Property Record
CATHEDRAL PARK
Architecture and History Inventory
| Historic Name: | COURTHOUSE SQUARE |
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| Other Name: | CATHEDRAL PARK |
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| Reference Number: | 16658 |
| Location (Address): | CATHEDRAL PARK |
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| County: | Milwaukee |
| City: | Milwaukee |
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| Year Built: | 1837 |
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| Additions: | |
| Survey Date: | 200420102021 |
| Historic Use: | park |
| Architectural Style: | NA (unknown or not a building) |
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| Demolished?: | No |
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| National/State Register Listing Name: | Not listed |
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| Additional Information: | Cathedral Park is the site of the original Milwaukee County seat and public grounds. Solomon Juneau and Morgan L. Martin conveyed to the county lots 4 and 5 (north half) in block 71 in 1837. It was described as a natural grove with a large indentation which remained filled with water after a rainy period. Juneau restricted any construction on the south half of the block so as to not obstruct the view of passersby traveling on Wisconsin Ave. The first courthouse was built during the same year in the Greek Revival style of Tuscan Order. A log house was built to the rear and served as the first jail. In 1849, Juneau deeded lots 2 and 3 for the new brick jail. After considerable debate the County Commissioners resolved to purchase the balance of the block to expand the facilities and created Court House Square. In 1868, the existing structures were razed and the new courthouse was dedicated in 1873. Courthouse Square was transferred from the County Board to the County Parks Commission in 1939. It was renamed Cathedral Square in honor of St. John's Cathedral which faces the park on the east side and the courthouse and eleborate wrought iron fountain were demolished. Presently it serves as an integral part of the County's extensive park system. Other resources found at this park include AHI #0016341 and 0017127 as well as a bronze plaque on a corat stone recognizing the parks' donors and a bronze tablet on marble which marks the spot of the first courthouse and jail. 2010: Occupying an entire block, Cathedral Square Park is bounded by E. Kilbourn Avenue to the north, N. Jackson Street to the west, E. Wells Street to the south and N. Van Buren Street to the east. Dominated by vegetation, the park features concrete walkways that lead to a centrally located, circular, concrete fountain. A sculpted stone statue, resting on a granite base, of a mother and two children includes the inscription, "Dedicated to the Valiant Immigrant Mothers" is located on the west end of the park. Modern playground equipment and a long-term temporary stage also reside on the property. Originally known as Courthouse Square in 1837, the parcel once contained the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Cathedral Park was renamed as such for St. John's Cathedral located to the east and across N. Jackson Street. 2021 - The urban public greenspace now known as Cathedral Park encompasses an entire city block bounded by Milwaukee, Kilbourn, Jackson, and Wells Streets. Originally known as Courthouse Square, sidewalks and grass terraces border the park adjacent to the streets on all four sides. Sidewalks also crisscross the interior, leading from each of the four corners of the park towards a circular fountain area located just south of center. The round concrete fountain does not currently hold water, and a central pedestal that formerly held a statue is empty. The edges of the park are lined with mature trees, and a children’s play area is located in the northwest quadrant. |
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| Bibliographic References: | MILWAUKEE HISTORIC BUILDINGS TOUR: JUNEAUTOWN, CITY OF MILWAUKEE DEPARTMENT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT, 1994. MILWAUKEE HISTORIC BUILDINGS TOUR: YANKEE HILL, CITY OF MILWAUKEE DEPARTMENT OF CITY DEVELOPMENT, 1994. Milwaukee Sentinel 8/3/1873, 8/3. Milwaukee Downtown Connector Arch/History Survey (2010), Prepared by Heritage Research. |
| Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory, State Historic Preservation Office, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, Wisconsin |