DHEINSVILLE, the first commercial business district in the Township of Germantown, began with the purchase of 800 acres of land in sections 8, 9, 16 and 17 on August 22, 1842.

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Johann Philipp Dhein, age 51, and his wife, Maria Margarita Klumb Dhein, 60, arrived at the U.S. Land Office in Milwaukee with their son Johann Philipp and his wife Catherine Elizabeth. Accompanying the Dheins were Elizabeth's brother, Peter Sinz, her sister Katherina Maria and Katherina's husband, Peter Jacob Dix. They settled land in America for family members and fellow townspeople from Siedersbach, Germany. Peter Dix purchased 400 acres on August 22, 1842 – later adding 120 additional acres. The senior Dheins purchased 240 acres. Both young Philipp and Peter Sinz claimed 80 acres.

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The Dheins and their party traveled to the area using the Indian Trail to Fond du Lac (now Hwy 145). They settled in the woods close to a spring of clear water. The first morning the men built a lean-to shelter out of sapling trees. The party was soon visited by some friendly Indians who were hunting the heavily wooded area.

May 12, 1843 was the date of the first white child to be born in the wilderness of Washington County. His name was Philipp Dhein, Jr. ... a wonder to Indian friends who came to see him!

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As the child grew, so did the members of new immigrant families from the Hunsruck mountains of Germany. Dheinsville began to look like a real crossroads village.

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This is a walking tour and emphasizes the architecture and outside embellishments of our homes. The map indicated the recommended tour route. It covers all the homes in the shortest distance.

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If you are in a tour group, your guide will provide more information, not only about the homes on tour, but other points of interest and local history. If you are doing the tour on your own, feel free to set your own pace. We hope you enjoy slipping back into the past and reliving a special period of time in our history.