North Prairie, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
North Prairie, Wisconsin
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Village
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Location of North Prairie in Waukesha County, Wisconsin.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Waukesha |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.78 sq mi (7.19 km2) |
| • Land | 2.75 sq mi (7.13 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 948 ft (289 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,202 |
| • Density | 809.30/sq mi (312.48/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Code |
53159
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| FIPS code | 55-58400 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1570484 |
North Prairie is a small village in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. It is located in the southwestern part of the Town of Genesee. In 2020, about 2,202 people lived here.
Contents
History of North Prairie
Early Settlers and Naming the Village
In 1826, a farmer and politician named Thomas Sugden and two friends from Mukwonago named this area "North Prairie." They had traveled this far north and decided to stop here.
The first settlers arrived the next year. They were blacksmiths named Chas. Raynaus and Mr. Denny from Eagle. Stillman Smith was the first to claim land here.
Growth and Development in the 1800s
By the 1830s, farmers began to settle in North Prairie. They raised valuable livestock and grew grain. As more people moved in, the population grew. In 1840, Chas. Raynaus started the first school in his own house.
By 1850, the village had a general store and a post office. The Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad built tracks through the village in 1852. Even with the railroad, North Prairie mostly remained a farming area. Later, it became a popular place for people to live.
In 1866, there was a rumor of oil in the area. A company called North Prairie Petroleum Company raised $50,000 to dig for oil or other minerals. However, this project was not successful.
North Prairie in the 1900s
St. John's Lutheran Church was built in 1877. North Prairie officially became a village in 1919.
A big change happened in 1917 when the Morey Milk Condensery opened a factory. This industry caused North Prairie to grow a lot by 1920. The Morey Milk factory employed over 200 people. It provided income for more than 85% of the village's households. The plant was sold in 1924 and is no longer in business.
In 2003, the former owners of a local store, Bill and Avis McKenzie, talked about how the village grew in the 1940s and 1950s. They remembered a time when North Prairie had many businesses. This included three grocery stores, a hardware store, a mill, and several service stations. Over time, many of these businesses closed.
Geography of North Prairie
North Prairie is located at 42°55'59" North latitude and 88°24'4" West longitude.
The United States Census Bureau states that the village covers a total area of about 2.84 square miles (7.36 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 2.81 square miles (7.28 square kilometers), is land. The remaining 0.03 square miles (0.08 square kilometers) is water.
Economy and Industry
North Prairie is located in Waukesha County, which was once a major area for dairy farming. Over time, as cities grew, local dairy farming decreased.
Today, North Prairie has become a "bedroom community." This means many people who live here travel to nearby cities for work. They commute to places like Milwaukee, Waukesha, and other surrounding towns.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1920 | 263 | — | |
| 1930 | 292 | 11.0% | |
| 1940 | 375 | 28.4% | |
| 1950 | 424 | 13.1% | |
| 1960 | 489 | 15.3% | |
| 1970 | 669 | 36.8% | |
| 1980 | 938 | 40.2% | |
| 1990 | 1,322 | 40.9% | |
| 2000 | 1,571 | 18.8% | |
| 2010 | 2,141 | 36.3% | |
| 2020 | 2,202 | 2.8% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Population in 2010
According to the census from 2010, North Prairie had 2,141 people. There were 773 households and 604 families living in the village. The population density was about 761.9 people per square mile (294.2 people per square kilometer).
Most of the people living in the village were White (98.0%). A small number were African American, Native American, or Asian. About 2.0% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in the village was 41 years old. About 26.3% of residents were under 18 years old. About 8.6% were 65 years or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (49.7%) and females (50.3%).
Parks and Recreation
North Prairie offers several places for outdoor activities and fun:
- Veterans Park: This park is located off Highway 59. It has a garden area and historic stone houses that have been restored. The park also features a pavilion, tennis courts, and a play area for children.
- Village Park: You can find Village Park on Karin Drive. It includes a pavilion, a softball field, soccer fields, and a children's play area.
- Broadlands Golf Club: This golf course opened in August 2000 and is located off Highway 59. It has 18 championship-style holes and a driving range. The golf club also has a clubhouse with a banquet hall.
Education
Prairie View Elementary School is located on Highway E. It is set among the rolling hills and oak savanna of Wisconsin's kettle moraine area. This elementary school is part of the Mukwonago Area School District. Each grade level usually has two to three teachers.
Notable People from North Prairie
Some well-known people have connections to North Prairie:
- John Grimshaw: He served as a Wisconsin State Representative.
- Daniel Kelly: He was a justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
- Arthur Oliver Smith: He was a successful industrial leader and founded the A.O. Smith Corporation.
- Gorman Thomas: He was a professional baseball player in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- William Zeiman: He also served as a Wisconsin State Representative.
See also
In Spanish: North Prairie (Wisconsin) para niños
