A Brief History of Elkhorn

The first dwelling was a log shanty, built in 1837. By 1838 there were several real houses, and the tiny city was designated the county seat of Walworth County, mainly because it was in the exact center of the county. 1842 was the year that the city was platted and streets laid out. Lots were set aside for the downtown park as well as schools and a jail. By 1849 there were more than 500 people here and the number of buildings was 80. One hundred twenty years later, the population has passed 5,000 and it is a busy city.

Law offices, abstract offices, and county offices now provide employment for many since it is the center of county government. Light industry, especially in the new industrial park, also employs increasing numbers of people.

It is music, though, which for a century and a half has been associated with the name of Elkhorn. The city was the home of J.P. Webster, composer of "Sweet By and By" and Lorena in the 1850's. It has one of the oldest municipal bands in the country. Several band instrument factories make their home here. Even the water towers portray music.

Despite Elkhorn's growth, much of the old has remained. Unlike many central city neighborhoods, the old houses which surround the business district have survived in good shape. They have been lovingly maintained either as homes or as offices.

The Original Elk Horns of Elkhorn

These are the original elk horns from which the name Elkhorn is derived.

In 1836 Col. Samuel Phoenix of Delavan came to this area and lay down under a tree and noticed these horns hanging in the lower branches.

He considered the incident, and determined to name the location Elk Horn Prairie. The name was taken for the settlement by Le Grand Rockwell on his trip to the territory in search of a Geographical center of the county, where he located the county seat.

Enjoy our virtual tour of historic Elkhorn buildings with narrative by local historian Doris Reinke, drawings by Elkhorn artist Linda Godfrey and photographs by Pam Kehoe.

If you would like to enjoy more visit "A Bit of History" for more from Doris Reinke, local historian.