Welcome to ..
Watertown WISCONSIN
The Watertown Tourism Commission is proud to welcome you to Watertown. Watertown has so much to offer the traveler, promising small town charm, while having everything right at your fingertips. We pride ourselves on our beautiful natural resources, local history, and warm hospitality. Whether you are looking to rejuvenate with outdoor recreation, take a local shopping tour, or visit our many historical sites, Watertown will accommodate! Outdoor amenities abound with local parks, hiking trails, golf, and of course the beautiful Rock River. History enthusiasts will enjoy one of the largest historical districts in the state. Walking and driving tours are available, and you don’t want to miss the guided tour of the Octagon House Museum and America’s First Kindergarten. Whatever the reason for your stay, we hope you take advantage of all that Watertown has to offer! ~ Watertown Tourism Commission
WATERTOWN TOURISM OFFICE 519 East Main Street Watertown, WI 53094
(920) 261-6320 Robin Kaufmann Tourism Manager robin@watertownchamber.com visitwatertownwi.com
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1st Brigade Band
PHOTO BY JOHN LAATSCH
Our History
History enthusiasts will delight in Watertown’s rich heritage and historical sites, including the Octagon House Museum and America’s First Kindergarten. THE OCTAGON HOUSE was built by pioneer settler John Richards and completed in 1854. The unique 8-sided design for this grand residence was inspired by New York architect Orson Fowler, who promoted the healthy living aspects of octagonal dwellings in the 1850s.
e solid brick, five-story mansion Th was built with early forms of central heating, running water, and ventilating systems. A magnificent cantilevered spiral staircase rises four stories from the first floor to the cupola or “tower room” where one can enjoy sweeping vistas of the city and surrounding countryside. e Octagon House was one of the Th largest homes built prior to the Civil War in Wisconsin. Its only occupants have been members of the Richards family. Following the passing of Anna Richards Thomas in 1936, the mansion was donated in 1938 to the Watertown Historical Society whose dedicated members have maintained the
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Octagon House as a public museum ever since. e museum grounds are home Th to the FIRST KINDERGARTEN in America, a restored pioneer barn, and a delightful 1936 model of the Octagon House. The public will enjoy visiting the newly remodeled tour center. Renamed the Watertown History Center, the updated building will provide space for tour registration and a gift shop as well as a large multi-purpose area for rotating historical displays and special events. Historic Murals