In the early 19th century, the land was controlled by Native Americans, including the Menominee, Potawatomi, and Sauk people.

The Menominee surrendered the land east of the Milwaukee River to the United States Federal Government through the Treaty of Washington in 1832.

In 1833, the Potawatomi surrendered the land west of the river by signing the 1833 Treaty of Chicago, which (after being ratified in 1835) required them to leave Wisconsin by 1838.

[4][5][6] The land was organized as part of the Town of Milwaukee in 1838, and the first white settlers were farmers, many of whom were German immigrants.

[7] Glendale incorporated as a city on December 28, 1950, from portions of the Town of Milwaukee,[8] including a prosperous industrial corridor along Capitol Drive.

It began to develop rapidly in the 1950s, reflecting post-World War II metropolitan growth and migration patterns throughout the United States.

[9] Unlike other northshore suburbs of Milwaukee, Glendale has a mix of industry and commercial sites in addition to residential areas.

Nicolet High School is also located in Glendale and serves the city, along with the suburbs of Fox Point, Bayside, and River Hills.

The scene came into significant attention in Glendale on November 17, 2023, as four suspects, attempting to pull over to police, ran from their damaged SUV.

One suspect rushed to a golf course, hiding inside a portable toilet until being trapped by golfers, in help of police.