Calumet County, Wisconsin

Infobox U.S. County
county = Calumet County
state = Wisconsin




map size = 200
founded = 1836
seat = Chilton
largest city = Chilton
area_total_sq_mi = 397
area_total_km2 = 1028
area_land_sq_mi = 320
area_land_km2 = 828
area_water_sq_mi = 77
area_water_km2 = 200
area percentage = 19.44
census yr = 2000
pop = 40631
density_sq_mi =
density_km2 =
time zone = Central
UTC offset = -6
DST offset= -5
footnotes =
web = www.co.calumet.wi.us/

Calumet County is a county located in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is included in the Appleton, Wisconsin, Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of 2000, the county's population was 40,631. The county seat is ChiltonGR|6.

History

The county's name originated from the word Calumet, which was a "peace pipe" used by Native Americans in councils on the east shore of Lake Winnebago.cite book | title=Pioneer's Corner | author= Stories compiled and presented by the New Holstein Historical Society | pages = pages 69-70 |Access = February 17 2008] Native Americans from New York State had been relocated to the southwest part of the county in the 1830s, including the Brothertown Indians, Oneida Indians, and Stockbridge Indians. Many of the early residents in the southern part of the south were emigrants from the Schleswig-Holstein region in Germany in the 1840s.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 397 square miles (1,028 km²), of which, 320 square miles (828 km²) of it is land and 77 square miles (200 km²) of it (19.44%) is water. The west boundary is largely in Lake Winnebago. The Niagara Escarpment runs north-south several miles east of the western boundary. The land surface topology has been greatly influenced by glaciation.

Adjacent counties

*Brown County – northeast
*Manitowoc County – east
*Sheboygan County – southeast
*Fond du Lac County – southwest
*Winnebago County – west
*Outagamie County – northwest

Demographics

USCensusPop
1900= 17078
1910= 16701
1920= 17228
1930= 16848
1940= 17618
1950= 18840
1960= 22268
1970= 27604
1980= 30867
1990= 34291
2000= 40631
footnote= [http://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/wi190090.txt WI Counties 1900-1990] As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 40,631 people, 14,910 households, and 11,167 families residing in the county. The population density was 127 people per square mile (49/km²). There were 15,758 housing units at an average density of 49 per square mile (19/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.68% White, 0.31% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.55% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 1.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 63.4% were of German ancestry according to Census 2000. 96.0% spoke English, 1.7% Spanish and 1.2% German as their first language.

There were 14,910 households out of which 38.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.00% were married couples living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 20.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the county, the population was spread out with 28.60% under the age of 18, 7.20% from 18 to 24, 32.00% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 10.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 100.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.00 males.

Dairy Industry

The University of Wisconsin-Extension has compiled statistics on Calumet County's dairy industry. Calumet County has more cows than people. 73% of land in the county is owned by farmers. 2400 residents are employed in farming. Agriculture results in $338 million in economic activity, and it contributes $68.2 million in income to the county total income (including $7.2 million towards taxes). 87% of farms are owned by individuals or families. [http://www.uwex.edu/ces/ag/wisag/documents/Calumet.pdf University of Wisconsin Extension PDF fact sheet] ]

In 1931, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture described Calumet County as "one of the most important producers of American cheese among the counties of Wisconsin." [November 23 2006 article "Looking Back" Chilton Times-Journal, Page 7.]

Regions

The Holyland is located in southern Calumet County.

Cities, villages, and towns

Cities

Unincorporated communities

Transportation

Land

No interstate highways run through Calumet County. There are several U.S. routes in the county. U.S. Route 10 runs east-west across the north edge of the county. U.S. Route 151 runs north-south near the west edge of the county, and turns east-west at the middle of the county. North-south state highways include 55 along the west edge, and 32/57 through the center. East-west state highways include 114 at the northwest corner of the county, and the now defunct 149 along the southeast corner.

Air

The only airport located in Calumet County is the small New Holstein Municipal Airport. It is located just west of New Holstein.

Water

Nearly the entire west boundary of the county is located in Lake Winnebago. The first non-natives to enter the county most likely came in the county from the lake through the Fox River. The Manitowoc River and Sheboygan River both run through the county and flow into Lake Michigan through neighboring counties.

Recreation

County Parks

Calumet County has three county parks, and two county run harbors.

Calumet County Fairgrounds

Calumet County celebrated its 150th annual fair in 2006. [Mike Mathes "Homestead, Avery case top '06 news"; January 4 2007; Page 2; Tri-County News] The fairgrounds host dirt track stockcars races on Friday nights in the summer.

Lake Winnebago

The west boundary of the county is located almost entirely in Lake Winnebago. Boaters use the lake for recreational boating and fishing in the summer. The lake is the site of ice fishing in the winter, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages a sturgeon spearing season in February.

References

External links

* [http://www.co.calumet.wi.us/ Calumet County Government]
* [http://www.calumetcountytourism.com/ Calumet County Tourism]
* [http://www.calumetcountyfair.com/ Calumet County Fair]