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Lac La Belle, 1900

View across Lac La BelleLac La BelleLac La Belle toward lakeside factories, residences, and churches. View the original source document: WHI 94729

Oconomowoc is located 50 miles east of Madison, between the Oconomowoc River, Lac La Belle and Fowler Lake. The name means "where the waters meet," or "river of lakes," in Potawatomi.

Aumable Vicau established Oconomowoc's first trading post in 1827 but the first settler, Charles Sheldon, did not arrive until 1837.

Oconomowoc was incorporated as a town in 1844. A plank road was built in 1850 connecting Oconomowoc with Milwaukee, Waukesha, Pewaukee and Watertown. The town grew quickly as a result, home to 250 people by 1853 as well as 10 stores, three hotels, a grist mill, a sawmill and a schoolhouse. The completion of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad only accelerated growth.

In the late 19th century, Oconomowoc became known as a resort town. Wealthy residents from around the country, including six U.S. Presidents, enjoyed the town and the Draper Hall Hotel.

Notable Oconomowoc residents include scientist and historian Increase Lapham (1811-1875) and J.S. Rockwell, who opened the gristmill and developed the town's fire department, library and elementary school.

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Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

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Source: WHS Library-Archives Staff, 2009