Everything you need/want to know about our communities of Marinette,
Menominee, Peshtigo, Oconto and surrounding areas
Lumbering, Dairy Farming, Crop Farming, County, State and National Forests, Waterfalls, Bay, Rivers & Streams, Sailing,
Canoeing, Kayaking, Fishing, Hunting, Snowmobiling, Cross-Country Skiing, Tennis & Golf, Airports, Rail Services,
International Shipping Port, Regional Medical Center, Libraries, Yacht Clubs, Art, Music, Theater on The Bay,
Machickanee Players, Senator Isaac Stephenson, Queen Marinette, Peshtigo Fire, Museums

History .

The history of the Marinette, Menominee, and Oconto area is strongly tied to its natural resources - fur and lumbering.
The first permanent settlement in Menominee was in 1796 by Chappee, an Indian trader and agent for a fur company.

Marinette was founded in the late 18th century as well by French Canadian voyageurs and fur traders. Many historians
believe that French Jesuit Priest Claude Allouz first established his mission of St. Francis Xavier among local
Indian groups in 1669 along the banks of the lower Oconto River. Following the first French contact, fur trading
became the most important industry in Oconto until around 1830.

In the mid 1800's, the lumber industry saw its start with the introduction of water-powered saw mills. By the 1870's,
the Tri-County area was a worldwide shipping point for white pine. In 1871, the town of Peshtigo was leveled by
the worst forest fire in America's history. Over 800 people lost their lives in the October blaze. This fire occurred
at the same time as the famous Chicago Fire. The history of the Tri-County area is well preserved in museums
open to the public.

Recreation

Just name a winter or summer sport and you will no doubt be able to enjoy it here in the Tri-County area. The weather,
with its changing seasons, brings a constant rotation of interesting things to do or see.

The scenery is unsurpassed at any time of the year. There are lovely wooded areas, plenty of lakes, rivers, and streams,
and the long sandy shoreline of the bay of Green Bay. The area also offers several excellent golf courses. Our fishing
is some of the best in the country, and hunting opportunities attract hunters from near or far. There is an abundance of
parks with beaches, picnic areas, campgrounds, and natural beauty. Waterfalls abound.

Water activities are available, as well as cross country ski trails, ice fishing, ice rinks, snowmobiling, indoor youth
hockey, indoor tennis, and indoor sports facilities. The three counties hold a variety of festivals throughout the year
including Marinette/Menominee's Waterfront Festival, Peshtigo's Historical Days and Oconto's Copper Culture Festival.

Education

One of the area's real strengths is in the educational opportunities available to area residents. All three counties have
private and public grade schools and high schools, with nursery schools available as well. The public school systems
also offer complete programs for exceptional students. The Menominee School's Community Program offers a wide range
of adult education classes and GED classes.

The Northeast Wisconsin Technical College - Marinette campus, is part of a statewide technical and trades college
that provides two-year and four-year degrees in a wide variety of skill areas. And the University of Wisconsin Center-
Marinette County Campus is a two-year campus that allows Menominee County residents to attend at regular in-state
tuition rates.

Industry

Although all three counties have their roots in the lumber industry, each has successfully made the transition to a more
diversified economic base

Major employers manufacture a wide variety of products including aircraft seating and interiors, boats, helicopters,
ships, wax paper, computer paper, fire extinguishers, automotive parts, specialty chemicals, pressure vessels and
paper products. This diversity has made for a relatively stable employment picture.

Work Ethic

One reason for this successful industrial base is the employees of the area - they are known as industrious, and
hard working, believing in the old axiom of an honest day's work for an honest days wage.