Milwaukee the Midwest. Because of its easy access to Lake Michigan and other waterways, Milwaukee's Menomonee Valley has historically been home to manufacturing, stockyards, rendering plants, shipping, and other heavy industry. Reshaping of the valley began with the railroads built by city co-founder Byron Kilbourn to bring product from Wisconsin's farm interior to the port. By 1862 Milwaukee was the largest shipper of wheat on the planet, and related industry developed. Grain elevators were built and, due to Milwaukee's dominant German immigrant population, breweries sprang up around the processing of barley and hops. A number of tanneries were constructed, of which
Milwaukee City Christmas Tree Tree". Milwaukee City Christmas Tree The Milwaukee City Christmas Tree (1913–1995; 2006–present), also known as Milwaukee City Holiday Tree (1995–2006) is a pine tree that is placed at city hall and decorated by the city council of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the Christmas holiday season. The tradition began in 1913 and continues to this day. The city’s Christmas tree tradition began in 1913. One tree that went on display, a Colorado Blue Spruce, had been a housewarming gift 30 years earlier for a couple who had moved into their new home. Another tree donated had been planted to honor a son