National Register Listing

De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District

Fox R. at James St., De Pere, WI
Local significance of the district:
Transportation; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Wisconsin is known as the "Badger State" because of the lead miners who first settled there in the 1820s and 1830s. These miners often lived in tunnels burrowed into hillsides, much like badgers.
Wisconsin random facts
Brown County, located in northeastern Wisconsin, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and Ojibwe peoples. These tribes relied on the fertile land and abundant natural resources for their sustenance and culture.

In the early 17th century, French explorers, led by Jean Nicolet, arrived in the area, establishing the first European presence. The French established fur trading posts, which helped foster peaceful relationships with the Native American tribes. However, over time, conflicts between the French, British, and Native Americans arose, leading to a change in control over the region.

In the late 18th century, the British gained control over the area, ceding it to the United States after the American Revolution. The region became part of the Northwest Territory before eventually becoming part of the Wisconsin Territory. The territorial government created Brown County in 1818, recognizing it as a separate county within the larger territory.

The 19th century saw the rapid growth and development of Brown County. The building of the Erie Canal and the arrival of immigrants, primarily German and Belgian settlers, led to a boom in agriculture and industry. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s further fueled growth, as it provided a convenient means of transportation for goods and people.

Today, Brown County is known for its vibrant city of Green Bay, its rich agricultural heritage, and its status as the home of the Green Bay Packers football team. The county's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who continue to shape its future while honoring its past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Brown County, Wisconsin.

  • 1818 - Brown County is established as part of the Michigan Territory.
  • 1822 - Fort Howard is established by the U.S. Army near the mouth of the Fox River.
  • 1828 - The first permanent European settlement is established in what is now Green Bay.
  • 1836 - Wisconsin becomes a separate territory, including Brown County.
  • 1854 - The first railroad, the Green Bay and Mississippi Railroad, reaches Green Bay.
  • 1872 - The county courthouse is completed in Green Bay.
  • 1958 - The Green Bay Packers win their first NFL championship, beginning a successful era for the team.
  • 1997 - Lambeau Field, the home stadium of the Green Bay Packers, undergoes a major renovation.