An unassuming little building near the Fox River has an incredible story. In fact, this little spot in Wisconsin changed life profoundly for people across the country, as the site of the oldest power plant in the U.S. It’s marvelous to see the humble roots of a technology that transformed life for much of the world, right here in Wisconsin. Here’s why a visit to the Vulcan Street Plant will put a little spark in your day.
Water powers much of life in America. Hydroelectricity accounts for a sixth of the world’s power, more than nuclear energy or all the other renewable sources combined.
Alltrails / Mike Klinter
Appleton was the prime location to harness hydroelectricity. The Fox River passes through the heart of the city and over a 40-mile stretch it plunges about 170 feet – that’s nearly the height of Niagara Falls!
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Back in the 1880s, Henry Rogers saw the potential. He was the president of the Appleton Paper and Pulp Company and he came up with the idea of a power plant after chatting with his friend, H. E. Jacobs, while they were on a fishing trip.
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Jacobs shared Thomas Edison’s advances in electric generation and Rogers later put together a group of investors to fund the world’s first hydroelectric plant.
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The Vulcan Street Plant began successfully operating on September 30, 1882. It began powering a small collection of buildings, including Henry Roger’s home, the Appleton Paper and Pulp Company building, and the Vulcan Paper Mill.
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While the original plant was destroyed by fire, in 1932 an exact replica was build by the river. Today it’s located near a city bike path – it’s amazing that such a humble building would lead to such incredible things!
Wisconsin State Historical Society
To learn more about Appleton’s electric history, consider touring Hearthstone Historic House Museum – it’s the home that Rodgers hooked up to the first plant. You can learn more about the history of electricity in Appleton and get a glimpse into life in the 1800s. Who knew the oldest power plant in the U.S. was hiding right here in Wisconsin?
Alltrails / Mike Klinter
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Wisconsin State Historical Society
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Address: Hearthstone Historic House Museum, 625 W Prospect Ave, Appleton, WI 54911, USA
