[2] Poles began immigrating to Milwaukee in the 1840s, and by the late 19th century they were the second-largest ethnic group in the city following German Americans.

He purchased the 200,000 tons of salvage material for $20,000 and had it delivered to Milwaukee on 500 railroad flatcars, where parishioners were waiting to begin construction.

Once completed, it met the needs of Milwaukee's growing Polish Catholic population by seating 2,400 members and was the city's largest church.

Detailed oil paintings depicting biblical scenes adorned the walls and inner dome, while ornamental plasterwork finished in gold leaf set the columns, and ornate stained glass covered the windows.

[3] In 1929, Pope Pius XI designated St. Josaphat Church as the third minor basilica in the United States, marking it as a place of pilgrimage, special devotion, and historical significance.

[4] An electrical fire in 1940 caused extensive smoke damage to the interior,[4] and a lightning storm in 1947 dislodged several large blocks of stone from the base of the dome.

A subsequent need for financial assistance was the impetus for partnerships with the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and several prominent businessmen from the Polish community.

This led to the establishment of the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation in 1991 and allowed large scale restoration work, again by Conrad Schmitt Studios, to begin.

[citation needed] On July 21, 1901, a high mass presided over by Archbishop Francis Xavier Katzer marked the formal completion and dedication of the basilica.