Muskego was a long-time home to Potowatomie people. Luther Parker, the first white settler and past president of the Indian Stream Republic in New Hampshire, the only independent country within U.S. borders, came in 1836. The area once included New Berlin, Waukesha, and Vernon Townships. Five ethnic groups, each with a post office and center, settled within present Muskego borders. Cholera nearly destroyed the Norwegians in 1851. The City of Muskego incorporated in 1964. Three lakes cover 22% of its surface.