Appleton city (1990 pop. 65,695), seat of Outagamie co., E Wis., on the Fox River near its exit from the northern end of Lake Winnebago, in a dairying and stockraising region; inc. 1857. Waterfalls provide power for the city's industries, which produce paper, wood, metal, concrete, and dairy products. Appleton had the nation's first hydroelectric plant (1882) and the state's first electric streetcar (1886). The city is the seat of Lawrence Univ.

Appleton

The City in Brief

Founded: 1835 (incorporated 1853)

Head Official: Mayor Timothy Hanna (NP) (since 1996; current term expires 2008)

City Population

1980: 58,913

1990: 65,695

2000: 70,087

2003 estimate: 70,354

Percent change, 1990–2000: 6.6%

U.S. rank in 1980: 340th

U.S. rank in 1990: 352nd

U.S. rank in 2000: 435th

Metropolitan Area Population (Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah, WI MSA)

1980: 291,369

1990: 315,121

2000: 358,365

Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.7%

U.S. rank in 1980: 131st

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 115th

Area: 20.88 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 780 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 43.6° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 30 inches of rain; 47 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, services, trade

Unemployment Rate: 5.2% (February 2005)

Per Capita Income: $22,478 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 1,967

Major Colleges and Universities: Lawrence University, Fox Valley Technical College

Daily Newspaper: The Post-Crescent

Appleton: Introduction

Appleton, once known as the "woodland city" and later "the Lowell of the West" (after the city in Massachusetts) grew up along the Fox River, which provided water power and transportation for the paper manufacturing industry that still dominates the area. Today, fourteen Wisconsin communities including Appleton refer to themselves as Fox Cities. Appleton's history is strongly tied to that of Lawrence University, which grew up with the town after it was chartered in 1847. Lawrence University's 84 acre campus, 32 instructional, recreational and administrative buildings, 1,200 students, and a faculty of more than 100 men and women, lies east of the city's downtown. Students and faculty members supply the community with a variety of music, drama, and sports activities.

Appleton is the seat of Outagamie County, but parts of Appleton are also located in Calumet and Winnebago counties. The many trees, city parks, a river lined with old mansions, and interesting shops provide the community with a lively downtown. The once-polluted river, unique in that it is one of the few American rivers flowing northward for its entire course, has been largely restored and is a popular site for swimming, fishing, and boating. Appleton consistently scores high on lists of the best places to live in the United States; it is safe, affordable, and offers a variety of cultural and artistic events.