Waupaca County, Wisconsin

Waupaca County, Wisconsin is a county located in the United States state of Wisconsin, bordered by Shawano County, Wisconsin to the north, Outagamie County, Wisconsin to the east, Winnebago County, Wisconsin to the southeast, Waushara County, Wisconsin to the southwest, and Portage County, Wisconsin to the west. The county seat is Waupaca, Wisconsin, which is situated on the Waupaca River and is home to the Waupaca County Courthouse. The county is part of the Appleton, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area and is near the Fox Cities. The area is also close to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and Lawrence University.

Geography

Waupaca County, Wisconsin is situated in the central part of the state, with its geography characterized by a mix of glacial features, including drumlins, eskers, and kettle lakes, which were formed during the Pleistocene epoch. The county is drained by several rivers, including the Waupaca River, Wolf River, and Embarrass River, which flow into Lake Winnebago and eventually into the Fox River (Wisconsin). The county's terrain is also marked by numerous moraines, including the Horicon Marsh, which is a National Wildlife Refuge and an important stopover for migratory birds. The area is near the Kettle Moraine State Forest and the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

History

The area that is now Waupaca County, Wisconsin was originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk and Menominee Native American tribes, who were later displaced by European-American settlers. The county was established in 1851 and was named after the Waupaca River, which was in turn named after the Potawatomi word for "white sand bottom". The area was settled primarily by German-American and Norwegian-American immigrants, who were attracted by the county's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county played an important role in the American Civil War, with many of its residents serving in the Union Army and fighting in battles such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of Vicksburg. The area is also near the Little White Schoolhouse, the birthplace of the Republican Party (United States).

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Waupaca County, Wisconsin was 51,645, with a population density of 69 people per square mile. The county's population is predominantly White American, with smaller percentages of Asian American, African American, and Native American residents. The median household income in the county is around $53,000, and the median home value is around $140,000. The area is home to the Waupaca School District and the University of Wisconsin–Marathon County. The county is also near the Marshfield Clinic and the ThedaCare health system.

Communities

Waupaca County, Wisconsin is home to several communities, including the city of Waupaca, Wisconsin and the villages of Clintonville, Wisconsin, Fremont, Wisconsin, and Iola, Wisconsin. The county is also home to several towns, including Waupaca, Farmington, and Lind. The area is near the City of Appleton and the City of Oshkosh. The county is also close to the Village of Hortonville and the Town of Greenville, Outagamie County, Wisconsin.

Government

The government of Waupaca County, Wisconsin is headed by a county board of supervisors, who are elected by the county's residents. The county is also home to several municipal governments, including the city of Waupaca, Wisconsin and the villages of Clintonville, Wisconsin and Fremont, Wisconsin. The area is part of the Wisconsin's 8th congressional district and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Mike Gallagher (American politician). The county is also near the Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Economy

The economy of Waupaca County, Wisconsin is diverse, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including the Waupaca Foundry, the ThedaCare health system, and the Waupaca School District. The area is also near the Fox Valley region, which is home to several major companies, including Kimberly-Clark, Oshkosh Corporation, and Bemis Company. The county is also close to the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and the Lawrence University, which provide education and training in a variety of fields. The area is also near the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Category:Wisconsin counties