1830s
- In an attempt to civilize and integrate the Menominee Indians around the Fox River, the United States government set up an industrial and agricultural mission. These structures included a saw mill, a grist mill and various homes for the Menominee people. The original name for the area was Winnebago Rapids (now called Neenah).
- This agreement was actually part of a social experiment to civilize the Indians and was dubbed the Winnebago Rapids Experiment
- The mission was a complete failure and was abandoned.
- Harrison Reed purchased the 562 acre mission and renamed the settlement Neenah.
- The first dam on the Fox River was constructed in Neenah in 1835 and was used to power the mills.
- The design used for the dam was called a wing because of it's bent shape and it's only partial extension into the river.