As the lumber industry became established in the mid-19th century, many mills were built along the river's shores. Now known as “Paper Valley,” the area supports numerous paper mills and related industries. With the construction of a hydroelectric station in 1882, Appleton became the first city in North America to generate its electricity with water power.
The city is home to Wisconsin's first co-educational institution of higher learning, Lawrence University, which is noteworthy for the Henry M. and Ruth B. Wriston Art Center at Alton and Law streets. Edna Ferber's family moved to Appleton in 1897 when she was 12; it was here that she wrote her first published short story and novel in 1910. Sen. Joe McCarthy, a fervent anti-communist during the 1950s, also hailed from Appleton.
The diverse cultural population lends a distinct ethnic flavor to the area. Descendants of the original New England settlers mingle with Dutch, German, Polish and Vietnamese immigrants.
Visitor Centers
Fox Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau 3433 W. College Ave. Appleton, WI 54914. Phone:(920)734-3358 or (800)236-6673
Shopping
Fox River Mall, 1 block off US 41 on Wisconsin Avenue, has more than 120 stores, including JCPenney and Macy's. Specialty boutiques line downtown’s College Avenue.