Whitewater

Whitewater is a city in Jefferson and Walworth Counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Located near the southern portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Whitewater is the home of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

Whitewater was founded at the confluence of Whitewater Creek and Spring Brook, and named for the white sand in their beds. A gristmill was built on Whitewater creek, the resulting pond now called Lake Cravath. The town grew quickly when the first railroad line in Wisconsin passed through in 1853, but struggled when the two largest employers left town. In 2006, local historian Fred Kraege published a historical overview of the city, titled Whitewater, with Arcadia Press.

Annual events in Whitewater include an Open House in December, "Freeze Fest" in January, the Bridal Fair, Donkey Basketball and Farm Toy Show in February, Maxwell Street Day and the 4th of July Celebration in July. Adding to these annual events are the Minneiska Water Ski Shows Saturday evenings on Whitewater Lake.

Stephen Ambrose, author, historian

John Belushi, comedian, actor (attended UW–Whitewater)

Tom Bigelow, auto racer

Edward S. Curtis, photographer, director, actor, cinematographer

James Oscar Green, Jr., Distinguished Service Cross recipient

Kim Hixson, Wisconsin politician

Tom Hulce, actor

Jeff Jagodzinski, NFL assistant coach, former head coach of the Boston College Eagles

Dale Markham, NFL player

Benjamin McCready, painter

Stephen Nass, Wisconsin politician

David Obey, Wisconsin politician

Leon Pescheret, painter, architect

Elaine Roe, U.S. Army officer, one of the first four women to be awarded the Silver Star

Henry Edgar Roethe, Wisconsin legislator