Extensive filling and channelization of the area began in the mid-19th century when city co-founder
Byron Kilbourn advocated a "straight cut" from the Milwaukee River near the
Menomonee River confluence out to
Lake Michigan. This channel was made in 1857 and is still in use today. Prior to that, the natural outlet for all three rivers was at the southern end of Jones Island where the Kinnickinnic now turns north to flow out of the straight cut. This area was later filled. It was initially settled by
Kashubian and
German immigrants in the 1870s, who made their living by fishing
Lake Michigan. Having never officially obtained a deed for the land, they were considered squatters by the City of Milwaukee. The area was condemned in 1914, == Notable people ==