Lincoln Creek Parkway Listed in the State Register of Historic Place
For Immediate Release
Contact: Kara O’Keeffe
kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org
August 28, 2020
Lincoln Creek Parkway Listed in the State Register of Historic Place
Milwaukee, WI. - The Wisconsin Historical Society placed the Lincoln Creek Parkway (Milwaukee, Milwaukee County) on the State Register of Historic Places on August 14, 2020.
The Lincoln Creek Parkway is located at the north end of the outer loop of two concentric, connected, oval-shaped chains of parkways that form the Milwaukee County Parks. First conceived in 1923 and known as the “Emerald Necklace,” the parkways were designed by landscape architect Charles Whitnall. As with many of the parkways, Lincoln Creek took form when the New Deal of the 1930s brought Works Progress Administration (WPA) funding and labor to Milwaukee. Construction began in November 1935 and lasted for several decades.
Initial parkway development focused on flood control since major water and ice jams threatened the area. Workers diverted, straightened, and deepened the creek; constructed masonry retaining walls; and added storm sewers. They also built bridges including those at N. Teutonia Avenue and N. 35th and W. Congress Streets. By 1950 ownership of the Parkway transferred from the City of Milwaukee to Milwaukee County. During the post-World War II era the Milwaukee County Park Commission’s focus shifted from land acquisition and flood control to development of scenic parkway and recreational facilities. These included street improvements, bike and pedestrian trails, sports equipment, and work in Meaux Park on the eastern end of the Parkway.
The Parkway reflects the aims of the Milwaukee County Park Commissioners who advocated developing a parkway system to relieve urban congestion, provide a hygienic and scenic landscape, provide outdoor recreational spaces, increase adjacent property values, and control flood-prone watersheds. The Parkway continues to be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
The State Register is Wisconsin's official list of state properties determined to be significant to Wisconsin's heritage. The State Historic Preservation Office at the Wisconsin Historical Society administers both the State Register and National Register in Wisconsin.
To learn more about the State and National Register programs in Wisconsin, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.
About the Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
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