Welsh Tour
BRITISH ISLES OF WAUKESHA COUNTY

Immigrants from Wales began to settle in Waukesha County's Genesee Township as early as 1840. They came from all parts of Wales seeking inexpensive farmland, which was still in plentiful supply in the rugged kettle moraine area in the central part of the county. The wooded hills that now shelter lovely suburban homes were once predominantly Welsh farmland where immigrant families re-created many of their native traditions.

Come tour the Welsh Ethnic Settlement Trail and discover the hidden story of Welsh cultural heritage in southeastern Wisconsin. The Welsh Tour, narrated by an historian, Ann Knowles, of the Settlement, will take you to little-known sites of historic interest such as mid-nineteenth-century farmhouses and barns built by Welsh immigrant stone masons, Welsh country chapels, the homes of early immigrant leaders and cemeteries rich with evidence of the area's ethnic past. You will visit the village of Wales and learn how the railroad transformed both the farmers' way of life and their sense of ethnic identity.

Many descendants of Welsh immigrants stayed in Waukesha County, creating businesses one can still see today in the town of Waukesha. The Tour and accompanying booklet, "A Proud Heritage: History of Welsh Settlement" will also introduce you to other Welsh communities in Wisconsin and provide helpful hints for pronouncing Welsh words that you will see and hear on the Tour.

While you are in the area, be sure to visit Old World Wisconsin, the Waukesha County Museum and the Waukesha County Historical Society, where you may purchase the audio Tour and the booklet on Waukesha's Welsh heritage.

Visitor's Guide to Festivals

Accommodations Eagle Centre House Bed & Breakfast. A replicated 1846 Stagecoach house full of authentic antiques. 5 bed-chambers, private baths, whirlpools. Full breakfast. W370 S9590 Hwy. 67, Eagle, WI 53119. (262) 363-4700. Attractions Cemetery and Drumlin. The Thomas House, built circa 1850. The Cadwaladr and Elizabeth Jones House and barn, built in the early 1850s. "King" Jones farm, Bronyberllan. The Village of Wales, including the Elias and Evans houses, 1882 railroad bridge and Jerusalem Church. Salem Cemetery. Jerusalem Cemetery. Bryn Mawr, site of the annual preaching and hymn-singing assemblies (Y Gymanfa Bregethu a Chanu). "Griff" Thomas House, built circa 1895. Bethesda Chapel and remnants of horse stable. Events Lang's Folk Art Show 514 Wells Street, Delafield, WI 53018. (262) 646-5555. Lang's Delafield Antiques Show 514 Wells Street, Delafield, WI 53018. (262) 646-5555. Lang's Folk Art Show 514 Wells Street, Delafield, WI 53018. (262) 646-5555. Lang's Delafield Antiques Show 514 Wells Street, Delafield, WI 53018. (262) 646-5555.

Food & Beverage J.C.'s Restaurant. Open 7 Days. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Daily specials. 114 W. Wisconsin Ave. (Hwy. 16), Oconomowoc, WI. (262) 567-9905. Saxe's Casual Dining. Shopping Gallery I. Offering a full line of prints, originals, bronze sculptures and unique gift items. Winners of 26 national framing awards. Mon.- Fri., 10-8; Sat., 9-5; Sun., 12-5. 3201 Golf Road (Nagawaukee Shopping Center), Delafield. (262) 646-2400. Genesee Woolen Mill. Jack's Pantry on Conright Farm. Specializing in gourmet foods, coffee, teas and gourmet gift baskets for all occasions. Located in an 1840's stone building. Mon.-Sat., 10-5:30; Sun., 12-5. N4 W22496 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI. (262) 521-2444. Just a Little Bit Country on Conright Farm. 11 rooms full of antiques and American country furniture and accessories in an 1840 historic farmhouse. Mon.-Sat., 10-5:30; Sun., 12-5. N4 W22496 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI. (262) 521-2444. For more information... WAUKESHA AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 223 Wisconsin Avenue, Waukesha, WI 53186 1-800-366-8474. WAUKESHA COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY & MUSEUM, 101 W. Main Street, Waukesha, WI 53186. (262) 521-2859. A free British Isles Tour pamphlet is also available. VILLAGE OF WALES, 129 W. Main Street., P.O. Box 47, Wales, WI 53183, (262) 968-3968, FAX (262) 968-5649.