Wisconsin Rapids, WI - Population Signs on Waymarking.com

"Early on, the native Indians who settled here referred to this area as "Ah-da-wa-gam", which means "two-sided rapids". It was named this because of a large boulder in the Wisconsin River that essentially split the water in two.

Eventually, the incredible resource of the river lured many into starting permanent settlements along the shores, creating the town of Grand Rapids on the east bank, and Centralia on the west. As each began to prosper with the advent of logging and papermaking, the two cities joined together and became the town of Grand Rapids in 1900. However, there was much confusion with the much larger Grand Rapids, Michigan, and many mail delivery mix-ups plagued the town. Eventually, the town changed its name to Wisconsin Rapids, to honor the 45-foot decent the river makes at this point in its journey.

Probably the most significant of all of the area's agricultural boastings are the cranberries. Our early local residents discovered the cranberry, one of only three fruits native to the country, and used the region's fertile wetlands to grow, harvest and export this tangy fruit, and create a whole new chapter in Wisconsin Rapids history. Cranberries are a way of life here in Central Wisconsin, so much so that Grand Ave used to be known as Cranberry Street!"

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Address: 4987 - 8th Street S.

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