What is the
Manitowoc River Watershed
The Manitowoc River Watershed is a sprawling expanse encompassing 542 square miles, serving as a vital ecological region that drains into seven rivers, ultimately converging into the pristine waters of Lake Michigan. Spanning across the landscapes of Brown, Calumet, Fond du Lac, and Manitowoc Counties, this watershed is a diverse mosaic of natural beauty and biodiversity. At the mouth of the Manitowoc River, a large sandbar created an extensive marsh thick with wild rice and waterfowl. Tall, pillar-like pine trees, maples, oaks, and birch covered the hills and great flocks of passenger pigeons flew overhead. The Manitowoc area was of great importance in the summer for hunting, fishing, and gathering wild rice. Bass, walleye, and bullheads abounded in the Manitowoc River, while Lake Michigan contained whitefish, lake trout, and cisco.
The term "Manitowoc" derives from the Anishinaabe language, translating to "place of the spirits" or "where the spirits walk." The significance of this nomenclature lies in the historical and cultural roots of the region. Long before European settlement, the Manitowoc area was a sacred ceremonial site for numerous tribal groups, serving as a communal gathering place where the Manitou, or spirits, were believed to reside.
The cultural richness and environmental significance of the Manitowoc River Watershed underscore the need for its preservation and responsible stewardship. Understanding its historical context and indigenous connections allows us to appreciate the intrinsic value of this watershed as more than a geographical expanse but as a living tapestry interwoven with the threads of natural history and cultural heritage.
manitowoc river
History
1600
Street Scenes in Manitowoc.
In 1634, Jean Nicolet landed at Red Banks along the east shore of the bay of Green Bay, was the first European to explore Wisconsin. He did not travel to Manitowoc but European influence had begun.
By this time many refugees had moved into Wisconsin, causing a blurring of tribal boundaries. Large intertribal villages existed in many locations, including modern Green Bay. It was nearly impossible to find one single ethnic group living anywhere in the area. The Ho-Chunk and Menominee, who had lived here before the refugees came, felt the change.
By 1672, one of the large tribal groups in the area, the Potawatomi of the Fox Valley, moved to the Lake Michigan shores as their population became too dense for the resources to support them. A group established a small camp near Cato Falls.
1700
Postcard view of a replica of one of Columbus' ships in Manitowoc River.
New France, including what is now Manitowoc County, was ceded by France to Great Britain as a result of the French and Indian War.
In August of 1795, the French-Canadian trader Jean Vieau was sent by the Northwest Fur Company to establish a trading post. He set up at Jambo Creek and later, Manitowoc Rapids, to trade furs and maple syrup. When Vieau arrived as many as 900 Native Americans lived within Manitowoc County. Their principal villages were at Manitowoc Rapids, the forks of the Manitowoc River, Two Rivers, and near Cato Falls, Tisch Mills, and Mishicot. Anishinaabe shared their settlements with small numbers of Ottawa and Potawatomi.
1800
"Manitowoc Tribune," March 9, 1871, WHS Archives: H GX9029 M27 1870 J3. Pub. & lith. by C.H. Vogt, Milwaukee. Printed by J. Knauber, Milwaukee., 1870.
In the 1800s, the Manitowoc River played a crucial role in the development of Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. Around 1825, Native American villages populated the county, and there were no European settlers. The first treaty of land cession between the Menominee and the U.S. occurred in 1831, in which the Menominee relinquished all their land between Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan. The result was that all tribal people within Manitowoc County became landless. Five years later, a government land office opened at Green Bay. Land was sold for $1.25 per acre at first, but within a year was up to $200 per acre. Benjamin Jones, a New Englander who prospered in Chicago, bought 2000 acres, which became Manitowoc.
Manitowoc River skating in 1891.
The region's early settlers recognized the river's potential for transportation and established sawmills along its banks to harness its water power for lumber production. The river served as a vital link for transporting timber to support the growing logging industry in the area. As the century progressed, the river became a focal point for trade and commerce, facilitating the transportation of goods to and from the burgeoning town of Manitowoc. With the advent of the railroad in the late 19th century, the significance of the river as a transportation route evolved. Steamboats and other watercraft continued to play a role, but railroads increasingly dominated. The 1800s witnessed the Manitowoc River as an essential lifeline for the economic activities that laid the foundation for the county's growth, transitioning from a reliance on water-powered industries to a more diversified and interconnected economic landscape.
1900
Bow view of the U.S.S. Hardhead (SS 365) just after launching at "Berth A" at the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company on December 12, 1943.
Throughout the 1900s, the river and surrounding area witnessed dynamic changes. Its early years saw industrial expansion, with the river serving as a vital resource for shipbuilding, aluminum production, and paper manufacturing. During World War II, the river played a pivotal role in supporting the war effort through shipbuilding. The post-war era brought economic shifts, and environmental concerns emerged in the 1970s, prompting cleanup initiatives in subsequent decades. By the late 1900s, a focus on conservation and recreation gained momentum, marking efforts to restore the river's health and promote its use for leisure. The Manitowoc River's history encapsulates a narrative of industrial growth, environmental challenges, and ongoing efforts to balance economic and ecological considerations.
Aerial view of Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company shipyards in 1943.
2000
In the 2000s, the Manitowoc River continued to undergo changes, with a growing emphasis on environmental stewardship and community engagement. Efforts to preserve the river's ecological health and promote recreational opportunities remained prominent.
Notably, in February 2012, a significant development occurred when Kim Kettner and Wendy Lutzke met for the first time. Introduced by a mutual friend who recognized the potential for a collaborative effort, they envisioned a united initiative to clean, restore, celebrate, and advocate for the Manitowoc River. Recognizing the strength in numbers and shared goals, they, along with like-minded citizens, established an organization called Friends of Manitowoc River Watershed. This organization has since played a pivotal role in fostering community involvement, organizing cleanup initiatives, and advocating for the sustainable management of the Manitowoc River and its watershed. The formation of Friends of Manitowoc River Watershed exemplifies the continued commitment of citizens to actively contribute to the well-being and conservation of the river into the 21st century.
Wisconsin Hometown Stories
Manitowoc-Two Rivers: Waves
07/06/09 | 9m 4s | Rating: TV-G
Recently, Manitowoc and Two Rivers began a notable economic turnaround. Burger Boat and the old Mirro rolling mill found new owners. New industries using the area's skilled labor force are adapting to new needs for green industries, building wind towers and energy efficient lighting. (Part 8/8)