NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The city of Neenah celebrated its 150th birthday Monday, although the Neenah community is in fact a bit older.
The city was incorporated on March 13, 1873 — but Neenah first began in 1835 as an industrial and agricultural mission for the Menominee Indians, according to the city’s website.
A few years later, the water power of the Fox River drew in white settlers.
The city’s name itself also comes from the Native Americans. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, the name comes from the Ho-Chunk word for “running water.”
In 1856, the area was incorporated as the village of Neenah. Before then, it had been known as Winnebago Rapids.
And just one year before Neenah became a city, the influential Kimberly-Clark paper mill was founded there.
Once 1873 rolled around, though, it was official; Neenah was a city.
While Neenah may actually be about 168 years old, the present community is celebrating the city’s 150th birthday with music and celebration.
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