Appleton WI Moving Companies

Appleton, Wisconsin

Listed as one of the "best places in America to live" by Money Magazine, Appleton, Wisconsin is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family. Those moving to Appleton will discover an affluent community founded on an appreciation for education, maintaining a certain small-town charm in the midst of economic prosperity and a downtown revival.

History:
Appleton was first established as the site for a university. At that time it was one of three villages clustered together, the others being Grand Chute and White Heron. When Amos Lawrence, a Boston Methodist, donated money for a "university in the wilderness" to be constructed in 1847, he decided to honor his wife's family, the Appletons, in naming the new site. Outagamie County was founded in 1851, and Grand Chute was named the county seat. As neighboring settlements developed, they decided to incorporate under the single name Appleton in 1853. By the next year the new village included a paper mill, two sawmills, several flour mills, and a newspaper. The city grew, and was incorporated as a city in1857. The power of the Fox River was harnessed in 1882 with the establishment of the world's first hydroelectric plant. The paper mills that developed along the river, and the support industries that grew along with them, played a major role in the economy of the "Paper Valley" that continues into the present day. More recently, the Hmong-Laotian refugees from the period of the Vietnam War have made their mark on the area's culture since the late 1970s.

Economy:
Since the mid-19th century, the paper industry and its allied industries have been the foundation for Appleton's economy. With 80 paper-manufacturing facilities and 90 publishing companies, the Fox Cities has the highest concentration of paper-related companies in the world. Of nearly as great importance is the metals-machinery industry, which produces welders, fire and utility trucks, crushing and screening equipment, farm machinery, and iron and brass castings. The local economy is also diversifying; six insurance companies are headquartered in the Fox Valley, as well as a growing network of thriving financial institutions. The Fox Cities region is also an important center for regional trade and services. The Wisconsin Department of Revenue predicts employment growth in the Fox Cities region, with the greatest increase in services, finance, insurance, and real estate. The Fox Valley Technical College is an award-winning vocational and technical training institute that has formed long-standing relationships with several area companies to provide top-quality customized training programs. With all of these exciting prospects, it's no wonder why Appleton movers are so busy.

Tourism:
Sitting on bluffs high above the Fox River, Appleton has long been considered the cultural heart and soul of the Fox River Valley, in large part due to the presence of Lawrence University, a liberal arts college with strong music and performing arts programs. Head over to the Appleton Art Center. The Art Center promotes, teaches and nourishes the creation and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, educational programs and information resources. College Avenue (or "The Ave") features an eclectic cross-section of bars, pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops, as well as specialty shops and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. For family fun, head to the Building for Kids. This Children’s museum offers kids the opportunity to learn and explore in a fun, engaging environment. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area around Appleton offers the chance to enjoy nature, whether taking in views from High Cliff State Park, fishing for sturgeon on Lake Winnebago, or boating on the river itself.

Colleges and Universities:

• Lawrence University

Interesting Facts:

• The Fox River Valley is home to the highest concentration of papermaking facilities in the world.