's German Settlers Marker

Marker with Mequon City Hall in background

Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, September 3, 2011

3. Wisconsin's German Settlers Marker

Marker has been returned to original location.

Photographed By Melinda Roberts, August 17, 2012

4. Wisconsin's German Settlers Marker

Marker has been moved to a location next to the city pool in a parking lot for the city hall/pool.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,317 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 4, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on August 18, 2012, by Melinda Roberts of De Pere, United States. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.