World's First Hydroelectric Central Station

Wanted: Photo of original marker. image. Click for full size.

1. Wanted: Photo of original marker.

Inscription.
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 This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.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. Marker 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.

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

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(here, next to this marker); 9-11 Memorial (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Merging of Milwaukee-Downer and Lawrence Colleges (approx. ¼ mile away); Lawrence University (approx. ¼ mile away); First Commercially Successful Electric Street Railway (approx. 0.4 miles away); Henry James and Cremora Rogers Residence (approx. 0.9 miles away); Number 736 (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Appleton.

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).

Also see . . . Hydroelectric Central Station. Wisconsin Historical Society website:
1954 photo of the marker by the hydroelectric central station. (Submitted on July 16, 2009.)

World's First Hydroelectric Central Station image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Keith L, July 4, 2009

2. World's First Hydroelectric Central Station

The marker was located near the stairs at the left side of the photo. See Link Below
Click for more information.

World's First Hydroelectric Central Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, August 17, 2011

3. World's First Hydroelectric Central Station

Hydroelectric Central Station Plaques image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Keith L, July 4, 2009

4. Hydroelectric Central Station Plaques

The plaques are to the left of the door.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,516 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on March 27, 2020, by Fitzie Heimdahl of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Photos: 1. submitted on March 27, 2020, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 2. submitted on July 16, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on September 11, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on July 16, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.