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. It 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Milwaukee.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

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 Wizard of Oz (approx. 2.9 miles away); Bishop Jackson Kemper Home Built 1849 (approx. 3 miles away); Gustaf Unonius, New Upsala, and the Scandinavian Parish (approx. 3.6 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).

Other markers no longer nearby. The Inn at Pine Terrace (was approx. 2.8 miles away but has been permanently removed); Oconomowoc Masonic Center (was approx. 3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Oconomowoc

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

(was approx. 3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,095 times since then and 69 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.