History of Appleton, Wisconsin, USA

1847 to 1853 - Appleton was settled in 1847 and incorporated as a village in 1853. John F. Johnston was the first resident and village president.

1853 - First paper mill is built in Appleton, Wisconsin

1854 - Appleton / Grand Chute
Appleton, or Grand Chute, a post-village, capital of Outagamie county, Wisconsin, on the Neenah or Fox river, 80 wiles from its mouth, 95 miles N. E. from Madison, and about 4 miles from the foot of Winnebago lake. It is situated near the rapids called the Grand Chute, where the river descends about 30 feet in the course of one mile and a half, affording immense water-power. Five dams have been built across the river, which render it navigable for steamboats through its whole course. By this means steam boats can pass from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi. The county was organized in 1850.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1857 - Appleton was incorporated as a city on March 2, 1857, with Amos Storey as its first mayor.

1882 - In order to provide electricity to the paper industry, the nation's first hydro-electric central station, the Vulcan Street Plant on the Fox River, began operation on September 30, 1882. (Appleton, Wisconsin)

September 30, 1882

In August 1886, Appleton was the site for another national first, the operation of a commercially successful electric streetcar company.

In 1890, 11,869 people lived in Appleton, Wisconsin.

1893 - Mill Fire
Appleton, Wis., June 24. - The Kaukauna Fiber company's sulphite mill at Kaukauna was destroyed by fire Friday afternoon. It was a two digester mill, with a capacity of seven tons a day. Loss, $35,000; fully covered by insurance. The mill will be rebuilt.
Daily Citizen
Iowa City, Iowa
June 24, 1893

1895 - Appleton
Appleton, a city, the capital of Outagamie co., Wis., on Fox River and on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, 20 miles N. by E. of Oshkosh, 29 miles S.W. of Green Bay, and 185 miles from Chicago. The Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Railroad connects it with Milwaukee, 120 miles distant. It is pleasantly situated on a plateau about 70 feet above the river, and near the rapids called Grand Chute, which afford abundant water-power. It has 2 national banks and 8 churches, and is the seat of Lawrence University (Methodist £ which was founded in 1849. Two daily and 5 English and German weekly papers are issued here, also 2 monthly periodicals. It has 5 flour mills, 6 paper-mills, 3 saw-mills, a woollen-mill, and manufactures of chairs, hubs, spokes, staves, and machinery and farm-implements. Pop. in 1880, 8005; in 1890, 11,958.
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

1900 - Population of Appleton, Wisconsin - 15,085

1910 - Population of Appleton, Wisconsin, 16,773

1916
Appleton, a city, the capital of Outagamie oo., Wis., on Fox River and on the Chicago and Northwestern and the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Rs., 20 miles N. by E. of Oshkosh, 29 miles SW. of Green Bay, and 185 miles from Chicago. It is connected by steamboat with Green Bay and Lake Winnebago. It is pleasantly situated on a plateau about 70 feet above the river and near the rapids called Grand Chute, which afford abundant water-power. It is the seat of Lawrence University and the Appleton Collegiate Institute. It has flour-, paper-, saw- and woollen- mills, and manufactures of cigars, chairs, hubs, spokes, staves, car-movers and farm-implements. It has also large breweries and foundries. Pop. in 1880, 8005 ; in 1890, 11,958; in 1900, 15,085.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1920 - Population of Appleton, Wisconsin - 19,571

1940 - Population of Appleton, Wisconsin - 28,436

From outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and delicious dining options, here's a list to help you make the most of your time in Appleton:
Visit the History Museum at the Castle: Explore the history of the Fox Valley region through engaging exhibits and displays. This museum is home to the famous Houdini exhibit, showcasing the life and magic of the great escape artist Harry Houdini, who called Appleton home.

Stroll through Lawrence University: This liberal arts college offers a beautiful campus with a lovely riverfront view. Take a leisurely walk or attend one of their many cultural events or concerts.

Fox River Mall: Shop 'til you drop at Fox River Mall, one of the largest shopping centers in Wisconsin. It's packed with a wide range of stores, dining options, and entertainment choices.

Explore the Paper Discovery Center: Appleton has deep roots in the paper industry, and this interactive museum provides insight into the history and science of papermaking. You can even make your own paper!

Hearthstone Historic House Museum: Visit this Victorian-era mansion, which was the first residence in the world to be... Read MORE...