MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) — The City of Manitowoc, along with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, has announced the designation of Manitowoc, Wisconsin as an American World War II Heritage City.
Courtney Hansen, Director of Tourism for Visit Manitowoc, said the process for receiving this designation began in early spring of 2021. The Wisconsin Maritime Museum staff worked with the Mayor’s office to fill out the necessary paperwork for the application and assembled documentation about the history of the city.
The National Park Service announced this designation of eighteen communities across the country, including Manitowoc, on Monday in a press release. Only one American World War II Heritage City can be designated in each state or territory.
Manitowoc received the designation because of its substantial involvement in World War II. Most notably its production of twenty-eight Gato Class Submarines by the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. Many local companies produced thousands of products for the war; ranging from oil tanks for B-29 bombers to meal cans and protective coatings for torpedos.
Manitowoc’s World War II history is able to be enjoyed all around the city; especially at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, which includes the USS Cobia.
Hansen said citizens in Manitowoc also helped raise funds by selling war bonds.
“The Capitol Theatre in Manitowoc had a big touring stage show, where they sold over $100 million in war bonds.” said Hansen.
The World War II Heritage Cities program was established by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act of 2019 to recognize the historic importance of the United States domestic involvement in World War II and ensure the continued preservation of a defining period in American history.
