Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa is a residential suburb in Milwaukee County with tree-lined streets and mixed neighborhoods spread across the landscape. The city center focuses on State Street, where shopping and local services gather together.

Charles Hart founded the first settlement in 1835 at the intersection of Harwood and Wauwatosa Avenue, building a mill by the Menomonee River. This marked the start of what would become a suburban community growing alongside Milwaukee.

The Little Red Store from 1854 shapes the downtown landscape and shows how the community has evolved over generations. The building served as a grocery store, post office, railroad depot, and library in succession, reflecting the changing needs of residents.

The Mayfair Mall between North Avenue and Center Street offers diverse shopping options with department stores and specialty shops for different needs. The downtown area along State Street is easy to navigate and provides ample parking for visitors.

The name comes from the Potawatomi word for firefly and was influenced by Chief Wauwataesie, preserving the native heritage of the region. This choice of name reveals the connection to the natural environment and the indigenous roots of the land.

Location: Milwaukee County

Elevation above the sea: 205 m

Website: http://wauwatosa.net

GPS coordinates: 43.05889,-88.02611

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:58