Watertown: A History

From early encounters with Native Americans to today's thriving tourism industry, Watertown, Wisconsin has proven itself a friendly and welcoming city. The large German population belies the fact that New Englanders actually began the process of taming the Rock River and the land that would become Watertown. This land, surrounded by an oxbow in the Rock River, began calling to American pioneers such as Timothy Johnson in 1836, a siren song of rolling hills and grand rapids. Sawmills, plank roads, and the railroad spurred the town's growth and prosperity, but the people still had obstacles to overcome. Watertown's resolute citizens now work hard to preserve their history while encouraging growth and change.

Watertown: A History is the story of how a serene village became a center for industry, shopping, and recreation while focusing on its best asset-the energetic and hardworking people who lived the Watertown story. Readers will discover how riots broke out when politics took center stage just before the Civil War due to strong anti-Republican sentiments. The bond scandal only decades later is highlighted as the event that plunged Watertown into her darkest days. This volume recounts these stories and more through both images and narrative, fostering a deep respect for the commitments and sacrifices made by its residents of today and yesterday.