Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Explained

Beaver Dam
Settlement Type:City
Pushpin Map:Wisconsin#USA
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of Beaver Dam in Wisconsin
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States of America
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Wisconsin
Subdivision Type2:County
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Becky Glewen
Established Title:Settled
Established Date:1852
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Footnotes:[1]
Area Total Km2:22.52
Area Land Km2:18.94
Area Water Km2:3.59
Area Total Sq Mi:8.70
Area Land Sq Mi:7.31
Area Water Sq Mi:1.38
Area Water Percent:16.89
Elevation Ft:879
Population Total:16708
Population Density Sq Mi:2242.99
Population Metro:88,489
Timezone1:Central
Coordinates:43.4597°N -88.8358°W
Postal Code:53916[2]
Blank Info:55-05900
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:1561457
Population Density Km2:866.07

Beaver Dam is a city in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States, along Beaver Dam Lake and the Beaver Dam River. The population was 16,708 at the 2020 census, making it the largest city primarily located in Dodge County.[3] It is the principal city of the Beaver Dam Micropolitan Statistical area which is included in the larger Milwaukee–Waukesha–Racine CSA. The city is adjacent to the Town of Beaver Dam.

History

Beaver Dam was first settled by Thomas Mackie and Joseph Goetschius in 1841; by 1843, it had a population of almost 100. The city was named for an old beaver dam located in a stream flowing into Beaver Dam River.[4] The area had also been known as Okwaanim, Chippewa for beaver dam.[5] The community was incorporated as a city on March 18, 1856.[6] That same year the Milwaukee Railroad reached the area, encouraging further growth.

Beaver Dam hosted a World War II prisoner of war camp called Camp Beaver Dam in the summer of 1944. The camp held 300 German prisoners in a tent city encampment where the Wayland Academy field house now stands.[7]

Geography and climate

Beaver Dam is located at 43.4597°N -88.8358°W (43.459967, −88.836066).[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.7sqmi, of which, 7.31sqmi is land and 1.38sqmi is water.[9]

Beaver Dam has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb). Since 1996, the average annual snowfall in Beaver Dam has been 63.5inches. The 2007–2008 winter season was the snowiest on record with 119.7inches.[10]

Demographics

2020 census

As of the census of 2020,[11] the population was 16,708. The population density was 2284.7PD/sqmi. There were 7,699 housing units at an average density of 1052.8/mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 85.0% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 4.7% from other races, and 7.3% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 11.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

According to the American Community Survey estimates for 2016–2020, the median income for a household in the city was $55,551, and the median income for a family was $73,309. Male full-time workers had a median income of $48,773 versus $40,140 for female workers. The per capita income for the city was $30,729. About 6.2% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.[12] Of the population age 25 and over, 93.0% were high school graduates or higher and 21.4% had a bachelor's degree or higher.[13]

2010 census

As of the census[14] of 2010, there were 16,214 people, 6,819 households, and 4,113 families residing in the city. The population density was 2387.9PD/sqmi. There were 7,326 housing units at an average density of 1078.9/mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 93.0% White, 0.8% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 3.4% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.5% of the population.

There were 6,819 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.1% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.7% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 37.7 years. 25.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census

As of the census[15] of 2000, there were 15,169 people, 6,349 households, and 3,999 families residing in the city. The population density was 2904.6/mi2. There were 6,685 housing units at an average density of 1280.1/mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 95.95% White, 0.44% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. 4.22% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,349 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.0% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.

Education

The Beaver Dam Unified School District provides public education in the area.

Primary education

Beaver Dam's five public primary schools for K to 5th grades are Jefferson Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, Prairie View Elementary, Washington Elementary, and Wilson Elementary.

There are two parochial primary schools: St. Katharine Drexel (grades: Pre-K to 8th),[16] and St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran (grades: K to 8th).[17]

Middle school

Beaver Dam Middle School is the local public middle school, teaching 6th through 8th grades.

Secondary education

Beaver Dam High School is the local public high school; its mascot is the Golden Beaver. An alternative school, the Don Smith Learning Academy, is part of the Beaver Dam Unified School District.

The city is also home to Wayland Academy, a private school.

Post-secondary education

The Beaver Dam campus of Moraine Park Technical College is located in the city.

Healthcare

Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam is a 163-bed hospital.[18] There are 44.4 primary care physicians per 100,000 population in Beaver Dam.[19] The area is designated as both a mental health and primary care Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) qualifying the region as a medical desert.[20] By 2035, Beaver Dam is expected to have 48.4% deficit in primary care physicians, the eighth largest predicted deficit in Wisconsin.[19] There are two behavioral health professionals in Beaver Dam.[19]

Events

The following events are held each year in Beaver Dam:[21]

January:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

November:

December:

Government

Beaver Dam is represented by Glenn Grothman (R) in the United States House of Representatives, and by Ron Johnson (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D) in the United States Senate. John Jagler (R) represents Beaver Dam in the Wisconsin State Senate, and Mark Born (R) in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

References in popular media

Films shot in Beaver Dam

Films shot about Beaver Dam

Films referencing Beaver Dam

Notable people

Government

Professional sports

Business

Science, media, and the arts

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. August 7, 2020.
  2. Web site: Beaver Dam WI ZIP Code. zipdatamaps.com. 2023. February 10, 2023.
  3. [Watertown, Wisconsin]
  4. "Beaver Dam, Wisconsin – A Brief History". Wisconsin Historical Society.
  5. Virgil J. Voegl. Indian Names on Wisconsin's Map. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1991, p. 142.
  6. Book: Private and Local Laws Passed by the Legislature of Wisconsin in the Year Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-six . Madison, Wisconsin . Calkins & Proudfit . 1856 . 316 .
  7. Book: Betty Cowley . Stalag Wisconsin: Inside WW II Prisoner-of-war Camps . Oregon, Wis. . Badger Books . 2002 . 77 . 978-1-878569-83-7 . In trucks under heavy military escort, 300 German PW's arrived on the 17th of June..
  8. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. 2011-04-23. 2011-02-12.
  9. Web site: 2020 Gazetteer Files . census.gov . U.S. Census Bureau . 22 July 2022.
  10. Web site: US Board on Geographic Names. 2008-01-31. United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25.
  11. Web site: 2020 Decennial Census: Beaver Dam city, Wisconsin . data.census.gov . U.S. Census Bureau . 22 July 2022.
  12. Web site: Selected Economic Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Beaver Dam city, Wisconsin . data.census.gov . U.S. Census Bureau . 12 October 2022.
  13. Web site: Selected Social Characteristics, 2020 American Community Survey: Beaver Dam city, Wisconsin . data.census.gov . U.S. Census Bureau . 12 October 2022.
  14. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. 2012-11-18.
  15. Web site: U.S. Census website . . 2008-01-31 . mdy .
  16. Web site: Saint Katharine Drexel School: Pre-School & 4K . January 16, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100122035826/http://www.skds.org/prek.htm . January 22, 2010 . dead .
  17. http://www.saintstephen.org/school.cfm St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran School
  18. Web site: American Hospital Directory – Marshfield Medical Center – Beaver Dam (520076) – Free Profile . 2022-05-17 . www.ahd.com.
  19. Web site: Reports . 2022-05-17 . WCMEW . en-US.
  20. Web site: Find Shortage Areas by Address . 2022-05-17 . data.hrsa.gov.
  21. http://www.beaverdamchamber.com/tourism.cfm Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce
  22. Book: Paul F. Hunter . The Wisconsin Blue Book 1919 . Madison . Democrat Printing Co. . 1919 . 470 .
  23. http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/140579/mark-born Votesmart.org.-Mark Born
  24. Web site: Samuel D. Burchard. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 27 November 2013.
  25. Web site: Michael E. Burke. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 27 November 2013.
  26. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1948,' Biographical Sketch of Jesse Anson Canniff, pg. 46
  27. Bashford, R. M. (ed.). The Legislative Manual of the State of Wisconsin. 15th ed. Madison: E. B. Bolens,1876, p. 464.
  28. Web site: Official Director.. 1874. The Legislative Manual of the State of Wisconsin. 11 June 2015.
  29. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1895,' Biographical Sketch of Charles M. Hambright, pg. 689
  30. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1901,' Biographical Sketch of Michael A, Jacobs, pg 732
  31. Web site: Representative Andre Jacque . Wisconsin State Legislature. November 16, 2013.
  32. https://www.lrl.mn.gov/legdb/fulldetail?ID=12403 Minnesota Legislators: Past & Present-Edwin J. Jones
  33. 'Wisconsin Blue Cook 1940,' Biographical Sketch of William Jones, pg. 42
  34. Web site: Robert Kastenmeier. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 27 November 2013.
  35. Web site: Walter J. LaBuy. Federal Judicial Center. 27 November 2013.
  36. Web site: Silas W. Lamoreaux. Wisconsin Historical Society. 27 November 2013. September 5, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140905033335/http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/dictionary/index.asp?action=view&term_id=1593&keyword=lamoreux. dead.
  37. 'Proceedings of the State Bar Association on Wisconsin 1907,' Wisconsin Bar Association: 1907, Biographical Sketch of Henry W. Lander, pg. 590–593
  38. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1883,' Biographical Sketch of Edward C. McFetridge. pg. 471
  39. Web site: George F. Merrill. 1900. The University of Wisconsin: its history and its alumni, with historical and .. 27 November 2013.
  40. Book: Charles A. Pettibone.. 1913. Dodge County, Wisconsin, Past and Present. 9781403500410. 4 February 2014.
  41. http://www.rockvillemama.com/dodge/rowelljssamuelw.txt Biography of John Samuel Rowell
  42. Web site: A. Scott Sloan. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 27 November 2013.
  43. Web site: John Mellen Thurston. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. 27 November 2013.
  44. 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1927,' Biographical Sketch of Philip J. Zink, pg. 695
  45. Web site: Eric Baldwin. CardPlayer.com. 28 November 2013.
  46. Web site: Paul Cloyd. Pro-Basketball Reference . Com. 28 November 2013. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131101084327/http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cloydpa01.html. November 1, 2013. mdy-all.
  47. Web site: Ric Flair. Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. 28 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20090705075630/http://www.pwhf.org/halloffamers/bios/flair.asp. July 5, 2009. dead. mdy-all.
  48. Web site: Pink Hawley. Pro-Baseball Reference . Com. 28 November 2013.
  49. Web site: Addie Joss. Pro-Baseball Reference . Com. 28 November 2013.
  50. Web site: Lyman Linde. Pro-Baseball Reference . Com. 28 November 2013.
  51. Web site: Doug Lloyd. pro-football-reference.com. 28 November 2013.
  52. Web site: Jason Maas . .argonauts.ca . 28 November 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140831063849/http://www.argonauts.ca/page/jason-maas-1624 . August 31, 2014 . mdy .
  53. Web site: David Maley. National Hockey League. 28 November 2013.
  54. Web site: Bill Rentmeester. Forty Niners Football Company. 28 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20120310071745/http://www.49ers.com/team/roster/Bill-Rentmeester/36703f3e-3427-4548-ade0-c70cf948ac2f. March 10, 2012. dead.
  55. Web site: Elmer Rhenstrom. pro-football-reference.com. 28 November 2013.
  56. Web site: Gil Sterr. pro-football-reference.com. 28 November 2013.
  57. Web site: Barney Traynor. pro-football-reference.com. 28 November 2013.
  58. Book: Cherrington . Ernest Hurst . Standard Encyclopedia of the Alcohol Problem, Vol. III, Downing-Kansas . 1926 . Internet Archive . . Westerville, Ohio . 1359–60 . 8 February 2024 . IRVINE, STELLA BLANCHARD..
  59. From Adversity Comes Invention: A Mother and Daughter's Story . All About Living . January 7, 2015 . 97.7 FM Madison . en . Carol . Koby (host) . January 15, 2020 . January 15, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200115172133/https://carolkobyradio.com/2015/01/07/from-adversity-comes-invention-a-mother-and-daughters-story/ . dead .
  60. Book: Frederick Douglas Underwood. January 2008. Wisconsin Biographical Dictionary. 9781878592637. 28 November 2013.
  61. Web site: Delia Akeley. 29 November 2013.
  62. Web site: Edward Creutz . September 24, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141010043841/http://www.aip.org/history/acap/biographies/bio.jsp?creutze . October 10, 2014 . dead . mdy-all .
  63. Web site: Brian Donlevy. .dodgecountyhistory.com. 29 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131206031037/http://www.dodgecountyhistory.com/showfamous.cfm?a=y. December 6, 2013. dead.
  64. Web site: Lois Ehlert . Wisconsin Center for the Boo . 29 November 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20131203005441/http://wcb.uwm.edu/resources/wiauthors/profile/lehlert . December 3, 2013 . mdy .
  65. Web site: Zona Gale. Wisconsin Historical Society. 29 November 2013. October 11, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201011213940/https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/topics/gale/. dead.
  66. Web site: Raymond Gallun. Encyclopedia of Science Fiction. 30 January 2014.
  67. Web site: Bobby Hatfield. November 6, 2003 . Legacy.com #sthash.8Pj5VXQu.dpuf. 29 November 2013.
  68. Web site: Fred MacMurray. Wisconsin Historical Society. 29 November 2013. June 10, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100610101620/http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/museum/artifacts/archives/003715.asp. dead.
  69. Book: Salak, Kira . Four Corners: A Journey into the Heart of Papua New Guinea . National Geographic Books . 2004 . 50. 9781632060020 .
  70. Web site: Nancy Zieman. wpt2.org. 29 November 2013.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Beaver Dam, Wisconsin".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2024, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.