Local Author Takes Readers on a Voyage Down Three Rivers That Shaped Milwaukee’s History
MILWAUKEE (August 12, 2026) – Following the success of The Miller Beer Barons: The Frederick Miller Family and Its Brewery, author Tim John returns with another fascinating exploration of Milwaukee history. His newest book, From Source to City: Voyaging the Milwaukee River, Menomonee River, and Kinnickinnic River, takes readers on an unforgettable journey along the three rivers that shaped Milwaukee’s history.
Through hiking, snowshoeing, bicycling and paddling, John follows each river from its source to its confluence at Lake Michigan. His journey uncovers the people, places and events that transformed southeastern Wisconsin.
Blending firsthand adventure with deep historical research, the book offers a unique perspective on the waterways that fueled Milwaukee’s growth. The story is supported by hundreds of photos, maps, documents, poems and more.
“Milwaukee came to life where three rivers converged on a broad bay of Lake Michigan. Those rivers were lifelines for the infant metropolis, and they remain dominant features of the city’s landscape today,” said John Gurda, who is widely regarded as Milwaukee’s preeminent historian. “Tim John follows each stream to its source in an appealing blend of exposition and exploration, making frequent excursions into the past as he paddles, portages, and hikes the waterways of the present.”
“I wanted to create a compelling story that appeals to history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, conservationists and anyone who loves Milwaukee,” John said. “The book explores history, geography, geology, ecology, fisheries and so much more. I invite readers to discover the rivers that have shaped our region and experience them with a new sense of wonder and appreciation.”
WHO
Tim John, Author, https://timjohn.org/
WHAT
New Book: From Source to City, Voyaging the Milwaukee River, Menomonee River, and Kinnickinnic River, https://timjohn.org/books/from-source-to-city/
WHEN
Available on Amazon.com
NOTE
Tim John is the great-grandson of Frederick J. Miller, the founder of Miller Brewing. John wrote the book, The Miller Beer Barons: The Frederick Miller Family and Its Brewery. To learn more about Tim John, go to timjohn.org. Contact Brian Meehan at brianmeehan@zizzogroup.com to request a book or schedule an interview.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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