Appleton in Outagamie County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
World's First Hydroelectric Central Station
via Wisconsin Historical Society, 1954
1. World's First Hydroelectric Central Station Marker
Near this site on September 30, 1882, the world's first hydroelectric central station began operation. The station, here reproduced, was known as the Vulcan Street Plant and had a direct current generator capable of lighting 250 sixteen-candle power lamps, each equivalent to 50 watts. The generator operated at 110 volts and was driven through gears and belts by a water wheel operating under a ten foot fall of water.
Erected 1953 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is September 2002.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 44° 15.475′ N, 88° 23.836′ W. Marker was in Appleton, Wisconsin, in Outagamie County. It was at the intersection of Vulcan Street and East North Island, on the right when traveling south on Vulcan Street. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 530 South Vulcan Street, Appleton WI 54915, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley. It was also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Vulcan Street Plant Replica (here, next to this marker); First Edison Hydroelectric System in America
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Hearthstone (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding World's First Hydroelectric Central Station. After a fire destroyed the central station, a replica was constructed at the current location preserving all of the building's original features. This building is currently located near its original location at the south end of the Lawe Street Bridge.
There are plans to relocate the replica to a new home in Vulcan Heritage Park, which is situated right across from the original Vulcan Plant.
(This marker was replaced by marker #556).
Related marker.
via Wisconsin Historical Society, 1954
2. World's First Hydroelectric Central Station marker and station reproduction
via Wisconsin Historical Society, 1954
3. World's First Hydroelectric Central Station plaque
Mounted by door, from local DAR Chapter
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,099 times since then and 216 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2020, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 26, 2026, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
