Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Encyclopedia
Rhinelander is a city in and the county seat
of Oneida County
, Wisconsin
, United States
. Its population was 7,735 at the 2000 census.
, a mythical creature that serves as mascot for the city and for Rhinelander High School
and Northwoods Community Secondary School
. Nicolet Area Technical College
and Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
are located in the city. Crystal Lake Scout Reservation, a Boy Scout summer camp operated by the Samoset Council of the Boy Scouts of America
is located north of the city, on Crystal Lake.
of Stevens Point and Anson P. Vaughn traveled up the Wisconsin River
in order to cruise timber for Brown's father, E. D. Brown. Upon arriving at the meeting point of the Wisconsin and Pelican Rivers at the site of John Curran
's trading post, and seeing the high banks along the rapids and the excellent pine stands, Anderson Brown envisioned a mill town with a lumber mill powered by the waters of the Wisconsin River. Brown's vision would not come to fruition for some years, however after subsequent expeditions with others including his brother and Rhinelander's first mayor, Webster Brown, the brothers managed to convince their father and uncle to purchase the land from the federal government and build a town. In its charter, the city was named Rhinelander after Frederic W. Rhinelander of New York, who was president of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Road at the time. This was part of a bid by the Brown brothers
to induce the railroad to extend a spur to the location to further their lumbering business. Ultimately, after over ten years of negotiations, the Brown family agreed to convey half their land holdings in the area to the railroad in exchange for a rail line to their future city. In 1882, the railroad line from present-day Monico
to Rhinelander was completed, jump starting the development of Rhinelander as the commercial hub of the region.
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
(KRHI) serves the Rhinelander area with both commercial and general aviation services. The airport handles approximately 29,200 operations per year, with approximately 75% general aviation, 20% commercial air service, and 5% air taxi. The airport offers a 6,799-ft. runway with approved ILS, GPS, and VOR approaches (Runway 9-27) and a 5,201-ft. runway with an approved GPS approach (Runway 15-33).
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 7.9 square miles (20.4 km²), of which, 7.7 square miles (20.0 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²) of it (2.16%) is water.
of 2000, there were 7,735 people, 3,214 households, and 1,860 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,002.5 people per square mile (386.9/km²). There were 3,430 housing units at an average density of 444.5 per square mile (171.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.83% White, 0.39% African American, 0.96% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races
, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.
There were 3,214 households out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples
living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 84.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,622, and the median income for a family was $37,629. Males had a median income of $29,750 versus $22,157 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $16,047. About 9.4% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
As of 2008, the city's population has risen to 8,135 people and has recently opened new businesses both downtown, and on the outskirts of the city. Such businesses include Briqs Soft Serve, Kohls, and an Arbys.
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Oneida County
Oneida County, Wisconsin
Oneida County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 36,776. Its county seat is Rhinelander.-Geography:According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,236 square miles , of which 1,124 square miles is land and 111 square...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Its population was 7,735 at the 2000 census.
Claim to fame
Rhinelander is the home of the HodagHodag
The Hodag is a folkloric animal of the American state of Wisconsin. Its history is focused mainly around the city of Rhinelander in northern Wisconsin, where it was said to have been discovered.-Origins:...
, a mythical creature that serves as mascot for the city and for Rhinelander High School
Rhinelander High School
Rhinelander High School, abbreviated RHS, is a high school in Rhinelander, Oneida County, Wisconsin USA. As of the 2007-08 school year, it had a student population of 1,091...
and Northwoods Community Secondary School
Northwoods Community Secondary School
Northwoods Community Secondary School is an American charter school in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Founded in 2003, the school offers a project-based curriculum....
. Nicolet Area Technical College
Nicolet Area Technical College
Nicolet Area Technical College is a technical college in Rhinelander Wisconsin area. It is a member of the 16 schools in the Wisconsin Technical College System....
and Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport is a public airport located two miles southwest of Rhinelander, in Oneida County, Wisconsin, USA.The airport covers and has two runways: Runway 9-27, a 6,799-ft. runway with approved ILS, GPS, and VOR approaches, and Runway 15-33, a 5,201-ft. runway with an...
are located in the city. Crystal Lake Scout Reservation, a Boy Scout summer camp operated by the Samoset Council of the Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
is located north of the city, on Crystal Lake.
History
The area that eventually became the city of Rhinelander was originally called Pelican Rapids by early settlers for the stretch of rapids just above the convergence of the Wisconsin and Pelican Rivers. Around 1870, Anderson W. BrownAnderson W. Brown
Anderson Wesley Brown was a Wisconsin timberman. He was born in New York to Edward Dexter Brown and Helen Margaret Anderson....
of Stevens Point and Anson P. Vaughn traveled up the Wisconsin River
Wisconsin River
-External links:* * * , Wisconsin Historical Society* * * *...
in order to cruise timber for Brown's father, E. D. Brown. Upon arriving at the meeting point of the Wisconsin and Pelican Rivers at the site of John Curran
John Curran
John Curran may refer to:* John Curran , American businessman and CEO of ARIN* John Philpot Curran , Irish lawyer and politician* John Curran , Irish Fianna Fáil politician and TD for Dublin Mid West...
's trading post, and seeing the high banks along the rapids and the excellent pine stands, Anderson Brown envisioned a mill town with a lumber mill powered by the waters of the Wisconsin River. Brown's vision would not come to fruition for some years, however after subsequent expeditions with others including his brother and Rhinelander's first mayor, Webster Brown, the brothers managed to convince their father and uncle to purchase the land from the federal government and build a town. In its charter, the city was named Rhinelander after Frederic W. Rhinelander of New York, who was president of the Milwaukee, Lake Shore & Western Road at the time. This was part of a bid by the Brown brothers
Brown Brothers
Brown Brothers can refer to*Brown Bros. & Co. a bank, later merging to become Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.*Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard, an Australian wine company*Brown Brothers a Scottish engineering company incorporated into Vickers plc...
to induce the railroad to extend a spur to the location to further their lumbering business. Ultimately, after over ten years of negotiations, the Brown family agreed to convey half their land holdings in the area to the railroad in exchange for a rail line to their future city. In 1882, the railroad line from present-day Monico
Monico, Wisconsin
Monico is a town in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 364 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Monico is located in the town.-Geography:...
to Rhinelander was completed, jump starting the development of Rhinelander as the commercial hub of the region.
Transportation
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WIS 47 runs south to Antigo, Wisconsin Antigo, Wisconsin Antigo is a city in and the county seat of Langlade County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 8,560 at the 2000 census. Antigo is the center of a farming and lumbering district, and its manufactures consist principally of lumber, chairs, furniture, sashes, doors and blinds, hubs and... , and runs north to Woodruff Woodruff, Wisconsin Woodruff is a town in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,055 at the 2010 census. The census-designated place of Woodruff is located in the town.-Points of interest:... . |
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BUS US 8 serves the city of Rhinelander. |
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U.S. 8 U.S. Route 8 U.S. Highway 8 is a United States Highway that runs primarily east–west for , mostly within the state of Wisconsin. It runs from Interstate 35 in Forest Lake, Minnesota to US 2 at Norway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan near the border with Wisconsin. Except for the short freeway... eastbound US 8 to Crandon, Wisconsin Crandon, Wisconsin Crandon is a city in Forest County, Wisconsin, United States; it is in the northeastern part of the state, about north of Green Bay. The population was 1,920 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Forest County and is the only incorporated community in the county... . Westbound, US 8 routes to Prentice, Wisconsin Prentice, Wisconsin Prentice is a village in Price County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2000 census, the village had a total population of 626. The village is located within the Town of Prentice.-Geography:... . |
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WIS 17 travels north to Eagle River, Wisconsin Eagle River, Wisconsin Eagle River is a city in Vilas County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,443 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Vilas County. The city is known for being a popular "Northwoods" vacation town... , and south to Merrill, Wisconsin Merrill, Wisconsin Merrill is a city in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 10,728 at the 2010 census. The city is located to the south of and adjacent to the Town of Merrill.... and the route is on the east side of Rhinelander. |
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport is a public airport located two miles southwest of Rhinelander, in Oneida County, Wisconsin, USA.The airport covers and has two runways: Runway 9-27, a 6,799-ft. runway with approved ILS, GPS, and VOR approaches, and Runway 15-33, a 5,201-ft. runway with an...
(KRHI) serves the Rhinelander area with both commercial and general aviation services. The airport handles approximately 29,200 operations per year, with approximately 75% general aviation, 20% commercial air service, and 5% air taxi. The airport offers a 6,799-ft. runway with approved ILS, GPS, and VOR approaches (Runway 9-27) and a 5,201-ft. runway with an approved GPS approach (Runway 15-33).
Geography
Rhinelander is located at 45°38′22"N 89°24′44"W (45.639515, -89.412086).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 7.9 square miles (20.4 km²), of which, 7.7 square miles (20.0 km²) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km²) of it (2.16%) is water.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,735 people, 3,214 households, and 1,860 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,002.5 people per square mile (386.9/km²). There were 3,430 housing units at an average density of 444.5 per square mile (171.5/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.83% White, 0.39% African American, 0.96% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.
There were 3,214 households out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.1% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.4% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 20.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 84.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,622, and the median income for a family was $37,629. Males had a median income of $29,750 versus $22,157 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $16,047. About 9.4% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.
As of 2008, the city's population has risen to 8,135 people and has recently opened new businesses both downtown, and on the outskirts of the city. Such businesses include Briqs Soft Serve, Kohls, and an Arbys.
Culture
- Rhinelander is home to the Hodag Country FestivalHodag Country FestivalThe Hodag Country Festival is an outdoor music festival held each summer in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, in Oneida County, Wisconsin, United States. For many years is was well known nationally as it was one of the first festivals of its type. The first "Hodag" was held August 4-6, 1978...
, a country musicCountry musicCountry music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
festival. - The HodagHodagThe Hodag is a folkloric animal of the American state of Wisconsin. Its history is focused mainly around the city of Rhinelander in northern Wisconsin, where it was said to have been discovered.-Origins:...
is a common logo for Rhinelander Sport Teams.
In Media
- Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport was featured in the 2011 feature film Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids (film)Cedar Rapids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Miguel Arteta. The script, written by Phil Johnston, was included on the 2009 Blacklist, a Hollywood list of the most popular unproduced screenplays of the year.-Plot:...
, starring Ed Helms as Tim Lippe the naive insurance agent.
Notable people
- Deming BronsonDeming BronsonDeming Bronson was a United States Army officer who received the United States military's highest award, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in World War I.Bronson was born on July 8, 1894, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin...
, Medal of HonorMedal of HonorThe Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient - Webster E. BrownWebster E. BrownWebster Everett Brown was a U.S. Representative from Wisconsin.Born near Peterboro, New York, in Madison County, Brown moved with his parents to Wisconsin in 1857....
, U.S. Representative - Chris CookChris CookChris Cook may refer to:* Chris Cook , NASCAR racing driver and instructor* Christopher Cook, English swimmer* Christopher Cook , American journalist* Chris Cook , professional bodybuilder...
, 2006 U.S. Olympic Team, 2006 Olympic Winter Games Sprint U.S. National Sprint Champion, 2006 2007 World Cup Sprint Otepaeae Estonia 2003 NCAA National Champion - Jason DoeringJason DoeringJason James Doering is a former American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Wisconsin and was drafted in the sixth round of the 2001 NFL Draft....
, former professional football player for the Indianapolis ColtsIndianapolis ColtsThe Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
and the New York GiantsNew York GiantsThe New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League... - Darrell EinertsonDarrell EinertsonDarrell Einertson is a former Major League Baseball player. Einertson played for the New York Yankees in the season. In eleven career games, he had a 0-0 record with a 3.55 ERA. He also had three strikeouts....
, MLB player - Dan ForsmanDan ForsmanDaniel Bruce Forsman is an American professional golfer.-Early years:Forsman was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He grew up in northern California, where he learned to play golf at Los Altos Golf and Country Club. He attended Arizona State University.-Professional career:Forsman turned...
, professional golfer, winner of 5 PGA Tour events - Clarence W. GilleyClarence W. Gilley-Biography:Gilley was born Clarence William Gilley on May 11, 1919 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. During World War II, he served in the United States Army.-Political career:Gilley was a member of the Assembly from 1949 to 1950. He was a Republican.-References:...
, Wisconsin State Assemblyman - John HeismanJohn HeismanJohn William Heisman was an American player and coach of football, basketball, and baseball. He served as the head football coach at Oberlin College , Buchtel College, now known as the University of Akron , Auburn University , Clemson University , Georgia Tech , the...
, college football's Heisman TrophyHeisman TrophyThe Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
namesake, is buried in Rhinelander, his wife's hometown - Walt KichefskiWalt KichefskiWalter Raymond Kichefski was a professional football player in the He played in the league from 1940–1942 and again in 1944. Walt played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and "Card-Pitt", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Chicago Cardinals and the Steelers...
, NFL player - Steve KmetkoSteve KmetkoSteven Kmetko is an American entertainment television host and reporter.Kmetko was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. His most prominent job was on the E! cable network. He had previously worked as an entertainment reporter for CBS's Los Angeles affiliate . The television station replaced him with...
, television personality, host on E!E!E! Entertainment Television is an American basic cable and satellite television network, owned by NBCUniversal. It features entertainment-related programming, reality television, feature films and occasionally series and specials unrelated to the entertainment industry.E! has an audience reach of...
Cable network - John KotzJohn KotzJohn Kotz was an American collegiate basketball player and early professional, best known as the Most Outstanding Player of the 1941 NCAA Tournament as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers.-Collegiate career:...
, 1941 NCAA Tournament1941 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament-External links:* on Shrp Sports * , source for much of the information on this page.-See also:* 1941 NAIA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament...
Most Outstanding Player - Craig LudwigCraig LudwigCraig Lee Ludwig is an American former professional hockey player. He played defense in the National Hockey League from 1983–1999 and was renowned for his shot-blocking ability...
, former professional hockey player - Trevor LudwigTrevor LudwigTrevor Ludwig is an American professional ice hockey defenceman. he is currently playing for the Allen Americans in the Central Hockey League . Ludwig was selected by the Dallas Stars in the 6th round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.-Personal information:Trevor and his twin brother, Tyler, are...
, hockey player - Alvin E. O'Konski, U.S. Representative
- Richard J. SaykallyRichard J. SaykallyRichard J. Saykally is an American chemist. He is currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. He has received numerous awards and accolades for advanced research on the molecular characteristics of water.-Career:...
, spectroscopist and professor of chemistry, National Academy of Science and American Academy of Arts and SciencesAmerican Academy of Arts and SciencesThe American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an independent policy research center that conducts multidisciplinary studies of complex and emerging problems. The Academy’s elected members are leaders in the academic disciplines, the arts, business, and public affairs.James Bowdoin, John Adams, and...
member, UC Berkeley (born in Rhinelander, WI) - Vanessa Semrow, Miss Teen USA 2002Miss Teen USA 2002Miss Teen USA 2002, the 20th Miss Teen USA pageant, was televised live from South Padre Island, Texas on 28 August 2002. At the conclusion of the final competition, Miss Wisconsin Teen USA Vanessa Marie Semrow was crowned by outgoing queen Marissa Whitley of Missouri.This was the second...
- John C. Van HollenJohn C. Van Hollen (Wisconsin politician)John C. Van Hollen is a Wisconsin businessman and politician.Born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, he grew up in Chetek, Wisconsin. He served in the United States military during the Korean War and graduated from University of Wisconsin....
, Wisconsin politician and realtor - Dale WassermanDale WassermanDale Wasserman was an American playwright. -Early life:Dale Wasserman was born in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and was orphaned at the age of nine. He lived in a state orphanage and with an older brother in South Dakota before he "hit the rails". He later said:-Career:Wasserman worked in various...
, playwright - Mike Webster, Hall of Fame football player for the Pittsburgh SteelersPittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
and the Kansas City ChiefsKansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
Economy
- Drs. Foster & SmithDrs. Foster & SmithFoster & Smith, Inc. is an American mail order and e-commerce pet supply corporation based in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Conducting business primarily as Drs. Foster and Smith, it is one of the largest pet supply companies in the world...
, pet supply corporation - Rhinelander Brewing CompanyRhinelander Brewing CompanyRhinelander Brewery is a regional American brewery located in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.The company acquired the Rhinelander and Rhinelander Light beer brands and all related assets from the Minhas Craft Brewery in 2009.-History:...
- Northwoods River News
- WJFW-TVWJFW-TVWJFW-TV is the NBC-affiliated television station for North Central Wisconsin's Northern Highland area licensed to Rhinelander. It broadcasts a high definition digital signal on UHF channel 16 from a transmitter east of the city in unincorporated Oneida County. The station can also be seen on...
, licensed in Rhinelander - Wal-MartWal-MartWal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
- JCPenney
- Shopko