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French explorers followed the Fox River to the area in the late 1700’s. Dominique Ducharme purchased what is now the city of Kaukauna in 1793. By 1836, the original inhabitants of the area, the Menomonee tribe, sold their rights to the 40 million acres of territory that is now the Fox Cities. The French and Dutch settled the area, followed by a large polish population. In 1848, Bostonian Amos Lawrence founded Lawrence University, the nation’s second coeducational college, in Appleton. Home to Harry Houdini, author Edna Ferber, and John Alfred, "J.A." Kimberly and C.B. Clark who started a paper legacy that still lives on in one of the world’s largest consumer package goods companies. Kimberly and Clark were just two of many who established a rich paper-making history that dates to the 1830's when the first settlers began to tame the wild and fast flowing river and still provides the economic backbone to the area. A large, well-educated work force has drawn many other industries including health care, financial services and manufacturing. With economic success has sprung a strong retail base, a growing arts community and a great mix of ethnic eateries. Each community of the Fox Cities brings its own special history and personality, making the area a unique blend of urban style and small town warmth. • Fox Cities Home Page |
