Western history of the area began in 1634 with the landing
of Jean Nicolet at Red Banks, just northeast of the present
site of Green Bay. French claim to the area brought fur
trappers and missionaries to what would later be known as
Wisconsin. With the conclusion of the French & Indian
wars (in 1763) the Green Bay area became part of the British
Empire.
In 1783 the area was annexed by the United States. During
the 1800's, the timber industry created a surge of immigration
to the area. Following the end of the logging boom, the cleared
land lured farmers and dairy herders to the area.
The modern-day city of Green Bay was incorporated in 1854, with
a population approaching 2,000. The 1990 census put the
population of Green Bay at 96,486, making it the state's third
largest city behind Madison and Milwaukee.
The area still resonates with the impact of the logging industry,
with three of the area's top 20 businesses being paper mills, and
two others revolving around the paper coverting and paper machinery
industries. The area has also developed a reputation as a regional
medical center with three hospitals in the area employing nearly
4,800 people. Additionally, Green Bay is home to the largest meat
packing center east of the Mississippi River, and is one of the top
convention destinations in the Midwest.
The arts scene in Green Bay thrives with two symphony orchestras,
its own opera company, several local theatres, and two college
campuses (St. Norbert College and UW-Green Bay) whose events are
open to the public. The crown jewel is of course the Weidner Center
For the Performing Arts. Located on the campus of UWGB, it plays host
to numerous musical and theatre productions. In the past the Weidner
has also been a stop for Broadway touring companies, including Les
Miserables and Phantom of the Opera.
Oh yeah. There's also this little thing called the Green Bay Packers.
But then again, you've probably heard about them.
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