Tomahawk, Wisconsin
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| Tomahawk, Wisconsin | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tomahawk |
| Settlement type | City |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Wisconsin |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Lincoln |
| Established title | Settled |
| Established date | 1886 |
| Established title1 | Incorporated |
| Established date1 | 1891 (city) |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Area total km2 | 20.50 |
| Area total sq mi | 7.92 |
| Area land km2 | 18.20 |
| Area land sq mi | 7.03 |
| Area water km2 | 2.30 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.89 |
| Elevation m | 447 |
| Elevation ft | 1467 |
| Population total | 3394 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 186.5 |
| Population density sq mi | 483.0 |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Code |
| Postal code | 54487 |
| Area code | 715 & 534 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 55-80025 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 1575365 |
Tomahawk, Wisconsin. Tomahawk is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, situated along the Wisconsin River in the northern part of the state. Founded as a company town for the Tomahawk Land and Boom Company, its development was closely tied to the lumber industry and the arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. Today, the community is a regional hub for outdoor recreation, leveraging its location amid the Northern Highland region and numerous lakes.
History
The area's history is deeply connected to the Ojibwe people, with the city's name derived from a nearby bend in the Wisconsin River known as the "Tomahawk." Permanent settlement began in 1886 when the Tomahawk Land and Boom Company, led by entrepreneur William H. Bradley, purchased land to establish a lumbering center. The company built a dam on the river to control log drives and plotted the town, with the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad reaching the site in 1887, spurring rapid growth. Incorporated as a city in 1891, Tomahawk's economy was dominated by large sawmills operated by firms like the Bradley & Metcalf Lumber Company and the Tomahawk Lumber Company, processing white pine from the surrounding Northwoods. After the decline of the virgin timber stands, the city transitioned to paper manufacturing, with the Tomahawk Paper Company mill (later owned by Wausau Paper) becoming a major employer for much of the 20th century.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.92 square miles, of which 7.03 square miles is land and 0.89 square miles is water. Tomahawk is located on the eastern shore of Lake Mohawksin, a reservoir formed by the Tomahawk Dam on the Wisconsin River. The landscape is characterized by the glacial terrain of the Northern Highland, with mixed forests and a multitude of lakes, including Lake Nokomis and Lake Alice. The city lies within the North Central Plains geographical region and is part of the Lake Superior drainage basin.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 3,394. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations identifying as Native American or Two or More Races. The population density was approximately 483 people per square mile. Historically, population peaks coincided with the height of industrial paper production, with modest declines following mill closures and economic shifts.
Economy
Tomahawk's economy has evolved from its roots in logging and paper mill operations. While manufacturing remains a component, the economic base has diversified significantly toward tourism, retail, and healthcare. The city serves as a commercial and service center for the surrounding recreational areas, with businesses catering to activities like fishing, boating, snowmobiling on the Wisconsin Snowmobile Trail System, and hunting. Major employers include the Tomahawk School District, Ascension medical facilities, and various manufacturing firms producing goods such as prefabricated homes and plastic products.
Culture and recreation
The city is a prominent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hosting events like the annual Tomahawk Fall Ride for motorcyclists and the World Championship Snowmobile Derby on Lake Nokomis. The Tomahawk Historical Society operates a museum in the old Chicago and North Western depot. Recreational infrastructure is extensive, including the Bearskin State Trail for hiking and biking, access to the Wisconsin River for paddling, and proximity to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Winter activities center on a vast network of snowmobile trails maintained by local clubs.
Government
Tomahawk operates under a mayor–council form of government. The city is part of Wisconsin's 7th congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Tom Tiffany. At the state level, it lies within the 12th Senate District and the 34th Assembly District of the Wisconsin Legislature. Municipal services include a police department, a public works department, and a public library that is part of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service.
Category:Cities in Wisconsin Category:Lincoln County, Wisconsin Category:County seats in Wisconsin