Bradley, Marathon County, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bradley, Wisconsin
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 Bradley, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Location in Wisconsin
Bradley, Marathon County, Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Marathon |
| Elevation | 371 m (1,217 ft) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 715 & 534 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1562126 |
Bradley is a small, unincorporated community located in the town of Cleveland, within Marathon County, in the state of Wisconsin, United States. It's not a city or a village with its own local government. Instead, it's a group of homes and businesses that are part of a larger town. Bradley is found where two important roads meet: Wisconsin Highway 153 and County Highway M. This spot is about 3 miles (5 km) east of the town of Stratford.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
Have you ever wondered what makes a place a "town" or a "city"? Bradley is an example of an unincorporated community. This means it's a place where people live and work, but it doesn't have its own separate local government.
How Unincorporated Communities Work
Instead of having its own mayor or town council, Bradley is governed by the larger area it's part of. In this case, it's governed by the town of Cleveland. This means:
- The people living in Bradley follow the rules and laws set by the government of Cleveland.
- Services like road maintenance, police, and fire protection are usually provided by the county or the larger town.
- Residents pay taxes to the county and the town of Cleveland, not to Bradley itself.
Why Some Places Are Unincorporated
Many communities start small and grow over time. Some stay unincorporated because they don't have enough people to form their own government. Others might choose to remain part of a larger town or county because it's simpler or more cost-effective. Being unincorporated doesn't mean a place isn't important; it just means it's organized differently!
Discovering Bradley's Location
Bradley is situated in a specific part of Wisconsin. Knowing its location helps us understand its surroundings and how people travel to and from it.
Where is Wisconsin?
Wisconsin is a state in the Midwestern part of the United States. It's known for its dairy farms, beautiful lakes, and forests. Bradley is located in the central part of Wisconsin.
Exploring Marathon County
Bradley is located within Marathon County. This county is one of the largest in Wisconsin by land area. It's home to many farms, forests, and small towns. The county seat, which is like the main city where the county government is located, is Wausau.
Understanding Road Junctions
Bradley's exact spot is at the "junction" of Wisconsin Highway 153 and County Highway M. A junction is simply where two or more roads meet or cross. Think of it like an intersection or a crossroads.
- Wisconsin Highway 153 is a state highway, meaning it's maintained by the state of Wisconsin. It helps people travel across different parts of the state.
- County Highway M is a road maintained by Marathon County. These roads connect smaller communities and rural areas within the county.
Being at a junction means Bradley is a point where travelers might pass through or stop when moving between different areas using these roads. It's also located a short distance, about 3 miles (5 kilometers), east of the nearby community of Stratford.
