MILWAUKEE

city, seat (1836) of Milwaukee county, southeastern Wisconsin, U.S., and port of entry on Lake Michigan, where the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic rivers join and flow into Milwaukee Bay. Visited by French missionaries and fur traders in the 17th century, it was Mahn-a-waukee Seepe (Gathering Place by the River) for various Indian tribes; and, although settled in 1800, the town did not develop until the Indians relinquished their claims (183133). Two villages (Juneautown and Kilbourntown) were laid out in 1835 with lively rivalry over bridges, streets, and finances. They were united as autonomous wards of the town of Milwaukee in 1839, with Walker's Point added in 1845 and merged into the city in 1846. German settlers played an important part in the city's early cultural development, with waves of immigration occurring about 1840 and 1848, the second contributing wealthy and cultured refugees from Germany's unsuccessful 1848 revolution. Large influxes of Poles and Italians occurred in the 1890s. Industrial development was spurred by the American Civil War, and the city found itself involved with labour unions, disputes, and strikes until the turn of the century. A Progressive-era reform movement brought Milwaukee a reputation for clean and efficient government. The city is also noted for having had three socialist mayors, Emil Seidel (191012), Daniel W. Hoan (191640), and Frank P. Zeidler (194860). The city's fine harbour is open most of the year and accessible to the largest ships using the Great LakesSt. Lawrence Seaway. In addition, extensive air and land transportation systems make it an important gateway to the Northwest. It is a large coal and grain port with increasing overseas trade. Industry, the backbone of the economy, is led by machinery manufacture, metals, beer, and diversified capital and consumer goods. Milwaukee is the headquarters of the Lake States National Forest Region and has a splendid park system with a scenic lakeshore (Lincoln Memorial) drive. The Milwaukee County Zoo, 6 miles (10 km) west, has one of the largest animal collections in the country. Among its many educational institutions are Marquette University (1881), the Milwaukee School of Engineering (1903), Milwaukee Area Technical College (1912), and the University of WisconsinMilwaukee (1885). The city is the home of the Brewers (professional baseball) and Bucks (basketball) teams. Pop. (1990) city, 628,088; Milwaukee-Waukesha PMSA, 1,432,149; Milwaukee-Racine CMSA, 1,607,183; (1994 est.) city, 617,044; (1995 est.) Milwaukee-Waukesha PMSA, 1,457,939; Milwaukee-Racine CMSA, 1,640,831.