Janesville

Before the 1830s, the city of Janesville was home to a large Native American population. Today, however, the city is primarily occupied by white families, descendants of the Civil War era and the automotive boom. A city in southern Wisconsin, it has a population of about 65,000 residents. The main founder of the area, Henry Janes, a native of Virginia who was a self-proclaimed woodsman, originally wanted to call the area “Blackhawk,” but that name was shot down in favor of a spin on his own last name. The economy of the town is made up of small businesses, farmer's markets, and assembly plants. Due to its rich history, the city has a number of historical landmarks that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.