History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.
~ David C. McCullough

Historic Fox River Markers to be Unveiled

The history of the Fox Valley has been, since prehistoric times, shaped by the river. The locks and dams of the lower Fox River have played a crucial role in the economic, cultural and social fabric of the Valley for more than 150 years. Over the past two decades the Fox River Valley communities have been working hard to restore the lower Fox River Locks so the original navigable waterway between Lake Winnebago and Green Bay can be reopened.

In collaboration with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Trails, The History Museum at The Castle developed historical markers share the River’s history. The first phase will include the installation of five markers; one in Menasha, three in Appleton and one in Little Chute. Each marker will tell the history of the system and the historical details of the specific lock and community where each marker is located. All markers can be viewed by land and are ADA accessible. The project was funded with grants from the Community Foundation and the Fox Cities Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A public unveiling of the first completed marker will take place on Friday, May 16th at 8:30 a.m. at Appleton’s 2nd lock (off lower Onieda Street, near the Between the Locks building).

“The tugboat Jane moves Barge Number 1 and its load of coal through Appleton Lock 4, c. 1940. OCHS P 82-88-108-73.”