Oconomowoc is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, just west of Milwaukee. The name, Oconomowoc (OE-kahn'-ah-mah-wok"), was derived from "Coo-no-mo-wauk," the native Potawatomie term for distinguishing a waterfall in the vicinity. The city is located partially within the Oconomowoc township. There is also the nearby Village of Oconomowoc, Town of Oconomowoc and Oconomowoc Lake. Oconomowoc's population was 12,382 at the 2000 census.

Although frequented by French fur traders and trappers since the early 1800s, the founding and development of Oconomowoc began in 1837 when the first white man, Charles Sheldon, came to the area to build his home. As word of its beauty and natural wealth spread, more tradesmen began to arrive. One such early settler was a young man by the name of John S. Rockwell. He built the grist mill, owned the first store and hotel, and donated sites to all the churches. He started the fire department, the library, the elementary school and a young ladies convent called Bord du Lac. His stoutheartedness and ingenuity earned him the title "Father of Oconomowoc."

Combining the rapid growth of the town together with its idyllic setting and natural assets, Oconomowoc quickly became a hub for the wealthy families of the Midwestern United States as the ideal summer location for their homes, parties and special events. Large and elaborate mansions graced the lakeshores of the area, as well as luxuriant ancillary buildings and grounds groomed daily to add to their owners' high lifestyles. Fueled by its growing reputation, Oconomowoc entered a new era marked by the title "Newport of the West." This era began in the 1870s and continued into the 1930s. Lured by Oconomowoc's great beauty, families of wealth from Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee crowded its lake shores with palatial, colonnaded country mansions and lavish landscapes. At one time, Lake Road was referred to as Presidents' Avenue since Taft, Grant, Cleveland, Coolidge, McKinley and Teddy Roosevelt had visited and enjoyed famous Draper Hall and the hospitality of its wealthy residents.

Today, many of those structures remain, including the only fieldstone train depot remaining in the Midwest. Victorian homes lining shade-filled streets were uncommonly common in the Oconomowoc of the late-19th and early 20th centuries. The summer mansions have become year-round homes and thriving industries help support what was once primarily heralded as a vacation destination. The largely intact, late 19th century downtown and many stately historic houses are reminders of those years. Historic walking tours around Fowler Lake, either guided or self-guided, provide a snapshot of the grandeur of yesterday.

A city for all seasons, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin offers an abundance of activities and events to delight its residents valuable leisure time. Shoppers find Oconomowoc a paradise of goods from the latest in fashion and unusual art, to stained glasses and exquisite jewelry. And the many lakeside homes offer Oconomowoc citizens relaxing days and pleasant evenings. Some things never change.

For more information on activities in and around Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, visit:

• City of Oconomowoc, WI
• Waukesha County, WI
• Oconomowoc Chamber of Commerce
• Oconomowoc, WI Real Estate Summary on IDCide
• Oconomowoc, WI on MuniNetGuide.com
• Oconomowoc, WI on CityTownInfo.com
• Oconomowoc, WI Google Earth Map
• View Oconomowoc, WI Area Jobs on Career Builder
• View Oconomowoc, WI Area Jobs on Yahoo HotJobs
• Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on Wikipedia.com
• Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on epodunk

For more information on activities in and around South Central Wisconsin, including Waukesha County, Wisconsin, visit:

• Living in Wisconsin
• Forward Wisconsin: Lifestyle
• The State of Wisconsin

Oconomowoc Homes, Properties and Special Feature Real Estate

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin real estate includes a wide variety of homes for sale, condos for sale, water access properties (waterfront or scenic view), active adult communities, ocean frontage and executive properties. Whether you're presently a buyer or seller, I am confident I can help you achieve your real estate goals. Sellers who have been in the area for a while know my reputation for knowledgeable advice, enthusiastic service, creative marketing and professional networking. My associates and I will mine every source for suitable properties so you can feel at ease that your search will produce the right kind of solution for you.

For buyers new to the area, you can rest assured that I will provide the specialized services you deserve: a strong work ethic, personal real estate expertise to help define your needs, help with selecting and securing standard financing for your purchase, special technology, constant communication throughout the transaction, and more. Of course, home buyers can find any real estate firm to handle your business. I think you’ll like the courtesy, professionalism, attention to detail and real estate savvy for which I’m known. Let me help you discover your new community and conduct your in-depth home search - from existing homes for sale, properties for sale, lots, vacant land, new construction, 55-plus and retirement communities, investment properties, waterfront, golf and recreational properties, golf course lots - all the way to luxury villas, estates and executive homes.

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Other nearby communities have similar real estate characteristics as Oconomowoc and may also be of interest to you in your home search. Please feel free to ask CENTURY 21 Crossroads about homes for sale, recreational and Johnson Creek, Watertown, Jefferson, Fort Atkinson (Ft. Atkinson), Lake Mills, Ixonia, Oconomowoc, Cambridge, Clyman, Sullivan, Waterloo, Nashotah, Delafield, Pewaukee, Concord, Okauchee, Marshall, Jefferson County, Dodge County, Waukesha County and much more.

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