Add YOUR Family To This Page

flag  History of Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

Journey back in time to Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

(Waupacca)

Explore Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

Do You Have Waupaca Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA - Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA - Marden Hall, Wisconsin Veterans Home, Waupaca, Wis.

Waupaca was first settled in June 1849 by Capt. Augustus Hill Sr. and his sons, on a small waterfall along the Waupaca River. At the time, the area was home to the Menominee and Potowatomi tribes. The name for the settlement came either from the Indian term "waubuck seba," meaning pale water, or from a Potowatomi man named Sam Wapuka, or Chief Waupaca.

Waupaca was incorporated as a village on May 4, 1857 by act of the Wisconsin State Legislature. This act was repealed on April 7, 1862, but promptly revived on June 17 of the same year. Waupaca was incorporated as a city by the legislature on March 5, 1875.

kids.kiddle.co

Explore even more about Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA. Keep reading!

Waupaca Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA - Marden Hall, Wisconsin Veterans' Home, Waupaca, Wis.
Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Marden Hall, Wisconsin Veterans' Home, Waupaca, Wis.
Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA - Chain-O-Lakes, Waupaca, Wis.
Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Chain-O-Lakes, Waupaca, Wis.
Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA - Soo Line Depot, Waupaca, Wis.
Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

Postcard
Pinterest    
Soo Line Depot, Waupaca, Wis.

Discover Waupaca: History, News, Travel, and Stories

Add informationAdd History/News/Story
1895 - Waupaca
Waupaca, or Waupacca, a post-village, capital of Waupaca co., Wis., is in a township of the same name, on Waupaca River, and on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, 37 miles W. by N. of Menasha, and 28 miles E.S.E. of Stevens Point. It has a high school, 6 churches, 2 banking-houses, a newspaper office, 2 tanneries, 2 flour-mills, 2 foundries with machine-shops, and manufactures of sash, blinds, &c. Pop. in 1890, 2127.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
1906
Waupaca, a banking city, capital of Waupaca co., Wis., on the Waupaca River and on the Wisconsin Central R., 37 miles W. by N. of Menasha. It has manufactures of woollens, flour, and lumber. Pop. in 1900, 2912.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1908 - GASOLINE LAUNCH BURNED.
A large gasoline launch used on Waupaca lakes was destroyed by fire at Indian crossing on the lakes Sunday afternoon. Owing to a leak in the gasoline tank or pipes a fire resulted and although the boat was headed at once for shore several of the dozen or more persons, who were on board at the time, were very painfully burned. As the boat neared shore the occupants jumped out into the water. The most severely injured were removed to the Veterans Home hospital. The boat was burned to the water's edge. The tank is said to have contained upwards of 10 gallons of gasoline, making a fierce flame. The boat was valued at $900, and $100 in cash, the day's receipts, which had been placed in a locker on board, were also destroyed. The fire was witnessed by a large crowd of campers and Sunday picnickers and created quite a sensation.

Mr. Colman, the owner of the boat was quite severely burned in an effort to save his roll of money. The names of the two ladies who were seriously burned were... Read MORE...

1946 - Youth On High School Outing Dies As Canoe Overturns On Lake
Tragedy overtook an outing of 26 Maplewood high school students at McCrossen lake near Waupaca last Saturday morning when one of the party, RICHARD KERSCHER, 17, only son of Mrs. Celia Kerscher, of Maplewood, Door county, was drowned when a canoe overturned.

Sheriff Arthur Hewitt recovered the body about two hours after the accident, in over 50 feet of water. Another boy in the same canoe was picked up by a motorboat, but efforts to reach young Kerscher in time to save his life were in vain.

Roy Koss, agriculture teacher, was in charge of the student outing.
Clintonville Tribune-Gazette
Clintonville, Wisconsin
May 30, 1946
2023 - Waupaca has something for everyone. Here's a list:
1. Chain O' Lakes
Waupaca is famous for its Chain O' Lakes, a series of 22 interconnected spring-fed lakes. Each lake has its own character, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and water sports. Take a pontoon boat or a kayak and explore the crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush greenery. Hartman Creek State Park is a great starting point for lake adventures, providing boat rentals and scenic trails.

2. Waupaca River Walk
For a leisurely stroll, head to the Waupaca River Walk. This charming pathway follows the Crystal River and takes you through parks, bridges, and scenic spots. It's a peaceful way to spend an afternoon, especially during the fall when the foliage adds a burst of color to the landscape.

3. Hutchinson House Museum
To delve into Waupaca's history, visit the Hutchinson House Museum. This Victorian-era house offers guided tours, showcasing the life of a prominent local family. The beautifully preserved architecture and antique furnishings provide a... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Waupaca Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

We currently have information about 6 ancestors who were born or died in Waupaca.

View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)



Ancestors Who Were Married in Waupaca, Wisconsin, USA

We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Waupaca.

View Them Now

Genealogy Resources for Waupaca

Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Waupaca

Buy it NOW!

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug

Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!

Search for YOUR Family by Place

To search for a place, specify place name below. Choose name from the list. Then SEARCH.
*Place Name:


Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Visit Our Store

Ancestry Family Tree Search

Search for YOUR Family by Name

NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.

First Name:
*Last Name:
Gender:
Born (+/- 2 years):
Died (+/- 2 years):
Match all terms exactly:

Updated: 9/29/2023 8:32:34 AM