Brookfield is a city in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Brookfield is the second largest city in Waukesha County, and the leading commercial suburb of Milwaukee. The City of Brookfield was formed in 1954 from the Town of Brookfield, a portion of which still survives along the city's western edge. When people talk about Brookfield, they talk about a city of progress, prosperity and comfort. They talk about its lush green hills, tranquil neighborhoods and vibrant lifestyles.

But Brookfield is much more than meets the eye.

Beneath the quiet exterior, the city is a leader in southeastern Wisconsin’s business and economic community. Make no mistake, the outstanding quality of life that Brookfield’s estimated 46,000 residents experience is no accident. It’s the product of a long history of thoughtful planning, shrewd investing and uncompromising vision. Wisconsin history is a tapestry of hearty pioneers who created a land of unparalleled opportunity for future generations, and Brookfield’s own past reflects a progressive spirit and enduring idealism.

Centuries ago, French explorers opened European eyes to Wisconsin’s rich potential, and an indelible French cultural imprint was left on the region. However, French influence in the region waned after 1763 when Britain gained rights to the territory following the French and Indian Wars. English interest in the land was purely speculative at this time, and the crown relinquished this “Northwest Territory” to the United States following the American Revolution. Early 19th century settlements stabilized the region (Brookfield’s earliest recorded settler, William Howe, claimed the land in 1820), and the area that would one day become Brookfield became part of Milwaukee County in the Territory of Wisconsin in 1836.

Further settlement in the area followed, with farmers staking their claim to the region’s rich, black soil. The town began to take shape one parcel at a time. A tavern and inn were built in 1836, and Brookfield’s first schoolhouse had been built by 1840.

The division of Milwaukee County in 1846 created Waukesha County, which contained 16 townships — including the Town of Brookfield. Brookfield covered 36 square miles and had 1,944 inhabitants by 1850 — when the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad (now the Canadian Pacific Railway) built a railroadt here. Erecting a depot in 1853, the railroad created the Brookfield Junction, which served as a commercial and social center for the surrounding farms. The town retained its agricultural character during the succeeding decades, and the first suburban development (Kinsey’s Garvendale) wasn’t built until the 1920s.

The baby boom that followed World War II hit the area, and residents who sought to retain Brookfield’s unique character began an incorporation drive. Their dreams reached fruition when the City of Brookfield was incorporated in 1954. While agriculture still dominated land use, the city’s founders planned the orderly development of commerce and industry. Their vision has paid dividends many times over, and Brookfield’s residents thrive in one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most commercially diverse communities.

Sheltered amidst the rolling hills overlooking the western side of Milwaukee (just 15 minutes from downtown), Brookfield is a community of infinite opportunity for businesses. It’s also the location of choice for those who want to get the most out of life. And there’s no better place to plant roots. Brookfield is home to an enduring tradition of family values. The local educational system expects the most from students (94 percent of the population aged 25 and older are high school graduates; 49 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher), and household earnings indicate a prosperous community (median household income of $76,225 in 2000).

As the 21st century unfolds, Brookfield, for all its quiet charm, readily adapts to meet the changes all around. It’s one of the most important and fastest growing communities in Waukesha County. Brookfield is a city where superior schools, high quality public services, a wide range of employment, and broad-based commercial services all help to create a unique community that is highly desirable to families and business alike. The parklands and natural landscape provide spaces for recreation as well as connecting safe and attractive neighborhoods. Wherever you look in Brookfield (from its award-winning schools to its copious shopping), you’ll see the best of all possible worlds. It’s the reason why people look no further than Brookfield — where you’re always home.

Notable residents of Brookfield, WI have included...

• Caroline Quiner "Ma" Ingalls, mother of author Laura Ingalls Wilder and key character in the TV series, "Little House on the Prairie."
• NFL players John Anderson (Packers), Joe Panos (Eagles, Bills) and Joe Thomas (Browns)
• Bill Carollo, NFL officialAl Capone, noted Chicago mobster owned a Brookfield home where moonshine was made.
• Kip Carpenter, 2002,2006 Olympian, Olympic bronze medalist in (speedskating)
• Arpad Elo, inventor of the Elo rating system for chess, professor at Marquette University
• Merle Harmon, Hall of Fame broadcaster and entrepreneur
• Kenny Harrison, world champion track and field athlete, Olympic gold medalist, Goodwill Games medalist
• Nathan Hatch, Revolutionary war soldier
• Arie Luyendyk, two-time Indianapolis 500 winerAl McGuire, NCAA basketball championship coach (Marquette) and game commentatorLeslie Osborne, Honda Sports Award (top NCAA women's soccer player) winner (2004) and current member of the Women's Professional Soccer team, Boston Breakers, and the United States women's national soccer team
• Martin P. Robinson, puppeteer for Telly Monster, Mr. Snuffleupagus and Slimey who has performed on Sesame Street since 1980; graduate of Brookfield East High School
• Zelma Winfrey, mother of talk-show host Oprah Winfrey

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