My Block: The same families have been living in Mequon's Freistadt neighborhood for 186 years

FREISTADT, Ozaukee County — In one small Wisconsin neighborhood, the same families have been living there since 1839, when their ancestors first immigrated to the United States.

Mequon's Freistadt neighborhood, which is roughly two square miles, is a living testament to the state's German and Polish heritage.

“Freistadt is a very unique community because it was settled back in 1839 from Pomeranian immigrants that came across because of religious persecution," Randy Pipkorn, a lifelong resident of Freistadt said.

Pomerania is a historical region that is located in modern day north eastern Germany and north western Poland. The immigrants were Lutherans who wanted to practice Christianity the way they saw fit.

Freistadt means Free Town in German. It's 136 years old, making it one of the o