New London, Wisconsin facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids New London
City
Old City Hall of New London
Nickname(s): New Dublin
Location of New London in Waupaca and Outagamie Counties, Wisconsin.
Country	United States
State	Wisconsin
Counties	Waupaca, Outagamie
Area
• Total	5.80 sq mi (15.02 km²)
• Land	5.57 sq mi (14.43 km²)
• Water	0.23 sq mi (0.58 km²)
Elevation	768 ft (234 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	7,348
• Estimate (2022)	7,425
• Density	1,272.79/sq mi (491.40/km²)
Time zone	UTC-6 (Central (CST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-5 (CDT)
Area code(s)	920
FIPS code	55-56925
GNIS feature ID	1570226
Website	www.newlondonwi.org

New London is a city located in Outagamie and Waupaca counties in Wisconsin, United States. It was founded in 1851. In 2020, about 7,348 people lived there.

Every year, New London hosts a big Saint Patrick's Day parade and Irish Fest. During this week of celebrations, the city even changes its name to "New Dublin"! In 2022, New London became a sister city with Killaloe, Ireland.

History of New London

For thousands of years, different groups of Native Americans lived in this area. Some of these groups were known as moundbuilders. They built many earth mounds, including some shaped like animals, near what is now Taylor Lake. The Menominee people lived here for a very long time. In their language, this place was called Sakēmāēwataenoh, which means "mosquito place." This name likely came from its location by the river.

The Menominee people sold this land to the United States in 1836. This happened through a special agreement called the Treaty of the Cedars. After this, European-American settlers started the city of New London in 1852. It was named after New London, Connecticut. Reeder Smith, one of the founders, chose the name because his father was from that city.

New London became an important place for cutting and moving lumber. It was also the end point for steamboats traveling on the Wolf River from Oshkosh.

Did you know that the American Water Spaniel dog breed was developed in New London? A man named F. J. Pfeifer helped make it a recognized breed. This dog was even named the official state dog of Wisconsin in 1986!

Geography and Rivers

New London is located at 44°23′14″N 88°44′25″W / 44.38722°N 88.74028°W / 44.38722; -88.74028. The city covers about 5.78 square miles (15.02 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 0.23 square miles (0.58 square kilometers) is water.

New London is special because it sits on two rivers: the Wolf River and the Embarrass River. This makes it a great spot for people who enjoy boating and fishing.

Population of New London

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
1860	468	—
1870	1,015	116.9%
1880	1,808	78.1%
1890	2,050	13.4%
1900	2,742	33.8%
1910	3,383	23.4%
1920	4,667	38.0%
1930	4,661	−0.1%
1940	4,825	3.5%
1950	4,922	2.0%
1960	5,288	7.4%
1970	5,801	9.7%
1980	6,210	7.1%
1990	6,658	7.2%
2000	7,085	6.4%
2010	7,295	3.0%
2019 (est.)	7,092	−2.8%
U.S. Decennial Census

How Many People Live Here?

In 2010, there were 7,295 people living in New London. These people lived in 3,038 households, and 1,903 of these were families. The city had about 1,314 people per square mile.

Most of the people living in New London were White (93.2%). There were also small numbers of African American, Native American, and Asian residents. About 6.9% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.

The average age in the city was 37.4 years old. About 25.7% of the residents were under 18 years old.

Getting Around New London

New London has several important roads that help people travel to and from the city:

	US 45 goes north to Clintonville and south to Oshkosh.
	WIS 54 travels east to Green Bay and west to Waupaca.
	WIS 15 travels east (just outside the city) to Appleton.

Fun Things to Do in New London

Museums and History

The New London Public Museum opened in 1917. It has cool exhibits about local history, natural history, and different Native American and world cultures. You can also visit five historic buildings at the Heritage Historical Village, which includes a railroad museum.

Shows and Performances

Downtown New London

The Wolf River Theatrical Troupe puts on plays and shows in different places around New London, like Crystal Falls and the New London High School. There's also a professional western stunt show called "Whips, Garters, and Guns Wild West Review." This show features movie stunt performers and performs in New London and other cities during the summer.

Festivals and Parades

"Leprechauns" kick off week-long festivities by renaming New London to New Dublin

Every March, New London hosts Wisconsin's biggest St. Patrick's Day parade! It's part of an Irish Fest sponsored by the Shamrock Club of New Dublin. The town is even renamed "New Dublin" for the whole week! During this time, you can enjoy Irish entertainment, a traditional Cèilidh (a social gathering with music and dancing), Finnegan's wake (a mock funeral celebration), and Irish caroling. Many local restaurants also serve Corned beef and cabbage during this festive week.

In early August, the New London Heritage Historical Society holds its "Heritage Days and Rail Fest." This event includes a "buckskinners rendezvous" where people set up camps like early settlers. In September, there's a "Cheese and Sausage Fall Family Fest" downtown. Later in the year, the "Holiday of Wonder" celebration features a parade, kids' crafts, a live nativity scene, and a "Santa Land."

Outdoor Recreation

The Wolf River in downtown New London

Because New London is on both the Embarrass River and the Wolf River, it's a great place for fishing all year round. You can find some of the earliest walleye fishing in the state here. The rivers are also popular for tubing, canoeing, and camping. You can rent tubes and canoes with a shuttle service on the Little Wolf River, just west of town.

If you like golf, the Shamrock Heights Golf and Supper Club has an 18-hole course. For movie lovers, the Grand Cinema Theatres downtown is a great stop. This building was built in 1895 and used to be an opera house before becoming a modern movie theater.

Newton-Blackmour State Trail

The Newton Blackmour State Trail is a 24-mile path that connects Seymour, Wisconsin, to New London. In winter, people use the trail for snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In summer, it's perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail's name comes from the four towns it passes through.

Sturgeon Trail

The Sturgeon Trail is a half-mile paved path along the Wolf River. It's located in the Mukwa State Wildlife Area, west of New London. During a short time, usually from late March to early May, large fish called sturgeon swim upriver to lay their eggs. Many swim close to the shore, making them easy to spot! During the summer, the Sturgeon Trail is also a good place for fishing.

Schools in New London

The School District of New London has seven learning buildings and three other facilities. There are also two private schools in New London.

Elementary Schools

Parkview Elementary: This is the largest elementary school in the district. It is located on Werner-Allen Road and teaches students from 4K (four-year-old kindergarten) through 4th grade.
Lincoln Elementary: Located on East Washington Street near downtown, Lincoln Elementary teaches over 300 students each year from 4K through 4th grade.
Readfield Elementary: This school is outside New London in the Town of Readfield on Highway 96. It offers grades kindergarten through 4th.
Sugarbush Elementary: The smallest school in the district, Sugarbush Elementary is north of New London on City Road WW. It teaches students from 4K through 4th grade.

Middle School

New London Intermediate/Middle School: Located on West Washington Street, this school serves over 700 students in grades 5th through 8th.

High School

New London High School: This is the largest school in the district, with about 800 students. It is located on Klatt Road and teaches grades 9th through 12th.

Alternate Learning Options

Catalyst Academy: This is one of the school district's alternate learning programs. It is located on South Shawno Street.
Next Generation Academy: Another alternate learning program, this academy is located inside the high school building on Klatt Road.

Private Schools

Emmanuel Lutheran School: This is a private Christian school that is part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. It is on East Quincy Avenue and offers grades 4K through 8th.
Most Precious Blood (MPB): This is a private Catholic school located on East Washington Street. It offers grades 3-year-old preschool through 5th grade.