Jefferson, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jefferson, Wisconsin
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| Nickname(s):
The Gemütlichkeit City
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Location of Jefferson in Jefferson County, Wisconsin.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Jefferson |
| City | March 19, 1878 |
| Village | March 9, 1857 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.03 sq mi (15.61 km2) |
| • Land | 5.82 sq mi (15.08 km2) |
| • Water | 0.21 sq mi (0.54 km2) |
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 7,793 |
| • Density | 1,338.5/sq mi (516.8/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Zip Code |
53549
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| Area code(s) | 920 |
| FIPS code | 55-37900 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1567111 |
Jefferson is a city in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, in the United States. It is the main city, or county seat, of Jefferson County. The city is located where two rivers, the Rock River and the Crawfish River, meet. In 2020, about 7,793 people lived in Jefferson. Part of the city is next to the Town of Jefferson.
Contents
History of Jefferson
The first people to settle in Jefferson chose this spot because of the Rock River. The river offered good ways to travel and a source of water power. In 1839, it was the furthest point up the Rock River that a steamboat could go. Later, bridges built downstream stopped boats from traveling that far.
Who Were the First Settlers?
The first settlers in Jefferson came from New England states like Connecticut and Massachusetts. Many were "Yankees," meaning they were descendants of English Puritans who settled New England in the 1600s. These farmers moved west into the Northwest Territory in the early 1800s. They came after the Erie Canal was finished and the Black Hawk War ended.
When these settlers arrived, the area was mostly thick forest and wild prairie. The New Englanders built farms, roads, and government buildings. They also set up mail routes. They brought their Yankee values with them, such as a strong belief in education. They built many schools and strongly supported ending slavery. Most were members of the Congregationalist Church, but some were Episcopalian, Methodists, or Baptists. For a long time, Jefferson's culture was very similar to early New England culture.
When Did Jefferson Become a City?
Jefferson officially became a village in 1857. This happened because the Wisconsin Legislature passed a special law. Later, in 1878, it was officially made a city.
Jefferson During World War II
During World War II, a special camp called Camp Jefferson was built at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. This camp held German prisoners of war (POWs). Before this, the fairgrounds were used for horse buggy racing.
What Are Gemuetlichkeit Days?
Gemuetlichkeit Days is a festival that started in 1971. It celebrates the German heritage of many people living in the Jefferson area. The first festival was held in tents downtown. It quickly grew, and in 1975, it moved to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The festival has been held there every year since.
Where is Jefferson Located?
Jefferson is located at 43°0′11″N 88°48′28″W / 43.00306°N 88.80778°W. The city covers about 5.93 square miles (15.36 square kilometers). Most of this area is land (5.72 square miles or 14.81 square kilometers), and a small part is water (0.21 square miles or 0.54 square kilometers). The center of downtown Jefferson is about 797 feet (243 meters) above sea level.
People of Jefferson
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 550 | — | |
| 1860 | 1,369 | 148.9% | |
| 1870 | 2,176 | 58.9% | |
| 1880 | 2,115 | −2.8% | |
| 1890 | 2,287 | 8.1% | |
| 1900 | 2,584 | 13.0% | |
| 1910 | 2,582 | −0.1% | |
| 1920 | 2,572 | −0.4% | |
| 1930 | 2,639 | 2.6% | |
| 1940 | 3,059 | 15.9% | |
| 1950 | 3,625 | 18.5% | |
| 1960 | 4,548 | 25.5% | |
| 1970 | 5,429 | 19.4% | |
| 1980 | 5,647 | 4.0% | |
| 1990 | 6,078 | 7.6% | |
| 2000 | 7,338 | 20.7% | |
| 2010 | 7,973 | 8.7% | |
| 2020 | 7,793 | −2.3% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 2010–2020 |
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How Many People Live in Jefferson?
In 2010, about 7,973 people lived in Jefferson. There were 3,132 households, which are groups of people living together. The city had about 1,394 people per square mile (538 people per square kilometer).
Most people in Jefferson are White (91.2%). Other groups include African American (0.7%), Native American (0.4%), and Asian (0.7%). About 11.8% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
What is the Age Range of People in Jefferson?
The average age in Jefferson in 2010 was 37.5 years old.
- About 24.4% of residents were under 18 years old.
- About 7.8% were between 18 and 24 years old.
- About 27.8% were between 25 and 44 years old.
- About 24.4% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 15.7% were 65 years or older.
The population was almost evenly split between males (49.8%) and females (50.2%).
Schools in Jefferson
Jefferson has six schools for students. There are two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and two private schools.
- Elementary Schools: East Elementary and West Elementary. East Elementary School was built in 1939 as a public works project during the Great Depression.
- Middle School: Jefferson Middle School.
- High School: Jefferson High School. The school's fight song uses the music from 'On Wisconsin' with words for JHS students.
- Private Schools: St. John's Catholic and St. John's Lutheran.
Businesses in Jefferson
Jefferson is home to several important businesses.
- Valero Renewables: This company has an ethanol plant in Jefferson. Ethanol is a type of fuel.
- Nestlé Purina PetCare Company: This company has a factory that makes cat food.
- Generac Power Systems: This company has a plant that makes power systems.
Famous People from Jefferson
Many notable people have connections to Jefferson:
- Claire B. Bird: A Wisconsin state senator who was born in Jefferson.
- Ira W. Bird: A Wisconsin State Representative and mayor of Jefferson.
- Paul M. Blayney: An admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard.
- Christopher Grimm: A Wisconsin State Representative who lived in Jefferson.
- George Grimm: A Wisconsin State Representative and judge born in Jefferson.
- Kenneth E. Gruennert: A Medal of Honor recipient who went to school in Jefferson.
- Robert Kirkland Henry: A congressman born in Jefferson.
- Rosemary Kennedy: The sister of President John F. Kennedy, who lived in Jefferson.
- Lance Leipold: The head football coach at the University of Kansas.
- William W. Reed: A Wisconsin state senator and representative who lived in Jefferson.
- Oscar F. Roessler: A Wisconsin State Representative and newspaper editor born in Jefferson.
- Zeke Sanborn: An Olympic gold medalist born in Jefferson.
- Joseph Stoppenbach: A Wisconsin State Representative born in Jefferson.
- Wilbur H. Tousley: A Wisconsin State Representative who lived in Jefferson.
Images for kids
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A friendly robot
See also
In Spanish: Jefferson (Wisconsin) para niños
