KAUKAUNA — The city of Kaukauna turned 140 today, after being founded on March 25, 1885.
The anniversary was a big event 40 years ago. Photos by Kaukauna Community News co-founder Dan Plutchak from the 100th anniversary show large crowds lined up along the Lawe Street bridge in July of 1985 for the centennial parade.
The Town of Kaukauna Historical Society member Lyle Hansen, previous part owner of The Kaukauna Times, will give a presentation on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kaukauna Public Library on the 140th anniversary.
In March 1885, the state legislature approved the incorporation of the villages of Ledyard (southside) and Kaukauna (northside).
“This news was received with delight and celebrated with enthusiasm by people on both sides of the river…cannons were fired, whistles and bells were sounded, speeches were made, all testifying to the delight of the people,” news reports at the time said.
Once passed by the legislature, the incorporation was set to take effect March 25.
It was sent to Governor Jeremiah Rusk for his signature, bur Rusk failed to sign it by the March 25 deadline, hence, Kaukauna became a city without the approval of the governor.
Read more about Kaukauna’s history HERE.
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