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

Milwaukee-Downer College

Photographed By Paul F, May 25, 2010

1. Milwaukee-Downer College Marker

Inscription. On September 14, 1848, Mrs. William L. Parsons, the wife of a Congregational minister, opened the Milwaukee Female Seminary at the corner of Milwaukee and East Wells. Three years later it was chartered by the Legislature, thus placing Wisconsin in the vanguard of education at a time when colleges for women were almost unknown. A new building was erected at 1120 North Milwaukee Street.

In 1855 the Wisconsin Female College, later named Downer College, was chartered at Fox Lake. Both schools experienced financial difficulties until they merged to become Milwaukee-Downer College in 1895. The two institutions combined their resources and moved in 1899 to this site which became a new campus of forty wooded acres.

When the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee purchased this campus in 1964, Milwaukee-Downer College moved to Appleton to join Lawrence College and now is part of Lawrence University.

Erected 1965 by State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 147.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1885.

Location. 43° 4.663′ N, 87° 52.688′ W. Marker is in Milwaukee

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, Wisconsin, in Milwaukee County. It is in Downer Woods. Marker is at the intersection of East Hartford Ave and North Downer Avenue on East Hartford Ave. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Milwaukee WI 53211, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Milwaukee-Downer College Buildings (within shouting distance of this marker); The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Golda Meir (about 800 feet away); Carl Sandburg Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Lake Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); Prehistoric Burial Mound (approx. 0.6 miles away); Lueddemann’s-On-The-River (approx. 0.6 miles away); Old Sauk Trail (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Milwaukee.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Photographed By Paul F, May 25, 2010

2. Milwaukee-Downer College Marker

Photographed By Paul F, May 25, 2010

3. Milwaukee-Downer College Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,034 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on July 5, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 26, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.