The City of Waukon takes its name from John Waukon, a member of the Winnebago tribe who once roamed the prairies of Allamakee County.

In June 1849, Geo. C. Shattuck arrived in Allamakee County. That fall, he built a simple hay shanty to shelter his family until a log cabin could be constructed. This modest start marked the beginning of what would become the town of Waukon.