About Oshkosh

HISTORY-

Once the site of a trading post on a route between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, Oshkosh, named in honor of a Menominee Indian Chief, is now home to nationally acclaimed industry and offers countless opportunities in business, education, and recreation.

In 1637, Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet traveled from Green Bay up the Fox River to the Wisconsin River then to the Mississippi River. These waterways became the "highway" from French Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

In the summer of 1836, the first settler, Webster Stanley, migrated from Ohio to start a ferryboat operation. Within several months, he built his home and soon established a trading post, a tavern and an inn. Only three years later, this area had becomehome to over 100 people. Brooklyn, located on the south side of the Fox River, and Athens on the north merged and became known as Oshkosh, in honor of the Menominee Tribe, Chief Oshkosh. In 1847, Morris Firman began operating the first sawmill in Oshkosh. Within several years, sawmills lined the Fox River. The great Chicago fire of 1871 created a boom in Oshkosh's lumber trade, as much of the lumber used to rebuild Chicago was produced by Oshkosh sawmills. By 1873, 24 sawmills, 15 shingle mills and 7 sash and door companies were in operation and Oshkosh became famous as "Sawdust City."

TODAY-

Oshkosh and the surrounding area have an abundance of sites and sounds for visitors to discover and enjoy. The city is located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago and is banked by the Fox River and Lake Butte des Morts in Winnebago County. Lake Winnebago, the largest fresh water lake within a state, was carved from the same limestone formation that creates Niagara Falls. Winnebago County has more water area than any other Wisconsin county. The waterways that once provided transportation for explorers and power for sawmills are still a vital part of our community, only now they are used for recreation.

Wisconsin has long been known for its excellent work ethic, and The City of Oshkosh, with over 64,000 inhabitants, is a strong part of that tradition. Businesses located here find that the skills and education of the local work force are high, while building and operating costs are low.

Oshkosh's Wittman Regional Airport is the home of the world famous Experimental Aircraft Association. For one week each summer, Wittman Airport is transformed into the busiest airport in the world during the annual EAA Fly-In Convention. Airport, rail, and highway connections offer quick and easy access to Chicago, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Madison, and the Fox Valley for both commercial and personal travel.

Educational opportunities abound in Oshkosh. The University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh is the third largest campus in the UW-System, with a current enrollment of more than 10,000 students. It boasts nationally recognized colleges of Business and Nursing. Fox Valley Technical College, with two centers in Oshkosh, is rated among the top nine technical schools in the nation, and the Oshkosh PublicSchool System continues to be a leader in the state's excellent educational system.

Quality of life in Oshkosh is outstanding. The Fox River system offers unlimited opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Oshkosh's park and recreational system is exceptional. The surrounding area offers woodlands and lakes for enjoyment of any outdoor activity, no matter what the season.

Oshkosh's culture and entertainment rate very highly. The Grand Opera House is a restored landmark which offers ballet, community theater, and music to fit every taste. The Oshkosh Symphony has a five-concert season, while community bands, choruses, and theaters offer opportunities for participation and appreciation. Three local museums bring a variety of art and history to visitors. For sports fans, several professional teams are within easy driving distance.

As we look to the next century, Oshkosh will continue to grow and thrive. Its greatest asset has not changed - the people that make this a great place to live, work and visit.

To learn more about the City of Oshkosh, go the the official City of Oshkosh website, found on our "Favortie Links" page.