Cudahy’s heritage dates back to
the early 1800s as a small settlement called Buckhorn. It consisted of a
railroad station and a dirt road, Packard Avenue which had a few farms and
homes, a tavern and general store. Patrick Cudahy bought 700 acres of land
sometime in the late 1800s, and built his meat packing plant in 1892. On March
30, 1895 the first President of the village of Cudahy was elected, and Buckhorn
changed its name to Cudahy. In January 1906 Cudahy was incorporated as a city
with a population of 2,556. Industry was the early mainstay of the community.
Following Patrick Cudahy, the Ladish Company moved to Cudahy in 1912. Modern
Machine, a manufacturer of crankshafts, was built in 1924. The Lucas-Milhaupt
silver brazing company came to Cudahy in 1943, and Cudahy Tanning in 1946. These
and many more are still in business here today. Much of the city’s colorful
heritage is preserved for visitors by the Cudahy Historical Society, located in
the original Cudahy Depot. Cudahy’s proud tradition is captured in the City’s
slogan... "GENERATIONS OF PRIDE".
Because of the City’s early planning, Cudahy boasts park land along Lake Michigan for the entire length of the city. The eastern border along Lake Michigan is comprised of Milwaukee County park land. Two other Milwaukee County neighborhood parks add to the recreational enjoyment of our citizens.
Sheridan Park, along the lake, encompasses 84 acres and was named in honor of a Civil War general. The park has baseball and softball diamonds plus tennis and sand volleyball courts, along with a swimming pool, a tot lot and many picnic areas.
Warnimont Park, located on the bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, is immediately south of Sheridan Park. Named for former county supervisor Eugene Warnimont, this 290-acre park has an 18-hole par 3 golf course. A paved bicycle trail, part of the county’s 90-mile Oak Leaf Trail, connects these two parks with other county parks.
