Janesville: People & Events

Medal of Honor Winners
The Congressional Medal of Honor is awarded to a person in the Armed Services for gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against any enemy of The United States. There have been a significant number awarded to residents of Janesville.

Henry Traxler, legendary city manager
In 1922 the citizens of Janesville elected Henry Traxler as their first city manager. His administrative accomplishments helped develop Janseville's civic infrastructure.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, African-American medical pioneer
Dr. Williams's early medical education was nurtured in Janesville by Civil War hero Dr. Henry Palmer. Williams went on to have a brilliant career in Chicago where he founded the city's first multi-racial hospital and performed the world's first successful heart surgery.

The Sit-Down Strike of 1937
A sit-down strike at Janesville's General Motors (GM) assembly plant in 1937 became a defining moment in the history of labor union relations at GM.

Burned-Over District
Many of the first settlers were idealists from New England's "burned-over area," a region heavily evangelized during the religious revival movement of the early 1800s.

Electricity comes to Janesville
Through the efforts of local businessmen, the Janesville Electric Co. began supplying power to the citizens of Janesville in 1882.