Okauchee in Waukesha County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Historic Okauchee

Photographed By Paul F, September 30, 2009

1. Historic Okauchee Marker

Inscription. Okauchee, believed to have been derived from the Potawatomi term “gachi” meaning “something small,” was settled in 1839 by Orson Reed. His mill was the first building constructed in the new community and provided lumber for the construction of the nearby Watertown Plank Road in 1850. The following year, Israel and Vesta McConnell constructed a stagecoach inn to serve travelers along the Plank Road. Within two years, the village also had a railroad depot along the newly completed Milwaukee and Watertown Railroad.
It was during the early part of the twentieth century that Okauchee became a resort destination for Milwaukeeans. Tourists came by train and were then escorted by boat to the many small resort hotels and cottages that sprang up around Okauchee Lake. By 1927, Okauchee boasted eleven hotels among its complement of tourist-oriented businesses.
While most of the small cottages have been converted to year-round residences, Okauchee Lake continues to be a destination point for outdoor recreational activities.

Erected 2002 by Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 483.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Settlements & Settlers

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. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.

Location. 43° 6.738′ N, 88° 26.395′ W. Marker is in Okauchee, Wisconsin, in Waukesha County. Marker is at the intersection of Wisconsin Ave and W. Lake Dr., on the right when traveling west on Wisconsin Ave. Marker is located on west side of roundabout at intersection of Wisconsin Ave. and Lake Dr. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Okauchee WI 53069, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Nashotah Mission (approx. 2.2 miles away); Stone Bank (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Inn at Pine Terrace (approx. 2.8 miles away); Bishop Jackson Kemper Home Built 1849 (approx. 3 miles away); St. John's Military Academy (approx. 3.7 miles away); Northwestern Military and Naval Academy (approx. 3.7 miles away); Cushing Memorial Park (approx. 3.8 miles away); Delafield Fish Hatchery (approx. 3.9 miles away).

Roundabout median as seen from in front of marker location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Paul F, September 30, 2009

2. Roundabout median as seen from in front of marker location

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,795 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.