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

Village of Big Bend

Photographed by Linda Hansen, ca. 2017

1. Village of Big Bend Marker

Inscription. In 1837, in anticipation of the “Great Wisconsin Land Sale” of 1839, Aaron and Elvira Putnam settled near a “Big Bend” in the Fox River. Potawatomi Indians camped on the river, but there were no white settlers at what was then the Milwaukee and Prairieville Trails (now County Highway L, and State Highway 164). Aaron was later joined by his brothers, and early Big Bend owed nearly everything to their enterprising ways. The Putnam brothers built the first sawmill in 1841, the first inn (still standing on the corner of Nevins Street) in 1842, and the first post office in 1846. In 1893, the Hygeia Spring #2 pumped water to be sold for a penny a glass at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Big Bend was noted for its sugar bushes, maple syrup, black walnut and oak trees, the descendants of which are still enjoyed today. The village was incorporated in 1928, the first police department formed in 1941, the first volunteer fire department in 1951, the library in 1964, and the Sibyll Yug Memorial Museum in 1981.

Erected 1990 by Waukesha County Historical Society. (Marker Number 01-02.)

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 42° 52.658′ N, 88° 12.566′ W. Marker is in Big Bend, Wisconsin, in Waukesha County. It is at the intersection of Nevins Street and Milwaukee Avenue (County Road L), on the left when traveling east on Nevins Street. Mounted on the Village Hall building, to right of entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: W230 S9185 Nevins St, Big Bend WI 53103, 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

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: Maney Ridge Prehistoric Effigy Mounds (approx. 0.8 miles away); Haseltine Cobblestone House

This marker was moved from a post to the side of the building. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Linda Hansen, circa 2017

2. This marker was moved from a post to the side of the building.

(approx. 1.1 miles away); Town of Vernon (approx. 2 miles away); Dodges Corners Cemetery (approx. 2.2 miles away); The Reformed Presbyterian Church of Vernon (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Devil's Teapot (approx. 3½ miles away); Old Muskego Town Hall (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Electric Interurban Muskego Centre Station (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Bend.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Muskego (was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Former location of the Village of Big Bend Marker. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Paul F, November 9, 2010

3. Former location of the Village of Big Bend Marker.

New location is just to left of flag pole, mounted to exterior wall.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,523 times since then and 104 times this year. Last updated on June 20, 2011, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2020, by Linda Hansen of Waukesha, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on November 15, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Richfield, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.