This is an educational overview based on the Wikipedia article for Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Beaver Dam: A Wisconsin Tapestry

An Exploration of History, Community, and Landscape in the Heart of Wisconsin.

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Welcome to Beaver Dam

City Overview

Beaver Dam is a significant city located in Dodge County, Wisconsin, United States. Situated along the picturesque Beaver Dam Lake and the Beaver Dam River, it serves as the principal city of its micropolitan statistical area and is integrated into the larger Milwaukee metropolitan area. With a population of 16,708 as of the 2020 census, Beaver Dam stands as the largest municipality primarily within Dodge County, offering a blend of historical charm and modern community life.

Historical Roots

Early Settlement

The area that is now Beaver Dam was first settled in 1841 by pioneers Thomas Mackie and Joseph Goetschius. By 1843, the burgeoning community had already attracted nearly 100 residents. Its distinctive name originates from an ancient beaver dam situated on a stream that flows into the Beaver Dam River. Historically, the region was also known by its Chippewa name, Okwaanim, which translates to "beaver dam."

Growth and Transformation

The community was officially incorporated as a city on March 18, 1856. The arrival of the Milwaukee Railroad in the same year was a pivotal moment, significantly stimulating the city's growth and economic development. During World War II, Beaver Dam briefly hosted a prisoner-of-war camp, known as Camp Beaver Dam, during the summer of 1944, accommodating German prisoners of war.

Geographic Landscape

Location and Features

Beaver Dam is geographically situated at coordinates 43°27′35″N 88°50′9″W. The city is nestled along the shores of Beaver Dam Lake and traversed by the Beaver Dam River, contributing to its scenic character. Notably, the area is recognized for its proximity to one of the world's largest drumlin fields, a testament to its glacial geological history.

Area and Waterways

The city encompasses a total area of 8.70 square miles (22.53 km2). Of this total area, 7.31 square miles (18.93 km2) consist of land, while the remaining 1.38 square miles (3.57 km2) are covered by water, representing approximately 16.89% of its total area. This significant water coverage highlights the importance of Beaver Dam Lake and the river system to the city's identity and environment.

Climate Profile

Seasonal Variations

Beaver Dam experiences a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfb). This classification indicates distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. The region typically receives substantial snowfall, with an average annual snowfall of approximately 63.5 inches (161 cm). The winter of 2007-2008 was particularly notable for its heavy snowfall, recording 119.7 inches (304 cm).

The following table provides detailed climate data for Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, based on normals from 1991-2020 and historical extremes.

Climate data for Beaver Dam Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wisconsin (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–1895, 1953–present)
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec Year
Record high °F (°C) 59
(15)
70
(21)
81
(27)
90
(32)
98
(37)
98
(37)
102
(39)
100
(38)
97
(36)
89
(32)
76
(24)
65
(18)
102
(39)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 44.8
(7.1)
49.1
(9.5)
64.2
(17.9)
76.3
(24.6)
84.1
(28.9)
89.2
(31.8)
90.1
(32.3)
89.1
(31.7)
86.6
(30.3)
78.8
(26.0)
63.7
(17.6)
49.4
(9.7)
92.5
(33.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 16.8
(−8.4)
20.0
(−6.7)
31.6
(−0.2)
44.1
(6.7)
56.1
(13.4)
66.2
(19.0)
70.0
(21.1)
68.3
(20.2)
60.6
(15.9)
48.1
(8.9)
34.5
(1.4)
22.9
(−5.1)
44.9
(7.2)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 8.8
(−12.9)
11.4
(−11.4)
22.5
(−5.3)
33.9
(1.1)
45.7
(7.6)
55.8
(13.2)
59.8
(15.4)
58.2
(14.6)
49.6
(9.8)
37.9
(3.3)
26.2
(−3.2)
15.4
(−9.2)
35.4
(1.9)
Record low °F (°C) −36
(−38)
−30
(−34)
−22
(−30)
6
(−14)
23
(−5)
34
(1)
35
(2)
37
(3)
26
(−3)
14
(−10)
−12
(−24)
−24
(−31)
−36
(−38)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.49
(38)
1.42
(36)
2.13
(54)
3.83
(97)
4.05
(103)
5.04
(128)
4.14
(105)
4.07
(103)
3.26
(83)
3.04
(77)
2.15
(55)
1.65
(42)
36.27
(921)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 13.0
(33)
10.6
(27)
6.6
(17)
1.7
(4.3)
0.1
(0.25)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.0
(0.0)
0.4
(1.0)
2.1
(5.3)
8.8
(22)
43.3
(110)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 9.68.79.310.911.911.210.19.59.510.18.49.6 118.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 5.34.92.80.80.00.00.00.00.00.21.35.0 20.3
Source: NOAA

Community Snapshot

Population Trends

Beaver Dam has shown consistent population growth over the decades. As of the 2020 census, the city's population stood at 16,708, reflecting a 3.0% increase since 2010. The population density is approximately 2,284.7 inhabitants per square mile.

The following table details the population changes in Beaver Dam based on U.S. Decennial Censuses.

Historical Population
Census Population % Change
18602,765
18703,26518.1%
18803,4164.6%
18904,22223.6%
19005,12821.5%
19106,75831.8%
19207,99218.3%
19309,86723.5%
194010,3565.0%
195011,86714.6%
196013,11810.5%
197014,2658.7%
198014,149−0.8%
199014,1960.3%
200015,1696.9%
201016,2146.9%
202016,7083.0%

2020 Census Highlights

The 2020 census revealed a diverse demographic profile. The racial makeup was predominantly White (85.0%), with smaller percentages of Black or African American (1.7%), Asian (0.9%), Native American (0.3%), and other races (4.7%). Approximately 11.5% identified as Hispanic or Latino. The median household income was reported at $55,551, with a median family income of $73,309. Educational attainment showed that 93.0% of residents aged 25 and over had completed high school, and 21.4% held a bachelor's degree or higher.

Cultural Landscape

Annual Events

Beaver Dam hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, fostering a vibrant local culture. These include seasonal festivals, community gatherings, and cultural performances, contributing to the city's lively atmosphere.

  • January: Cabin Fever Fest
  • March: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
  • April: Rotary Casino Night, Beaver Dam Area Orchestra Spring Concert
  • May: Race Into Summer Festival, Memorial Day Parade
  • June: Taste of Wisconsin, Swan City Classic Car Show
  • July: Best Dam Fest / Swan Park Craft Fair
  • August: Corn Roast, Dodge County Fair
  • October: Fall Downtown Fest
  • November: Midwest Cream Cheese Competition, Economic Update Luncheon
  • December: Christmas Parade

Local Institutions

The Beaver Dam Area Community Theatre is a cornerstone of the local arts scene, providing theatrical performances and engaging the community through the performing arts. This venue plays a vital role in enriching the cultural fabric of the city.

Civic Structure

State and Federal Representation

Beaver Dam is represented at the federal level in the U.S. House of Representatives by Glenn Grothman (R). In the U.S. Senate, the city is represented by Ron Johnson (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D). At the state level, John Jagler (R) serves in the Wisconsin State Senate, and Mark Born (R) represents Beaver Dam in the Wisconsin State Assembly.

Local Leadership

The current Mayor of Beaver Dam is Becky Glewen, who leads the municipal government. The city operates under a mayoral system, overseeing local administration and services for its residents.

Learning Institutions

Public Education

The Beaver Dam Unified School District oversees public education within the city, operating five public primary schools, one middle school, and Beaver Dam High School. An alternative educational option, the Don Smith Learning Academy, is also part of the district's offerings.

Private & Higher Education

Beaver Dam is also home to two parochial primary schools: St. Katharine Drexel School (Pre-K to 8th grade) and St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran School (K to 8th grade). Furthermore, Wayland Academy, a respected private preparatory school, is located in the city. For higher education, the Beaver Dam campus of Moraine Park Technical College provides vocational and technical training opportunities.

Health Services

Medical Facilities

The primary healthcare provider in Beaver Dam is Marshfield Medical Center-Beaver Dam, a 163-bed hospital facility. This center serves as a crucial resource for medical care within the community and surrounding areas.

Access and Shortages

Despite the presence of the medical center, Beaver Dam faces challenges in healthcare access. The region is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for both mental health and primary care. Projections indicate a significant deficit in primary care physicians by 2035, highlighting potential future challenges for residents seeking medical services.

Distinguished Residents

Government & Politics

  • Claire B. Bird, Wisconsin State Senator
  • Mark Born, Wisconsin State Legislator
  • Samuel D. Burchard, U.S. Representative
  • Michael E. Burke, U.S. Representative
  • Jesse A. Canniff, Wisconsin State Legislator, Farmer, Businessman
  • Columbus Germain, Wisconsin Legislator
  • David C. Gowdey, Wisconsin State Assembly Member
  • Charles M. Hambright, Wisconsin State Representative
  • Michael A. Jacobs, Wisconsin State Senator
  • Andre Jacque, Wisconsin State Assembly Member
  • Edwin J. Jones, Minnesota State Senator
  • William Jones, Wisconsin State Assembly Member
  • Robert Kastenmeier, U.S. Representative
  • Daniel E. La Bar, Wisconsin State Representative
  • Walter J. LaBuy, U.S. District Court Judge
  • Silas W. Lamoreaux, Lawyer and Politician
  • Henry W. Lander, Wisconsin State Senator and Mayor
  • Edward C. McFetridge, Mayor of Beaver Dam
  • George F. Merrill, Wisconsin State Senator
  • Eric Oemig, Former Washington State Senator
  • Dick Pabich, LGBTQ Activist
  • Charles Pettibone, Wisconsin State Senator
  • John Samuel Rowell, Politician, Inventor, Manufacturer
  • Benjamin Sherman, Wisconsin Legislator
  • A. Scott Sloan, U.S. Representative
  • John Mellen Thurston, U.S. Senator
  • Philip J. Zink, Wisconsin Legislator

Sports

  • Eric Baldwin, Professional Poker Player
  • Paul Cloyd, Professional Basketball Player
  • Ric Flair, Professional Wrestler
  • Pink Hawley, Major League Baseball Player
  • Addie Joss, MLB Player, Hall of Famer
  • Lyman Linde, MLB Player
  • Doug Lloyd, Professional Football Player
  • Jason Maas, Professional Football Player
  • David Maley, NHL Player
  • Bill Rentmeester, NFL/UFL Player
  • Elmer Rhenstrom, NFL Player
  • Gil Sterr, NFL Player
  • Barney Traynor, NFL Player
  • Randall Herbst, Collegiate Basketball Coach

Business & Innovation

  • Stella B. Irvine, President, Southern California WCTU
  • Lina Trivedi, Co-creator of Beanie Babies
  • Frederick Douglas Underwood, President of Erie Railroad, Director of Wells Fargo

Arts, Science & Media

  • Delia Akeley, Explorer
  • Edward Creutz, Physicist
  • Brian Donlevy, Actor
  • Lois Ehlert, Illustrator, Caldecott Medal Recipient
  • Zona Gale, Writer
  • Raymond Z. Gallun, Writer
  • Bobby Hatfield, Singer (The Righteous Brothers)
  • Fred MacMurray, Actor
  • Kira Salak, Writer, Adventurer, Journalist
  • Nancy Zieman, Television Sewing Host, Author, Businesswoman
  • Dave Krause, Rocket Engineer

Silver Screen Connections

Filmed In or Referencing Beaver Dam

Beaver Dam has served as a backdrop or been referenced in several films, highlighting its presence in popular culture.

  • Public Enemies (2009) - Filmed in Beaver Dam.
  • The Pit (1981) - Filmed in Beaver Dam.
  • Thirteen Hours by Air (1936) - Filmed in Beaver Dam.
  • Yoga Matt (2008) - Short film referencing Beaver Dam.
  • Pardon My Past (1945) - Filmed about Beaver Dam.
  • For Me and My Gal (1942) - References Beaver Dam.

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References

References

  1.  U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
  2.  Watertown, Wisconsin is larger, but it is mostly in Jefferson County
  3.  "Beaver Dam, Wisconsin – A Brief History". Wisconsin Historical Society.
  4.  Beaver Dam Area Chamber of Commerce
  5.  St. Stephen's Evangelical Lutheran School
  6.  Votesmart.org.-Mark Born
  7.  Minnesota Legislators: Past & Present-Edwin J. Jones
  8.  'Proceedings of the State Bar Association on Wisconsin 1907,' Wisconsin Bar Association: 1907, Biographical Sketch of Henry W. Lander, pg. 590–593
  9.  Biography of John Samuel Rowell
A full list of references for this article are available at the Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

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