New London is a city in Outagamie and Waupaca counties Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1851,[6] the population was 7,295 at the 2010 census. Of this, 5,685 were in Waupaca County, and 1,640 were in Outagamie County.
The city has an annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Irish Fest, and week-long festivities, when the city's name is changed to "New Dublin" for the week.[7] In 2022, Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland became New London's sister city (known in Ireland as Twinning).[8]
History
For thousands of years, this area was occupied by successive indigenous cultures. Some were known as moundbuilders, constructing a reported 72 earthworks near what is now Taylor Lake in the county, including many effigy mounds. Their descendants included the Menominee, who lived here for thousands of years. In the Menominee language this place is known as Sakēmāēwataenoh, meaning "mosquito place", likely due to its riverside location.[9] The Menominee sold this land to the United States in the 1836 Treaty of the Cedars, which saw over four million acres of land in Wisconsin sold after years of negotiation about how to accommodate the Oneida, Stockbridge-Munsee, and Brothertown peoples who were being removed from New York to Wisconsin.[10]
Following the treaty which made the land available for purchase, New London was established by European-American settlers in 1852 and was named after New London, Connecticut by Reeder Smith, a founder whose father was from there. Reeder Smith built the plank road between Appleton and Stevens Point.[11] New London became a lumber center and the terminus of steamboats plying the Wolf River from Oshkosh.[12]
The American Water Spaniel was developed as a registered breed by F. J. Pfeifer of New London.[13] It was named the state dog in 1986.
As of the census[3] of 2010, there were 7,295 people, 3,038 households, and 1,903 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,314.4 inhabitants per square mile (507.5/km2). There were 3,310 housing units at an average density of 596.4 per square mile (230.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.2% White, 0.2% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 3.8% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.9% of the population.
There were 3,038 households, of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.0% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.95.
The median age in the city was 37.4 years. 25.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.4% were from 25 to 44; 24.5% were from 45 to 64; and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
2000 census
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 7,085 people, 2,894 households, and 1,843 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,265.5 people per square mile (488.5/km2). There were 3,045 housing units at an average density of 543.9 per square mile (209.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.64% White, 0.20% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.28% from other races, and 0.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.46% of the population.
There were 2,894 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $37,491, and the median income for a family was $49,028. Males had a median income of $34,481 versus $21,728 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,153. About 3.8% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.2% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.
WIS 15 travels east (from immediately southeast of the city) to Appleton.
Culture
Museums
The New London Public Museum, which was founded in 1917, contains exhibits on local and natural history and Native American and world cultures.[17] Five historic buildings can be toured at the Heritage Historical Village, which includes a railroad museum.[18]
Performing arts
Downtown New London
The Wolf River Theatrical Troupe produces plays and productions throughout various sites in New London including Crystal Falls and the New London High School.[19] A professional western stunt show called "Whips, Garters, and Guns Wild West Review" performed by movie stunt performers has its home in New London. Its performances are also held in other cities at fairs, festivals, rodeos, and business places each summer.[20]
Festivals and parades
"Leprechauns" kick off week-long festivities by renaming New London to New Dublin
Each March, Wisconsin's largest St. Patrick's Day parade is held with an Irish Fest and sponsored by the Shamrock Club of New Dublin, as the town is renamed "New Dublin" for the week. Weeknight Irish festivities are also scheduled that include Irish entertainment, an Irish Cèilidh, Finnegan's wake, and Irish caroling. Corned beef and cabbage is served in local restaurants that week too.[21]
Early in August the New London Heritage Historical Society holds its annual "Heritage Days and Rail Fest" event with a buckskinners rendezvous encampment at New London's Heritage Historical Village.[22] A September "Cheese and Sausage Fall Family Fest" is held downtown, and late in the year is the "Holiday of Wonder" festivity with a parade, children's crafts, a live nativity scene, and a "Santa Land".[23]
Situated on both the Embarrass River and Wolf River, New London is a year-round fisherman's paradise with some of the earliest walleye fishing in the state.[24] New London is also a popular destination for river tubing, canoeing, and camping.[25] Tube and canoe rentals with a shuttle service are available on the scenic Little Wolf River four miles west of town.[26] The par-70 Shamrock Heights Golf and Supper Club has 18 holes of both traditional and links style.[27] Grand Cinema Theatres, located downtown on North Water Street, is another great stop in New London. The "Grand" auditorium, built in 1895 and completed in 1896, has offered services such as an opera house, community center, and, currently, a modern-day movie theatre.
Newton-Blackmour State Trail
The Newton Blackmour State Trail extends 24 miles from Seymour, WI to New London, WI. The trail is used for snowmobiles, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing in winter and hiking, biking and horse back riding in summer. The name "Newton-Blackmour" is made up from the four incorporated communities on the trail.
Sturgeon Trail
The Sturgeon Trail, located in the Mukwa State Wildlife Area west of New London, Wisconsin, is a half mile paved trail along the Wolf River. During a short period of time, usually between late March and early May, sturgeon begin to swim upriver. Many swim close to shore looking for a place to spawn.[28] During the summer months, the sturgeon trail is another great spot for fishing.
Education
The School District of New London consists of 7 learnings facilities as well as 3 other buildings. Two Parochial schools are also located in New London.
Elementary Schools
Parkview Elementary: Parkview Elementary, located on Werner-Allen Road, New London, Wisconsin, is the largest elementary school in the New London School District.[29] Parkview offers grades 4k through 4th.
Lincoln Elementary: Lincoln Elementary, located on East Washington Street, near downtown New London, teaches over 300 students annually. Lincoln offers grades 4k through 4th.[30]
Readfield Elementary: Readfield Elementary is located outside of New London in the Town of Readfield on Hwy 96. Readfield offers grades kindergarten through 4th.[31]
Sugarbush Elementary: Sugarbush Elementary is located north of New London on City Road WW. It is the smallest school in the New London School District. Sugar bush offers grades 4k through 4th.[32]
Middle/Intermediate School:
New London Intermediate/Middle School is located on West Washington Street, New London. It serves over 700 students in grades 5th through 8th.[33]
High School:
New London High School is located on Klatt Road, New London. It is the largest school in the New London School District with about 800 students. It offers grades 9th through 12th.[33]
Alternate Learning
Catalyst Academy: Catalyst Academy is one of the New London School District's alternate learning options. It is located on South Shawno Street, New London.[34]
Next Generation Academy: The Next Generation Academy is another of New London's alternate learning options. It is located in the high school building on Klatt Road, New London.[35]
Parochial Schools:
Emmanuel Lutheran School: Emmanuel Lutheran School is a private Christian school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod located on East Quincy Avenue, New London. It offers grades 4k through 8th.[36]
Most Precious Blood: Most Precious Blood (MPB) is a private Catholic school located on East Washington Street, New London. Most Precious Blood offers 3p through 5th.[37]
Notable people
Hannibal Dixon, Wisconsin politician and president of New London
Elmer Hall, Wisconsin state senator, mayor of Green Bay, Wisconsin Secretary of State[38]
Sport-O-Lectric Silo sign, in New London, in Wisconsin
VIEW OF CENTER CANTILEVER - New London Bridge, Spanning Embarrass River on State Trunk Highway 54, New London, Waupaca County, WI HAER WIS, after C.E.1968
