Menasha in Winnebago County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wisconsin Central Railroad
Photographed by Matthew Linn, July 10, 2025
1. Wisconsin Central Railroad Marker
Wisconsin Central Railroad was formally organized in the National Hotel on this site by Judge George Reed and his associates, Feb. 4, 1871. Here the contracts were let for its construction and the first general office was located. The road secured a land grant to build a line from "Doty's Island to Lake Superior." The first train ran from Menasha to Waupaca, Oct. 2, 1871.
Erected 1955 by the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Marker Number 30.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 4, 1871.
Location. 44° 12.041′ N, 88° 26.9′ W. Marker is in Menasha, Wisconsin, in Winnebago County. It is on Mill Street south of Main Street, on the right when traveling south. The marker was attached to the outside wall of the (Menasha) Hotel Pub. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 177 Main St, Menasha WI 54952, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Wisconsin’s Fox River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds 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 marker: Curtis Reed (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1st Sergeant Elmer J. Burr (approx. 0.4 miles away); Specialist Fourth Class Kenneth Stumpf (approx. 0.4 miles
this page online
More about this marker. This marker has been moved onto Mill Street next to the One Menasha Center.
Also see . . .
1. Wisconsin Central Railway. Wikipedia entry. (Submitted on September 13, 2009.)
2. Lost history? No one seems to know what happened to the Wisconsin Central Railroad plaque in Menasha. Post Crescent website entry, 01/14/2022:
UPDATE - 01/18/22: The news article (see link) produced results and after 7½ years the marker has been returned to the Menasha Historical Society. When and where it will be re-erected is still unknown. Ed. Comment 7.10.25 - Marker relocated down Mill St at rear of building. (Submitted on January 14, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed by Matthew Linn, July 10, 2025
2. Wisconsin Central Railroad Marker
This picture was taken from the corner of Mill and Marina.
Photographed by Keith L, September 12, 2009
3. Wisconsin Central Railroad Marker was on front of building.
via Post Crescent, 2014
4. Wisconsin Central Railroad marker missing. June 14, 2014
Photographed by Keith L, September 12, 2009
5. Wisconsin Central Railroad Marker in former location.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,522 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on July 10, 2025, by Matthew Linn of Appleton, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on July 10, 2025, by Matthew Linn of Appleton, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on July 13, 2025, by Matthew Linn of Appleton, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 13, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on September 27, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5. submitted on September 13, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
