About Oshkosh, Wisconsin Real Estate
New Experiences, New Adventures, Lasting Memories
View Oshkosh Area MLS Properties Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is a city in Winnebago County, located where the Fox River enters Lake Winnebago. The population was 62,916 at the 2000 census; it had a metropolitan area of 159,972 people. The city is located adjacent to and partially within the Town of Oshkosh. The City of Oshkosh is located in the heart of the Fox River Valley on the west shore of Lake Winnebago. Oshkosh encompasses an area of approximately 24 square miles.
Oshkosh was named for the Menominee Chief Oshkosh of the Menominee Indian tribe from 1827 until his death in 1858. His name was said to mean, "claw" (cf. Ojibwe oshkanzh, "the claw"). He played a key role in treaty negotiations as the Menominee tribe tried to protect their lands in Wisconsin from the resettling New York Indians and the American pioneers.
While the fur trade brought the first European settlers to the area as early as 1818, it was a frequent target of Indian attacks and never became a major player in the fur trade. It wasn't until the establishment and growth of the lumber industry in the area that spurred development of Oshkosh. Oshkosh was incorporated as a city in 1853, although it had already been designated the county seat, and had a population of nearly 2,800.
The lumber industry quickly became well-established as entrepreneurs took advantage of navigable waterways to provide access to both markets and northern pineries. The 1859 arrival of rail transportation expanded the ability to meet the demands of a rapidly-growing construction market. By 1870, Oshkosh had become the third-largest city in Wisconsin with a population of over 12,000. The Oshkosh Daily Northwestern newspaper (now the Oshkosh Northwestern) was founded around this time. The industry thus made the fortunes of area entrepreneurs and businessmen, who made significant contributions to the community, politics and philanthropic organizations. Availability of materials and capital, along with the devastating downtown fires in the mid 1870's, created a range of well-designed buildings for residential, commercial, civic and religious use. The many structures which make up the city's historic areas are largely a result of the capital and materials generated by the lumber and associated wood manufacturing industries.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Oshkosh was second only to Milwaukee in population in the state. It was the largest city in the Fox River Valley. The Inland Lakes Yachting Association held its annual regatta at the Oshkosh Yacht Club on Lake Winnebago and, following its construction in 1883, the Grand Opera House was visited by many of the biggest stars in the theater, vaudeville and lecture circuits, making Oshkosh the cultural center of the Fox Valley.
Though not made in Oshkosh anymore (made in China), Oshkosh is probably best known for OshKosh B'Gosh, a manufacturer of overalls and children's clothing founded in Oshkosh in 1895. Originally a small-town manufacturer of adult work clothing, it has become best known for its children's lines. The original children's overalls, dating from the early twentieth century, were intended to help children dress like their fathers. According to the company, sales increased dramatically when Miles Kimball, an Oshkosh-based mail-order catalog, featured a pair of the overalls in its national catalog. As a result, OshKosh B'Gosh began to sell their products through department stores and expanded their children's line. Despite the name, OshKosh B'Gosh overalls are no longer made in Oshkosh, though the company maintains corporate offices there.
Today, Oshkosh may be best known as the home of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" held by the Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. ("EAA"). AirVenture is the world's largest airshow, and during AirVenture, air traffic at Wittman Regional Airport exceeds that of any other airport in the world. EAA is a non-profit member organization, particularly dedicated to home-built aircraft, restored aircraft, and the new class of light-sport aircraft. The EAA attracts over 800,000 people from around the world to its annual air show.
As with the rest of the Fox Valley area, Oshkosh has seen a recent (as of 2006) resurgence in its cultural and entertainment options. A downtown redevelopment plan led to the construction of the outdoor Leach Amphitheater on the Fox River, hosting the weekly Waterfest concert series during the summer as well as national touring musical acts and local community events. Also in downtown Oshkosh is the Grand Opera House, a performing arts center. Downtown Gallery Walks, held every first Saturday of the month year-round, surged in attendance in comparison to previous years through the warmer months of 2006. A number of downtown Oshkosh music venues have opened and existing venues have tended to expand their schedules, following the trend of the area at large.
Long-running community festivals such as Sawdust Days in Menominee Park continue to be popular. Menominee Park is also the site of the Menominee Park Zoo and "Little Oshkosh", a community-built playground. There are two well known chocolate companies located in Oshkosh, Hughes and Oaks. Oshkosh is home to "Country USA" featuring entertainment from dozens of country music acts over a 4 day period in June. Another great annual event, The Great Outdoors Festival, is the largest festival of its kind in the world! Attracting everyone from the beginner to the seasoned veteran, attendees can experience products hands-on in a real-world atmosphere. Skilled professionals and factory representatives are on site to provide tips and instruction on the latest and greatest in outdoor products. Test drive that sport utility vehicle or ATV that you've been considering, try out the newest in fishing rods and reels, take aim with the latest model guns or be adventurous and climb a rock wall.
The City of Oshkosh has many assets, which include retail, manufacturing and educational facilities. Prime Outlets, Oshkosh Truck, Bemis Corporation, Oshkosh B'Gosh, the University of Wisconsin, and a wide range of recreational opportunities, help to make Oshkosh a progressive and thriving community.
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Oshkosh, Wisconsin real estate includes a wide variety of homes for sale, condos for sale, water access properties (waterfront or scenic view), active adult communities, hobby farms and executive properties. Sellers who have been in the area for a while know our reputation for knowledgeable advice, enthusiastic service, creative marketing and professional networking. We mine every source for suitable properties so you can feel at ease that your search will produce the right kind of solution for you.
For buyers new to the area, Bob McGuire will provide the specialized services you deserve: a strong work ethic, personal real estate expertise to help define your needs, help with selecting and securing standard financing for your purchase, special technology, constant communication throughout the transaction, and more. Our company has gained a proud reputation for providing superior benefits to our home-buying clients as we help them complete their search - from existing homes for sale, properties for sale, lots, vacant land, new construction, 55-plus and retirement communities, investment properties, waterfront, golf and recreational properties, golf course lots - all the way to luxury villas, estates and executive homes.
So when you're ready to buy or sell real estate in or around Oshkosh, Wisconsin, please let Bob McGuire help you find the home or property of your dreams. Contact Bob McGuire today!
Other nearby communities have similar real estate characteristics as Oshkosh and may also be of interest to you in your home search. Please feel free to ask Bob McGuire about homes for sale, lakeside/riverside properties and other real estate listings for nearby communities, such as Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Lake Winnebago, Omro, Winneconne, Town of Algoma, Lake Poygan, Lake Butte Des Mortes, Neenah, Lake Winneconne and much more.
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Oshkosh Homes, Properties and Special Feature Real Estate
Charming first-time or senior homes, executive estates, recreational properties for active lives and special view properties of all styles and sizes can be found within or near Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Some of the area´s finest homes, frontage properties, retirement and other special feature homes ? in a variety of attractive sizes and styles - are likely available at the right price right now.
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