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Oshkosh, WI

Frequently asked questions

Oshkosh, WI

Oshkosh is a city in and the county seat of Winnebago County, Wisconsin, United States, located on the western shore of Lake Winnebago. It had a population of 66,816 as of the 2020 census, making it the ninth-most populous city in Wisconsin. It is also adjacent to the much less populous Town of Oshkosh in the north. The Oshkosh metropolitan statistical area, which consists of all of Winnebago County, had 171,730 residents in 2020 and is included in the greater Fox Cities region of Wisconsin.

Oshkosh was named for Menominee Chief Oshkosh, whose name meant "claw".

Although the fur trade attracted the first European settlers to the area as early as 1818, it never became a major player in the fur trade. The 1820s mining boom in southwest Wisconsin along with the opening of the Erie Canal shifted commercial activity away from the Fox River Valley and Green Bay. Soon after 1830, much of the trade moved west, as there had been over-trapping in the region.

Following the publicity caused by the Black Hawk War in 1832, there was increased interest in settling Wisconsin by whites from the East Coast, especially New York, Indiana, and Virginia, and by 1836 the cities of Milwaukee, Madison, Janesville, Beloit, and Fond du Lac were founded, with Madison the capital of a new territorial government, setting the stage for the economic and political importance of the southern part of the state. However, Oshkosh would continue to be one of Wisconsin's top five largest cities into the twentieth century.

Oshkosh is located at 44°1′29″N 88°33′4″W (44.024983, −88.551336). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.61 square miles (68.92 km²), of which, 25.59 square miles (66.28 km²) is land and 1.02 square miles (2.64 km²) is water.

The City of Oshkosh forms the center of a metropolitan area reaching into the adjacent towns, the Town of Oshkosh in the north and the towns of Algoma in the east, Nekimi in the southeast, and Black Wolf in the southwest, all within Winnebago County. The shared border within the Town of Oshkosh is particularly complex, involving a multitude of exclaves and panhandles.

Health and wellness are paramount in Oshkosh, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Aurora Medical Center is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Oshkosh Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include O-Town Iron Fitness, FIRE Fitness Camp, and Ardent Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Oshkosh, such as the Picnic Point Trail and Menominee Park Pratt Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and the enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Oshkosh, WI, are EAA Aviation Museum, Menominee Park Zoo, and Oshkosh Public Museum.

Population: 67,242 (2024). ZIP codes: 54901–54904. Area code: 920. Elevation: 748 feet (228 m). Area: 28.03 sq mi (72.60 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Oshkosh, WI?

A trading post was established in 1818, and permanent settlement began in 1836 when the Menominee ceded their claims to the area. First called Athens, it was renamed in 1839 for a Menominee chief. Much of the city was destroyed by fires in 1859, 1866, and 1875. In its early years, lumbering was the main occupation.

What is the poverty rate in Oshkosh, WI?

The average household income in Oshkosh is $71,904 with a poverty rate of 16.12%. The median rental costs in recent years come to - per month, and the median house value is negative. The median age in Oshkosh is 34 years, 33.6 years for males, and 34.5 years for females. Oshkosh is currently declining at a rate of -0.63% annually and its population has decreased by -2.46% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 66,770 in 2020.

What is Oshkosh, WI famous for?

Oshkosh is probably best known for OshKosh B'Gosh, a manufacturer of overalls, adult work clothing, and children's clothing founded in 1895. Oshkosh is also home to the EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world's largest airshow. The airshow is held at Wittman Regional Airport, named for Oshkosh aviator S.J. Wittman (1904-1995), pilot and small aircraft designer. The city is also home to the Oshkosh Corporation, one of the world's largest manufacturers of emergency, utility, and military vehicles.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Oshkosh

Aurora Medical Center

Oshkosh Parks and Recreation Department

O-Town Iron Fitness

FIRE Fitness Camp 

Ardent Fitness

Picnic Point Trail 

Menominee Park Pratt Trail

EAA Aviation Museum

Menominee Park Zoo

Oshkosh Public Museum

Britannica

World Population Review

History

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