Waukesha

Waukesha is a county seat in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, sitting at 271 meters (890 feet) above sea level. The Fox River flows through its 65 square kilometers (25 square miles) of land, which contains residential neighborhoods, commercial streets, and parks.

Morris D. Cutler became the first settler in this area in 1834, when the place was known as Prairie Village. The community grew steadily and received its official incorporation as a city in 1896.

The name derives from the Ojibwe word Waagoshag, meaning fox, honoring the region's original inhabitants. Today the city carries this connection to its indigenous past forward in its identity.

Public transportation connects different parts of the area, allowing visitors to explore without a personal vehicle. The city regularly posts updates about roadwork and construction, which helps with planning travel routes through town.

In the late 1800s, visitors traveled from distant places to drink the spring water, which was believed to have healing properties. This period earned the town its nickname Spring City, remembered to this day.

Location: Waukesha County

Inception: 1834

Elevation above the sea: 271 m

Shares border with: Pewaukee

Website: http://ci.waukesha.wi.us

GPS coordinates: 43.01167,-88.23167

Latest update: December 15, 2025 20:44