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Algoma, Wisconsin facts for kids

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Algoma, Wisconsin
Most of Algoma, taken on June 27, 2020
Most of Algoma, taken on June 27, 2020
Location of Algoma in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.
Location of Algoma in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.
Country United States
State Wisconsin
County Kewaunee
Area
 • Total 2.50 sq mi (6.48 km2)
 • Land 2.46 sq mi (6.36 km2)
 • Water 0.04 sq mi (0.11 km2)
Elevation
581 ft (177 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 3,243
 • Density 1,241.04/sq mi (479.07/km2)
Time zone UTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code(s)
54201
Area code(s) 920
FIPS code 55-01000
GNIS feature ID 1560759
State Highways WIS 42.svg WIS 54.svg

Algoma (/ælˈɡmə/ al-GOH-mə) is a city in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. It is located in the United States. In 2020, about 3,243 people lived there. Algoma is part of the larger Green Bay area.

History of Algoma

The area that is now Algoma was first settled in 1834 by Joseph McCormick. Early pioneers from Ireland and England moved there in 1851. They called the place Wolf River. This name came from stories told by the local Potawatomi people about wolves. Today, the wolf is the mascot for Algoma High School. In the Menominee language, the town is called Ākem, which means "snowshoe."

Growth and Name Changes

In the mid-1800s, many immigrants from Germany, Bohemia, Scandinavia, and Belgium came to live in the community. The first businesses included a sawmill, a general store, and churches. In 1859, the town's name changed from Wolf to Ahnapee. This name came from a Chippewa word, anin api, meaning "when." The town surrounding Algoma is still called Ahnapee.

Surviving the Peshtigo Fire

In 1871, a huge fire called the Peshtigo Fire swept through the area. It destroyed thousands of acres of land. The people of Ahnapee were ready to leave, but heavy rains put out the fire just before it reached their town.

The Railroad Arrives

Ahnapee grew a lot when the Ahnapee and Western Railway arrived in 1892. This railroad connected the town to the national rail system for 94 years. Because of the railroad, several factories were built in Ahnapee. One important factory was the Ahnapee Seating & Veneer Company, which operated until 2017.

Becoming the City of Algoma

Ahnapee officially became a city on February 23, 1879. In 1897, the city's name was changed to Algoma. This new name might have come from an Indigenous term meaning "park of flowers." The local newspaper, the Ahnapee Record, also changed its name to the Algoma Record. At that time, Algoma had the largest commercial fishing fleet on Lake Michigan. Today, fishing for fun is still a big draw for tourists.

In 2020, Algoma won the All-America City Award. This award recognized the city's efforts to help young people stay in the area. They created programs like student mentoring and job opportunities. They also built a community wellness center.

Geography and Location

Algoma, taken 1:10 AM CDT, March 27, 2012 during ISS Expedition 30.
Algoma, taken 1:10 AM CDT, March 27, 2012 during ISS Expedition 30.

Algoma is located at 44°36′30″N 87°26′32″W / 44.608226°N 87.442342°W / 44.608226; -87.442342. It sits right on the shore of Lake Michigan, where the Ahnapee River flows into the lake.

The city covers about 2.51 square miles (6.48 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.

Transportation in Algoma

  • WIS 42.svg WIS 42 goes north to Sturgeon Bay and south to Kewaunee.
  • WIS 54.svg WIS 54 connects Algoma to Green Bay when you travel west.
  • The Ahnapee State Trail is a path for walking and biking. It connects Algoma to Forestville and Casco. Part of this trail is also part of the Ice Age Trail.

Population Information

Historical population
Census Pop.
1880 948
1890 1,015 7.1%
1900 1,738 71.2%
1910 2,082 19.8%
1920 1,911 −8.2%
1930 2,202 15.2%
1940 2,652 20.4%
1950 3,384 27.6%
1960 3,855 13.9%
1970 4,023 4.4%
1980 3,656 −9.1%
1990 3,353 −8.3%
2000 3,357 0.1%
2010 3,167 −5.7%
2020 3,243 2.4%
U.S. Decennial Census

2010 Census Details

In 2010, there were 3,167 people living in Algoma. The city had 1,406 households. The average age of people in Algoma was about 44.6 years old. About 21% of the people were under 18 years old.

Culture and Events

Annual Car Show in downtown Algoma, WI
The 2019 Car Show in downtown Algoma

Algoma hosts several fun events throughout the year:

  • Algoma Car Show: Since 2000, this annual show features classic cars and trucks in downtown Algoma.
  • Shanty Days: This is a big celebration held every August. It includes different foods, music, an arts and crafts show, a parade, a 5k run/walk, and fireworks.
  • Concerts in the Park Series: During July and August, free concerts are held in Heritage Park. Local businesses and the city help put on these shows.
  • Soar on the Shore Kite and Beach Festival: This free family event happens every August. It features professional kite flyers, crafts, and activities for children.

Notable People

Many interesting people have connections to Algoma:

  • Harris Burgoyne, a former mayor of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
  • Richard W. Fellows, a Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force.
  • Lawrence Johnson, a Wisconsin State Representative.
  • Maynard T. Parker, a Wisconsin State Assemblyperson and judge.
  • M. W. Perry, a Wisconsin State Senator.
  • Mark Francis Schmitt, a Roman Catholic Bishop.
  • Albert D. Shimek, a Wisconsin State Representative.
  • De Wayne Stebbins, a Wisconsin State Senator.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Algoma (Wisconsin) para niños

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