Early industries besides lumbering and fishing included tanneries, brewing, and shipbuilding. In 1847, the first wooden sailing schooner, Citizen, was built in Manitowoc. During the war years, local boat yards produced wooden tugboats, rescue craft, subchasers, minesweepers and submarines. The boat tradition continues with the production of luxury yachts today. As wheat agriculture declined in the 1870's and 1880' s, dairying and the cheese industry developed.
Agriculture continues to play an important role in the area's economy.
During the late 19th century, aluminum, iron casting and other manufacturing and retail businesses were established and prospered. The city of Manitowoc is located in eastern Wisconsin's picturesque Manitowoc County where the waves of Lake Michigan gently fall upon the sandy beaches at the city's feet. This historic town of 34,334 proud Wisconsinites comfortably rests astride Interstate 43 which winds its way along Wisconsin's east coast between Milwaukee 79 miles to the south, and Green Bay, just 38 miles north. Manitowoc is perfectly sited between those two famous cities and is one of Wisconsin's most popular tourist stops. Reaching the city by automobile is as scenic and pleasant as it is simple.