Menasha in Winnebago County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Curtis Reed

1815 - 1895

Photographed By Lugnuts, April 23, 2015

1. Curtis Reed Marker

Inscription. Curtis Reed, often referred to as the Father of Menasha, arrived from Vermont in June 1848, with dreams of harnessing the water power. He created the first building, built the first dam, and was instrumental in having the village chosen as the site of the government canal which opened Menasha for commerce and industry. Platting the village, Reed included a town square similar to those in his native New England. It became the center of public activities and events.

Reed was active in local affairs. He served as the first village president, as alderman, and as postmaster. He was one of the organizers of the Wisconsin Central Railroad. At the age of 75 he was elected Menasha's Mayor, filling the office with dignity for two terms. Much of the early development of our city can be attributed to the efforts of Curtis Reed.

Erected 1991 by Menasha Historical Society.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1848.

Location. 44° 12.052′ N, 88° 26.976′ W. Marker is in Menasha, Wisconsin, in Winnebago County. Memorial is at the intersection of Main Street and Chute Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street. The marker is a part of Curtis Reed Square in downtown Menasha.

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Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 150 Main Street, Menasha, Wisconsin, Menasha WI 54952, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1st Sergeant Elmer J. Burr (approx. 0.4 miles away); Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth Stumpf (approx. 0.4 miles away); Jean Nicolet Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away); Menasha’s Isle of Valor (approx. half a mile away); Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building (approx. half a mile away); Menasha Lock (approx. 0.6 miles away); Indian Effigy Mounds (approx. 0.7 miles away); Grand Loggery (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Menasha.

Curtis Reed Marker - Wide View image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lugnuts, April 23, 2015

2. Curtis Reed Marker - Wide View

Marker is on the short standard on the brick sidewalk, in front of and to the left of the large stone sign.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2015, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 705 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2015, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.