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Watertown, WI

Frequently asked questions

Watertown, WI

Watertown is a city in Dodge and Jefferson counties in the state of Wisconsin in the U.S. Most of the city's population is in Jefferson County. Division Street, several blocks north of downtown, marks the county line. The population of Watertown was 22,926 at the 2020 census. Of this, 14,674 were in Jefferson County, and 8,252 were in Dodge County. Watertown is the largest city in the Watertown-Fort Atkinson micropolitan area, which also includes Johnson Creek and Jefferson.

Watertown is located in southeastern Wisconsin, approximately midway between Madison and Milwaukee, at 43°12'N 88°43'W (43.193, −88.724). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.46 square miles (32.27 km²), of which, 12.06 square miles (31.24 km²) is land and 0.40 square miles (1.04 km²) is water. Small communities in the immediate area (e.g., within the school district) include Richwood, Lebanon, Old Lebanon, Sugar Island, Pipersville, Concord, Ebenezer, and Grellton.

The Rock River flows through Watertown in a horseshoe bend before heading south and west on its way to the Mississippi River. The city originally developed inside the horseshoe, though it has long since grown beyond. Silver Creek adjoins the river in the city, as does a short creek on the west side. The most notable geographical feature is a high density of drumlins, long hills formed by the glaciers of the Wisconsin glaciation as they retreated northwards. Hills in the area are elongated in the north-south direction.

Watertown was first settled by Timothy Johnson, who built a cabin on the west side of the Rock River in 1836. He was born in Middleton, Middlesex County, Connecticut, on the 28th of June, 1792. A park on the west side of the city is named in his honor. The area was settled to utilize the power of the Rock River, which falls 20 feet (6.1 m) in two miles (two 10-foot (3.0 m) dams). In contrast, the Rock River falls only 34 feet (10 m) in 58 miles (93 km) upstream from Watertown. The water power was first used for sawmills and later prompted the construction of two hydroelectric dams, one downtown (where the river flows south) and one on the eastern edge of the city (where the river flows north).

Health and wellness are paramount in Watertown, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Watertown Regional Medical Center is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Watertown Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Anytime Fitness and Fitness & Nutrition Services Watertown. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Watertown, such as the Watertown Airport Trail and Peebles Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Watertown, WI, are the Octagon House Museum, Riverside Park, and First Kindergarden.

Population: 22,784 (2022). Elevation: 853 feet (260 m). Area: 11.22 square miles (29.05 km²). ZIP Code: 53094. Area code(s): 920.

FAQs

Is Watertown, WI a nice place to live?

Living in Watertown offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Watertown, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Watertown and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Watertown are above average.

What is Wisconsin, WI most famous for?

Wisconsin is one of the nation's leading dairy producers and is known as "America's Dairyland"; it is particularly famous for its cheese. The state is also famous for its beer, particularly and historically in Milwaukee, most notably as the headquarters of the Miller Brewing Company. Wisconsin has some of the most permissive alcohol laws in the country and is well-known for its drinking culture.

How old is Watertown, WI?

Timothy Johnson settled in Watertown in 1836, near an old French fur trade post. Originally called Johnson's Rapids, the town changed its name to Watertown in 1842 after receiving an influx of settlers originally from Watertown, New York. Watertown was incorporated as a city in 1853.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Watertown

Watertown Regional Medical Center 

Watertown Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness 

Fitness & Nutrition Services Watertown

Watertown Airport Trail 

Peebles Trail

Octagon House Museum

Riverside Park

First Kindergarden

Niche

Wisconsin History

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