Milwaukee was inhabited by many indigenous cultures, particularly the Potawatomi, Menominee, and Ho-Chunk. In the early 19th century, European settlers established the city as a hub for trade and industry, capitalising on its location as a port. Its history was heavily influenced by Central European immigrants, and it remains a centre of German-American culture. Milwaukee grew into a major brewing centre, with the Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz breweries shaping its industrial identity. The city also became known for its strong labour movement. While it is an ethnically and culturally diverse city, it continues to be one of the most racially segregated cities as a result of early-20th century redlining.