Here Are The Oldest Photos Ever Taken In Milwaukee And They’re Incredible

Milwaukee is dedicated to keeping our history alive. Thanks to a large catalog of historic photographs, we can view today what our city looked like many years ago. Brew City’s roots run far back into history, but you can still see glimpses of our past to this. Here are some of the oldest photos taken of the Good Land.

1876: The Mitchell Building, which is said to have housed Milwaukee's first mayor.

1880: The Leif Ericsson statue in Juneau Park.

1890: A view of the harbor, as beautiful as ever.

1890: A view down the Milwaukee River from Wisconsin Street (now Wisconsin Avenue).

1900: Wisconsin Street. You can see the Pabst building!

1900: Horse-drawn delivery trucks used to transport beer for Schlitz Brewery.

1901: City Hall stands tall above the rest of the skyline.

1901: The Pfister Hotel (that we all know to be haunted) in its prime.

1901: The Central Public Library shortly after it was established in 1899.

1914: The Milwaukee Turnverein gymnasium, now known as Turner Hall, is still fully operating as a gym and acts as a concert venue.

1936: Residential houses on the north side.

1939: The drawbridges that hold up traffic today were just as frustrating to drivers in the 30s.

1952: Milwaukee War Memorial, pre-Art Museum.

1964: Milwaukee's east side booming with business.

Did you imagine that this is how Milwaukee used to look? What do you think? Share your thoughts below!

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E Jamar

E Jamar is a published writer based in Milwaukee, WI. Despite being a Midwesterner at heart, you can often find them trekking throughout the states and discovering new hidden gems. When they're not traveling, you can find them discussing disability issues, cuddling their pug puppy, and checking out new local spots.