Editing Watertown, Wisconsin

{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{About|the city|the adjacent town|Watertown (town), Wisconsin}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name            = Watertown, Wisconsin
| settlement_type          = [[City]]
| nickname                 =
| motto                    = <!-- Images -->
| image_skyline            = Watertown Wisconsin Downtown Clock.jpg
| imagesize                = 200px
| image_caption            = Main Street in downtown Watertown
| image_flag               =
| image_seal               = <!-- Maps -->
| image_map                = File:Dodge County Wisconsin Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Watertown Highlighted.svg
| mapsize                  = 200px
| map_caption              = Location of Watertown in Dodge County, Wisconsin
| pushpin_map              = Wisconsin#USA
| pushpin_label            = Watertown
| pushpin_relief           = yes <!-- Location -->
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|United States}}
| subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1        = {{flag|Wisconsin}}
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Wisconsin|Counties]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Jefferson County, Wisconsin|Jefferson]], [[Dodge County, Wisconsin|Dodge]]

<!-- Government -->| government_footnotes     =
| government_type          = Mayor/Council
| leader_title             = General
| leader_name              = Robert Stocks
| established_title        =
| established_date         = <!-- Area -->
| unit_pref                = Imperial
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web|title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_55.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
| area_magnitude           =
| area_total_km2           = 32.28
| area_land_km2            = 31.25
| area_water_km2           = 1.04
| area_total_sq_mi         = 12.46
| area_land_sq_mi          = 12.06
| area_water_sq_mi         = 0.40

<!-- Population -->| population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes     = <ref name="wwwcensusgov"/>
| population_total         = 22926
| population_metro         =
| population_density_km2   = 751.43
| population_density_sq_mi = 1946.20

<!-- General information -->| timezone                 = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset               = -6
| timezone_DST             = CDT
| utc_offset_DST           = -5
| elevation_footnotes      = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_m              =
| elevation_ft             = 853
| coordinates              = {{coord|43|12|N|88|43|W|region:US-WI|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type         =
| postal_code              = 53094, 53098
| area_code                = [[Area code 920|920]]
| blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info               = 55-83975<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info              = 1576295<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|1576295}}</ref>
| website                  = [http://www.ci.watertown.wi.us www.ci.watertown.wi.us]
| footnotes                =
}}
'''Watertown''' is a city in [[Jefferson County, Wisconsin|Jefferson]] and [[Dodge County, Wisconsin|Dodge]] counties in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Wisconsin]]. The population was 22,926 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], of which 14,674 were in Jefferson County and 8,252 were in Dodge County.<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=https://www.census.gov| title=Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (DP-1): Watertown city, Wisconsin| publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]| access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref> Division Street, several blocks north of downtown, marks the county line. Watertown is a principal city of the Watertown–Fort Atkinson [[micropolitan statistical area]] which is in turn a sub-market of the larger [[Milwaukee metropolitan area|Milwaukee–Waukesha–Racine combined statistical area]].

==History==

===Origin===
Watertown was first settled by Timothy Johnson, who built a cabin on the west side of the [[Rock River (Mississippi River)|Rock River]] in 1836. He was born in Middleton, [[Middlesex County, Connecticut]], on June 28, 1792.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.watertownhistory.org/Articles/TimothyJohnson.htm| title=The Johnsons Reunited: Family of city's first citizen arrives| date=January 22, 1851| work=Watertown Chronicle| access-date=May 31, 2009}}</ref> 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 {{convert|20|ft|m}} in two miles (two {{convert|10|ft|m|adj=on}} dams). In contrast, the Rock River falls only {{convert|34|ft|m}} in {{convert|58|mi|km}} upstream from Watertown.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20011217222139/http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/gmu/uprock/ Upper Rock River Basin – WDNR]. Dnr.state.wi.us. [archived]</ref> The water power was first used for [[sawmill]]s, 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).

Watertown's founders were settlers from [[New England]], part of a wave of New England farmers who headed west into what was then the wilds of the [[Northwest Territory]] during the early 1800s. Most of them arrived as a result of the completion of the [[Erie Canal]] as well as the end of the [[Black Hawk War]]. When settlers arrived in what is now Jefferson there was nothing but dense [[Old-growth forest|virgin forest]] and wild prairie. They built farms, roads, and government buildings and established post routes. They brought many of their [[Yankee]] values, such as a passion for education, establishing many schools as well as staunch support for [[abolitionism]]. They were mostly members of the [[Congregationalist Church]] though some were [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]]. Due to the [[second Great Awakening]] some had converted to [[Methodism]] and others had become [[Baptists]] before moving to Watertown. Like much of Wisconsin, Watertown would be culturally very continuous with New England culture for most of its early history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BBcrAQAAMAAJ&q=Jefferson%2C+Wisconsin+%22New+England%22&pg=PA83|title=Jefferson County, Wisconsin and Its People: A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement|first1=John Henry|last1=Ott|first2=University of Wisconsin Digital Collections|last2=Center|date=March 23, 2018|publisher=S.J. Clarke Publishing Company|access-date=March 23, 2018|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KuM7AAAAIAAJ&q=watertown+wisconsin+%22New+England+settlement%22&pg=RA1-PA132 |title = Proceedings of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin at it Annual Meeting|year = 1898}}</ref><ref>Proceedings of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin at Volumes 45-49 By State Historical Society of Wisconsin pg. 132</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3b7VCKC6bkoC&q=watertown+wisconsin+%22New+England+settlement%22&pg=RA2-PA132 |title = Proceedings of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin|year = 1898}}</ref><ref>Proceedings of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin, Volumes 45-47 By State Historical Society of Wisconsin pg. 132</ref> It was incorporated as a village in 1849, and chartered as a city in 1853.<ref name="EB1911">{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Watertown (Wisconsin)|display=Watertown|volume=28|page=411}}</ref>

In the 1850s, immigrants arrived in Watertown from Germany. Most of the German immigrants who arrived in Watertown brought with them the trappings of the German middle class, including a proclivity for classical music, the Latin language and ornate furniture. Unlike instances in other parts of the country in which they faced discrimination and xenophobia, they were welcomed with open arms by the population of Watertown. This warm reception led to chain migration, which in turn greatly increased the German population of the region. Culturally they had much in common with the New England-derived population. For instance, both groups unanimously opposed slavery and both had a pronounced love for commerce and industry. Economically, both communities would thrive in Watertown for the entirety of the 19th century, not facing any measurable economic hardships until the Great Depression in the following century.<ref>Charles J. Wallman. ''The German-speaking Forty-eighters: Builders of Watertown, Wisconsin''. Madison: Max Kade Institute for German-American Studies, 1990.</ref>

===Milwaukee and Rock River Canal===
A [[canal]] from [[Milwaukee]] to the Watertown area was once planned, but was replaced by railroad before any work had been completed, other than a dam in Milwaukee.<ref>Geo. W. Peck. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=MCUrAQAAMAAJ&q=Wisconsin%3A+comprising+sketches+of+counties%2C+towns%2C+events%2C+institutions%2C+and+persons%2C+arranged+in+cyclopedic+form Wisconsin: comprising sketches of counties, towns, events, institutions, and persons, arranged in cyclopedic form]''. Madison, Wis.: Western Historical Association, 1906, p. 72.</ref> The territorial legislature incorporated the Milwaukee and Rock River Canal company in 1836, but the plan was abandoned in 1848. The canal would have provided a waterway between the [[Great Lakes]] and the [[Mississippi River]], but even if completed, it may not have seen much success because railroads had already become the preferred mode of transportation.

===19th century growth===
In 1853, a [[Milwaukee-Watertown Plank Road|plank road]] was completed from Milwaukee to Watertown.<ref>Watertown Historical Society. [http://www.watertownhistory.org/HistoryTimeline.htm Watertown Wisconsin History Timeline]. Retrieved April 22, 2014.</ref> After plank roads were no longer used, the route was replaced by highway ([[Wisconsin Highway 16]]) and a railroad. A street named "Watertown Plank Road" survives in Milwaukee. It is referred to in the "Plank Road Brewery" family of beers, produced by [[Miller Brewing Company]] in Milwaukee.
[[File:Fischers Building and Lower Watertown Dam.jpg|thumb|right|The downstream of Watertown's two dams, with a portion of downtown in the background]]
[[File:Octagon House.JPG|thumb|right|[[Octagon House (Watertown, Wisconsin)|Watertown's Octagon House]]]]
There was an influx of [[Germans|German]] immigrants in the late 19th century. The city is the home of the [[First Kindergarten|first kindergarten]] in the United States, started in 1856 by [[Margarethe Schurz]], wife of statesman [[Carl Schurz]]; the building that housed this kindergarten is now located on the grounds of the [[Octagon House (Watertown, Wisconsin)|Octagon House Museum]] in Watertown.

===City railroad bond default===
Growth of the city was substantially hampered when Watertown issued almost half a million dollars in [[Bond (finance)|bonds]] to support the building of two railroads to town to encourage further growth: the Chicago & Fond du Lac Company and the Milwaukee, Watertown & Madison Road.<ref>Ben Feld, "[http://www.watertownhistory.org/Articles/CityGovernment101.htm City Government 101]" in Ken Riedl (ed.), ''History of Watertown, Wisconsin''.</ref> The success of the plank road convinced residents that a railroad would be even more beneficial, and bonds were issued from 1853 to 1855. The Milwaukee and Watertown Railroad, as it was called before it extended to [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]], was completed in 1855, only the second line in the state.<ref>M. Wyman. ''The Wisconsin Frontier.'' Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1998.</ref>

Soon after, in the [[Panic of 1857]], the two railroads went bankrupt. The bonds were sold by the original investors to out-of-town speculators at a small fraction of their face value. Since the railroads were never built and did not produce revenue, the city was unable to pay off the bonds. Moreover, the city did not feel compelled to do so because the creditors (those who held the bonds) were not only from out of town, but weren't even the original holders. Yet the creditors exerted so much pressure on the city to pay off the bonds that Watertown effectively dissolved its government so that there was no legal entity (the government as a whole or officers) that could be served a court order to pay or appear in court. The case was not resolved until 1889, when it had risen all the way to the [[Supreme Court of the United States]], which essentially dismissed the case of the creditors. A small amount remained to be paid, and this was not paid off until 1905, half a century later.<ref>[http://www.watertownhistory.org/Articles/Railroad_Milwaukee_and_Watertown.htm Milwaukee and Watertown Railroad]. Watertown History.</ref>

==Geography and climate==
Watertown is located in southeastern Wisconsin, approximately midway between [[Madison, Wisconsin|Madison]] and [[Milwaukee]], at 43°12'N 88°43'W (43.193, −88.724).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|12.46|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|12.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.40|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="gaz2020">{{cite web|title=2020 Gazetteer Files |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.2020.html |website=census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> Small communities in the immediate area (e.g., within the school district) include Richwood, [[Lebanon, Dodge County, Wisconsin|Lebanon]], Old Lebanon, Sugar Island, Pipersville, [[Concord, Wisconsin|Concord]], Ebenezer, and Grellton.

The [[Rock River (Mississippi River)|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 [[drumlin]]s, long hills formed by the [[glacier]]s of the [[Wisconsin glaciation]] as they retreated northwards. Hills in the area are elongated in the north-south direction.

{{Weather box
|location = Watertown, Wisconsin (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 60
|Feb record high F = 70
|Mar record high F = 82
|Apr record high F = 91
|May record high F = 97
|Jun record high F = 101
|Jul record high F = 104
|Aug record high F = 103
|Sep record high F = 100
|Oct record high F = 89
|Nov record high F = 76
|Dec record high F = 66
|year record high F = 104
|Jan high F = 26.4
|Feb high F = 30.3
|Mar high F = 42.2
|Apr high F = 55.6
|May high F = 67.8
|Jun high F = 77.7
|Jul high F = 81.3
|Aug high F = 79.5
|Sep high F = 72.8
|Oct high F = 59.6
|Nov high F = 44.6
|Dec high F = 32.0
|year high F = 55.8
|Jan mean F = 18.4
|Feb mean F = 21.8
|Mar mean F = 33.1
|Apr mean F = 45.4
|May mean F = 57.3
|Jun mean F = 67.4
|Jul mean F = 71.2
|Aug mean F = 69.3
|Sep mean F = 61.8
|Oct mean F = 49.6
|Nov mean F = 36.2
|Dec mean F = 24.7
|year mean F = 46.4
|Jan low F = 10.5
|Feb low F = 13.3
|Mar low F = 24.0
|Apr low F = 35.1
|May low F = 46.9
|Jun low F = 57.1
|Jul low F = 61.1
|Aug low F = 59.0
|Sep low F = 50.8
|Oct low F = 39.5
|Nov low F = 27.9
|Dec low F = 17.3
|year low F = 36.9
|Jan record low F = -31
|Feb record low F = -33
|Mar record low F = -23
|Apr record low F = 10
|May record low F = 22
|Jun record low F = 30
|Jul record low F = 41
|Aug record low F = 34
|Sep record low F = 20
|Oct record low F = 7
|Nov record low F = -12
|Dec record low F = -27
|year record low F = -33
|precipitation color = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 1.37
|Feb precipitation inch = 1.35
|Mar precipitation inch = 1.90
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.67
|May precipitation inch = 4.19
|Jun precipitation inch = 5.80
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.50
|Aug precipitation inch = 4.11
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.47
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.00
|Nov precipitation inch = 2.14
|Dec precipitation inch = 1.75
|year precipitation inch = 37.25
|Jan snow inch = 11.0
|Feb snow inch = 9.7
|Mar snow inch = 4.4
|Apr snow inch = 1.6
|May snow inch = 0.1
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.3
|Nov snow inch = 1.4
|Dec snow inch = 8.5
|year snow inch = 37.0
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 8.4
|Feb precipitation days = 7.7
|Mar precipitation days = 8.4
|Apr precipitation days = 11.9
|May precipitation days = 13.3
|Jun precipitation days = 11.9
|Jul precipitation days = 11.0
|Aug precipitation days = 10.2
|Sep precipitation days = 10.0
|Oct precipitation days = 10.9
|Nov precipitation days = 9.1
|Dec precipitation days = 9.7
|year precipitation days = 122.5
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 7.1
|Feb snow days = 6.3
|Mar snow days = 3.2
|Apr snow days = 1.2
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.3
|Nov snow days = 1.7
|Dec snow days = 6.2
|year snow days = 26.0
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name = nws>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=mkx
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 15, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00478919&format=pdf
| title = Station: Watertown WWTP, WI
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 15, 2021}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1850= 1451
|1860= 5302
|1870= 7550
|1880= 7883
|1890= 8755
|1900= 8437
|1910= 8829
|1920= 9299
|1930= 10613
|1940= 11301
|1950= 12417
|1960= 13943
|1970= 15683
|1980= 18113
|1990= 19142
|2000= 21598
|2010= 23861
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|2020=22926}}

===2020 census===
As of the [[2020 United States census|census of 2020]],<ref name="2020-census-5583975">{{cite web|title=2020 Decennial Census: Watertown city, Wisconsin |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US5583975&y=2020&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29 |website=data.census.gov |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=July 21, 2022}}</ref> the population was 22,926. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1,900.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 9,826 housing units at an average density of {{convert|814.5|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 87.9% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.2% [[Black (U.S. Census)|Black]] or [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 3.5% from [[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|other races]], and 6.2% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 9.6% [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 18, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 23,861 people, 9,187 households, and 6,006 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1970.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 9,745 housing units at an average density of {{convert|804.7|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.0% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.8% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 2.7% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.4% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 7.3% of the population.

There were 9,187 households, of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.6% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.03.

The median age in the city was 35.7 years. 25.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.4% were from 25 to 44; 24% were from 45 to 64; and 14.5% 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<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 21,598 people, 8,022 households, and 5,567 families living in the city. The population density was 1,974.1 people per square mile (762.3/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 8,330 housing units at an average density of 761.4 per square mile (294.0/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 95.90% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.25% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.39% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.61% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.03% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 1.69% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.13% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] people of any race were 4.94% of the population.

There were 8,022 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,562, and the median income for a family was $50,686. Males had a median income of $34,825 versus $23,811 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,977. About 4.6% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over.

==Education==
Watertown is in the [[Watertown Unified School District]]. The city has one public high school, [[Watertown High School (Wisconsin)|Watertown High School]]. Riverside Middle School is on the eastern edge of the city. The public elementary schools in the city are Lincoln, Schurz, Douglas, and Webster. The city also has one charter high school, Endeavor Charter School.

Six [[parochial school]]s serve elementary and middle school students in Watertown, four Lutheran and two Catholic. [[Luther Preparatory School]], a school affiliated with the [[Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod]] (WELS), is located in the central city.

[[Maranatha Baptist Bible College|Maranatha Baptist University]] and its associated private high school, Maranatha Baptist Academy, are located on the west side of Watertown. A branch of the [[Madison Area Technical College]] is also on the west side.

==Business and industry==
Watertown's major employers are the school district, Watertown Regional Medical Center, CQC, several light industries, food processing, metals, electronics, and regional distribution companies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Watertown Wisconsin Major Employers|url=http://wedobusinesswi.com/doing-business-here/major-employers/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010160750/http://wedobusinesswi.com/doing-business-here/major-employers/|archive-date=October 10, 2014|access-date=April 21, 2014|publisher=Watertown Economic Development Corporation}}</ref>

===Rail & Transload, Inc.===
Rail & Transload, Inc., formerly known as Specialty Ingredients, is a [[transloading]] facility and [[Switching and terminal railroad|terminal railroad]] located in Watertown that operates approximately {{Convert|1100|ft|mi|abbr=}} of track. The operations occur mostly within a small [[rail yard]] directly connected to the Canadian Pacific mainline. The yard has room for up to 125 [[Goods wagon|freight cars]], and the inside facility has room for up to five. These are mostly [[Hopper car|hoppers]] and [[tank car]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/projects/multimodal/rail/plan-chap3.pdf|title=Wisconsin Rail Plan 2030|website=Wisconsin DOT}}</ref>
[[File:Watertown River Walk 02.jpg|thumb|Watertown River Walk
]]

==Transportation==

===Major Highways===
* [[Image:WIS 16.svg|20px]] [[Highway 16 (Wisconsin)]]
* [[Image:WIS 19.svg|20px]] [[Highway 19 (Wisconsin)]]
* [[Image:WIS 26.svg|20px]] [[Highway 26 (Wisconsin)]]

===Airport===
[[Watertown Municipal Airport (Wisconsin)|Watertown Municipal Airport]] (KRYV) provides service for the city and surrounding communities.

===Rail===
[[Amtrak]]'s ''[[Empire Builder]]'' and ''[[Borealis (train)|Borealis]]'' passenger trains pass through, but do not stop in Watertown. The nearest Amtrak train station is in [[Columbus station|Columbus, Wisconsin]]. Freight rail service is provided by the [[Canadian Pacific Railway]] (CP), the [[Union Pacific Railroad]] (UP), and the [[Wisconsin and Southern Railroad]] (WSOR).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/travel/rail/railmap.pdf|title=Wisconsin Railroads and Harbors Map - 2019|website=Wisconsin DOT|access-date=November 3, 2019}}</ref> Plans to extend some ''[[Hiawatha (Amtrak train)|Hiawatha]]'' trains from Milwaukee to Madison include the possibility of adding a stop in Watertown.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://eu.jsonline.com/story/news/politics/2023/05/17/wisconsin-projects-passenger-rail-expansion-could-draw-250k-new-riders/70223095007/ | title=State projects passenger rail expansion could draw 250,000 new riders within a decade }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/watertown-included-in-proposed-hiawatha-rail-extension-study/article_81265156-9ddc-11ee-8063-4b144e6bb2b3.html |title=Watertown included in proposed Hiawatha rail extension study|website=Watertown Daily Times|date=December 19, 2023 }}</ref>

===Bus/Taxi===
The city subsidizes a "Watertown Transit" service that provides taxi and small bus "ride sharing" service between requested stops.<ref>{{cite web|title=Watertown Transit|url=http://www.ci.watertown.wi.us/residents/watertown_transit|website=City of Watertown - Watertown Transit|access-date=June 5, 2017}}</ref>

==Healthcare==
Watertown Regional Medical Center is a 95 bed hospital with a [[Trauma center|level III trauma center]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Hospital Directory - Watertown Regional Medical Center (520116) - Free Profile |url=https://www.ahd.com/free_profile/520116/Watertown_Regional_Medical_Center/Watertown/Wisconsin/ |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=www.ahd.com}}</ref> There are 35.4 [[primary care physician]]s per 100,000 population in the area.<ref name="Reports">{{Cite web |title=Reports |url=https://www.wcmew.org/reports |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=WCMEW |language=en-US}}</ref> Watertown is designated as a [[mental health]] Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Find Shortage Areas by Address |url=https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/by-address |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=data.hrsa.gov}}</ref> By 2035, Watertown is estimated to have a 51.6% deficit in primary care physicians, the sixth largest expected deficit in Wisconsin.<ref name="Reports"/> There are no behavioral health professionals in Watertown.<ref name="Reports"/>

==Media==
The local newspaper, the ''[[Watertown Daily Times (Wisconsin)|Watertown Daily Times]]'', dates back to November 23, 1895, when John W. Cruger and E. J. Schoolcraft formed a partnership to publish a daily newspaper.<ref name="wdt">[http://www.wdtimes.com/features/our_papers_history/article_b6ef93dc-86bc-51be-a008-119772e67d4c.html Daily Times History], ''Watertown Daily Times'', March 31, 2011. Retrieved April 22, 2014.</ref> The newspaper currently has 25,000 readers.<ref name="wdt"/>

The radio station [[WMDX]] (formerly WTTN), AM 1580, was licensed to Watertown<ref>[http://www.ontheradio.net/radiostations/wmdxam.aspx OnTheRadio.net]. None.</ref> but is now licensed to with the transmitter located west of [[Columbus, Wisconsin]] while the studio ultimately moved to Madison where it serves as a news/talk outlet.<ref>[http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/info?call=WMDX&service=AM Radio Locator]. Radio Locator (May 14, 2009).</ref> [[WJJO]] 94.1 FM was originally in Watertown, but is now also located in Madison with an [[active rock]] format. Watertown is still well served by radio stations from the Madison, Milwaukee and Janesville markets as well as signals originating from surrounding towns.

Watertown operates a local [[government-access television]] (GATV) channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://watertowntv.com|title=Watertown TV|website=watertowntv.com|access-date=March 23, 2018}}</ref> Programming includes church services from around the area, as well as special programming, sports, and community events.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Famularo |first=Lisa |date=March 18, 2024 |title=Watertown TV Guide: March 18-24 |url=https://www.wdtimes.com/news/local/watertown-tv-guide-march-18-24/article_6bbd13ba-e2f9-11ee-b9b7-f7b3206e2c14.html |access-date=March 22, 2024 |website=Watertown Daily Times |language=en}}</ref>

Watertown is in the Milwaukee television market with stations from Madison also available over the air and on cable.

==Historic landmarks==
* [[Beals and Torrey Shoe Co. Building]]
* [[Watertown station (Wisconsin)|Chicago and North Western Depot]]
* [[First Kindergarten]]
* [[August and Eliza Fuermann Jr. House]]
* [[Octagon House (Watertown, Wisconsin)|Octagon House]]

==Notable people==

{{colbegin|colwidth=32em}}
* [[Charles Beckman (Wisconsin politician)|Charles Beckman]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Al Bentzin]], [[Guard (American football)|guard]] in [[National Football League]]
* [[R. D. Blumenfeld]], journalist, editor of the British ''[[Daily Express]]''
* [[Champ Boettcher]], [[Fullback (gridiron football)|fullback]] in National Football League
* [[Daniel Brandenstein]], [[NASA]] [[astronaut]], veteran of four space shuttle flights
* [[Ray Busler]], player in National Football League
* [[Luther A. Cole]], politician and businessman<ref>''[http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm/compoundobject/collection/whc/id/3357/rec/9 Report and Collections of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin for the Years 1880, 1881, and 1882]'' vol. 9, Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1882, p. 449.</ref>
* [[Joseph E. Davies]], second ambassador to represent U.S. in [[Soviet Union]]
* [[William M. Dennis]], Wisconsin state legislator
* [[William Ellis (Medal of Honor)|William Ellis]], [[Medal of Honor]] recipient
* [[Edward W. Fehling]], [[Michigan]] State Senator
* [[Hezekiah Flinn]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Charles R. Gill]], Attorney General of [[Wisconsin]]
* [[Hiram Gill]], Mayor of [[Seattle]], Washington
* [[Daniel Hall (Wisconsin politician)|Daniel Hall]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[C. Hugo Jacobi]], Wisconsin State Representative and businessman
* [[John Jagler]], Wisconsin legislator
* [[Charles A. Kading]], Congressman
* [[Lloyd Kasten]], language scholar
* [[Robert Kastenmeier]], Congressman
* [[John Kessler]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Eugene H. Killian]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Frederick Kusel]], Wisconsin State Senator
* [[Mary Lasker]], health activist, recipient of [[Presidential Medal of Freedom]] and [[Congressional Gold Medal]]
* [[John A. Lovely]], Minnesota Supreme Court justice
* [[Vincent R. Mathews]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Christian Mayer (Wisconsin politician)|Christian Mayer]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Peter McGovern (politician)|Peter McGovern]], [[Minnesota]] State Senator
* [[Fred Merkle]], nicknamed "Bonehead" was an American first baseman in Major League Baseball for Giants, Dodgers, Cubs
* [[Blaine Mueller]], assistant coach for the [[Charlotte Hornets]] of the [[NBA]].
* [[Charles Mulberger]], Wisconsin State Senator and Mayor of Watertown<ref>''[http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/WI/WI-idx?id=WI.WIBlueBk1919 The Wisconsin Blue Book 1919]''. Madison: State Printing Board, 1919, p. 472.</ref>
* [[Nate Oats]], basketball head coach, [[Alabama Crimson Tide men's basketball|University of Alabama]]
* [[Carlotta Perry]], poet
* [[Ben Peterson (Wrestler)|Ben Peterson]], Olympic gold and silver medalist in wrestling
* [[Judson Prentice]], Wisconsin State Senator
* [[Theodore Prentiss]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[J. A. O. Preus III]], former President of [[Concordia University (California)|Concordia University]], Irvine, California
* [[Meinhardt Raabe]], actor
* [[Edward Racek]], Wisconsin State Representative and Mayor of Watertown<ref>'Wisconsin Blue Book 1905,' Biographical Sketch of Edward Racek, pg. 1101</ref>
* [[Randall J. Radtke]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Patrick Rogan (Wisconsin politician)|Patrick Rogan]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Theodore H. Rowell]], pharmaceutical industrialist and politician
* [[John C. Schuman]], Wisconsin State Senator
* [[Carl Schurz]], U.S. Secretary of the Interior
* [[Margarethe Schurz]], founder of first kindergarten in U.S.
* [[Thomas Shinnick]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Albert Solliday]], Wisconsin State Senator
* [[Jesse Stone (Wisconsin politician)|Jesse Stone]], Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin
* [[Doris Tetzlaff]], baseball player
* [[C. F. Viebahn]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[William Voss]], Wisconsin State Senator
* [[Byron F. Wackett]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Myron B. Williams]], Wisconsin State Senator
* [[Joseph Wimmer]], Wisconsin State Representative
* [[Ferdinand T. Yahr]], Wisconsin State Senator
{{colend}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
* Wallman, Charles J. ''The German-Speaking 48ers: Builders of Watertown, Wisconsin''. Madison, WI: [[University of Wisconsin Press]], 1992

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.ci.watertown.wi.us/ City of Watertown]
* [http://www.watertownchamber.com/ Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce]
* {{Cite AmCyc|wstitle=Watertown (Wisconsin)|display=Watertown, a city of Wisconsin |short=x}}
* ''[http://www.films.com/ecTitleDetail.aspx?TitleID=6834&r= Where Have All the Germans Gone?]'' contains a segment on the history of the German community in Watertown

{{Geographic location
| North  = [[Juneau, Wisconsin|Juneau]]
| Southwest = [[Lake Mills, Wisconsin|Lake Mills]]
| West   = [[Waterloo, Wisconsin|Waterloo]]
| Northeast = [[Lebanon, Dodge County, Wisconsin|Lebanon]]
| Center = Watertown
| East   = [[Oconomowoc, Wisconsin|Oconomowoc]]
| Northwest = [[Columbus, Wisconsin|Columbus]]
| South  = [[Johnson Creek, Wisconsin|Johnson Creek]]
| Southeast = [[Concord, Wisconsin|Concord]]
| image  =
}}

{{Dodge County, Wisconsin}}
{{Jefferson County, Wisconsin}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Jefferson County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Cities in Dodge County, Wisconsin]]
[[Category:Micropolitan areas of Wisconsin|Watertown-Fort Atkinson]]