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Appleton, Wisconsin

Located in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, Appleton was established in 1853. Harry Houdini grew up in Appleton. The world's first Edison hydroelectric station was here in 1882.
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Founded 1853 | Population 75,000 | Peak 75,000 (2024) | County Outagamie County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Appleton, Wisconsin

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1853Founded: Fox River community.
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1882First Hydroelectric Plant: First Edison hydroelectric station in the world.
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1903Economic Development: Appleton grew through the automobile industry.
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1908Harry Houdini: Houdini grew up in Appleton.
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1950McCarthy Era: Senator Joe McCarthy from Appleton.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1853 Culture
Founded
1882 Science
First Hydroelectric Plant
1903 Industry
Economic Development
1908 Culture
Harry Houdini
1950 Politics
McCarthy Era

Did You Know?

1
Harry Houdini grew up in Appleton.
2
The world's first Edison hydroelectric station was here in 1882.
3
Senator Joseph McCarthy, of the Red Scare, was from Appleton.
4
Appleton is located in Outagamie County, Wisconsin.
5
Appleton was founded in 1853.

Famous People from Appleton, Wisconsin

WD
Willem Dafoe
Screenwriter, Performing Artist · Born Jul 22, 1955 · Age 70
JL
Jeff Loomis
Composer, Guitarist · Born Sep 14, 1971 · Age 54
TZ
Terry Zwigoff
Screenwriter, Musician · Born May 18, 1949 · Age 76
GS
Greta Van Susteren
Lawyer, Television Presenter · Born Jun 11, 1954 · Age 71
SK
Steven Krueger
Actor, Television Actor · Born May 25, 1989 · Age 36
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