The city of Milwaukee; Wisconsin is the 28th most populous city in the country and the biggest within Wisconsin. The city of Milwaukee is the 39th most densely inhabited metropolis within the nation and is situated on the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County.
The population of the city of Milwaukee is nearing 600,000 based on the latest census during the year 2010. The Metro Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha region had a population of more than 1,750,000 inhabitants. The city of Milwaukee is the main economic and cultural center of the region and is the regional center of the 7 county Greater Milwaukee Area. During the year 2008, this area had an estimated population of 2,014,032.
Originally the region was inhabited by various Native American tribes. During the year 1795, a French-Canadian fur trader built the first trading post. The region which comprised the city of Milwaukee was initially founded by 3 different men in 1833 and 1834. The 3 townships were incorporated as Milwaukee during the year 1846. The city's name was derived from the Indian word "Millioke." Depending on the interpretation, the word for Milwaukee means "gathering place by the water," "the good land" or "pleasant or beautiful lands."
French fur traders and missionaries were the very first Europeans to pass through the area referred to as present day Milwaukee. In the year 1818, Solomon Juneau, the French-Canadian explorer settled in the area. During 1846, the township of Juneau together with 2 neighboring townships and became incorporated as the City of Milwaukee. During the 1840s, large numbers of immigrants including Germans helped to increase the population of Milwaukee at that time and the decades after.
Milwaukee was once mostly recognized as a manufacturing and brewing powerhouse. Milwaukee's image has changed with the decline of business in most of the States. There have been many new additions to the economy during the past decade. Like for instance, the Milwaukee Art Museum is currently home to Miller Park, which is a globally renowned addition to the museum. The Frontier Airlines Center, Milwaukee Riverwalk and the Pier Wisconsin are amongst the newest developments. There has been a dramatic increase in the construction of apartments, lofts and condominiums, along with skyscrapers being constructed in the neighborhoods bordering the lakefront and the riverbanks.
Because of 4 of the largest breweries within the globe situated within the city, Milwaukee was initially known as a beer town. These four breweries consist of Miller, Pabst, Blatz and Schiltz. Currently, just Miller remains in Milwaukee. The city is still a big manufacturing area. About more than 20 percent of the population is working in manufacturing operations. This figure is a lot higher than the national average. Some of the main industry segments within the city consist of: Publishing and Printing, Tourism, Healthcare, Manufacturing, High Technology and Financial Services.
Milwaukee has the nickname of "the City of Festivals," because of the various festivals that take place over the year. Amongst the popular festivals consist of: the Great Circus Parade, CajunFest, Bastille Days, the Holiday Folk Fair, Summerfest, the Wisconsin State Fair, Irish Fest, Polish Fest, Mexican Fiesta, German Fest, Festa Italiana and the Holiday Folk Fair.