The History of Algoma
The small lakeshore community of Algoma wasn't always known by that particular name. In fact, Algoma is a relatively new name for the city. Discovered in 1834 by Joseph McCormick of Manitowoc, the first settlement, established in 1851 by Irish and English pioneers was called Wolf River. This was a loose translation from the Indian An-Ne-Pe which meant "land of the great gray wolf" a legendary animal in stories told by local Indians. Those early settlers had a friendly relationship with their Native American neighbors--the Potawatomi, who passed on the legend through word of mouth storytelling.
The flow of immigrants to the area continued in the mid 1800's as peoples from Germany, Bohemia, Scandinavian countries and Belgium began to settle along the lake. Earliest businesses include a sawmill, general store and churches. By 1855, a school house was built, but the lack of a doctor in growing community was a concern. Folk medicine from the "old country" was used along with the knowledge of Indian Joe, a local expert on herbs. The spelling of the name of the community eventually changed to Ahnapee and the city continued to flourish, attracting new residents and new businesses.
The city was spared, for the most part, the 1871 fire that swept from Green Bay, destroying thousands of acres of land. Local residents prepared for the worst--waiting beside boats on the lakefront with their valuables, planning on venturing out into the lake to avoid the approaching flames, but torrential rains doused the fire at the last minute and saved Ahnapee. A few years later, in 1879, the city was formally renamed Algoma, another Indian name, this one meaning "park of flowers". By that time, the commercial fishing fleet located in Algoma was the largest on Lake Michigan and the city's ties with the water were irrevocably made.
There is still commercial fishing in Algoma these days along with lumber operations--throw backs to the earliest industries--but most of the fishing today is sport fishing. Known as the salmon and trout capital of the Midwest, Algoma boasts a strong and vital charter fishing industry along with manufacturing plants that produce everything from hammocks to labels, doors to mops.
The tourism industry has grown tremendously since 1980, capitalizing on the fantastic fishing and the natural beauty of the lake. A new marina project, new Visitor Information Center, beachfront boardwalk and downtown redevelopment projects have brought a renewed spark to the historic community. Ethnic food is prevalent in local restaurants and bakery, family festivals featuring the traditions of the many cultural groups represented in Algoma are common and the small town friendliness has become legendary in its own right.
Algoma's current population is about 3400. Visitors to Algoma are amazed by the diversity of the options offered to them. Lodging options include everything from campgrounds to cottages, bed & breakfasts to condos, motels to hotels. Algoma boasts two properties on both the state and national Historic Register of Historic Sites including the von Steihl Winery, Wisconsin's oldest (offering tasting and tours) and the Art Dettman Fish Shanty, one of the last 1920's era original fish shanties on Lake Michigan.
Wisconsin's official state flag was adopted in 1913. The flag has a deep blue background.
White letters spell out "WISCONSIN" and "1848,"
the year Wisconsin became a state. A sailor with rope and a miner with an axe, surround a yellow shield, in the center of the flag.
The shield depicts an arm and hammer, a plow, a pick and shovel and an anchor. These represent Wisconsin's main industries:- Manufacturing, Agriculture, Mining and Shipping. In the center of the shield,
is a blue ring with the words
"E P L U R I B U S U N U M"
(which is the motto of the U.S.A. and means
"Out of Many, One" -
This refers to the states, of the United States,
being united into one country). Inside the ring, is a smaller shield, with a blue top & red and white stripes on the bottom.
A badger (Wisconsin's state animal) and a white ribbon, reading "FORWARD" are above the shield.
A cornucopia, filled with food and a stack of lead ore, are under the shield.
Wisconsin was the 30th state in the USA -
It became a state on May 29, 1848.
Origin of the Name
Wisconsin is from an Indian word, but the origin is uncertain. It is perhaps, an Algonquian Indian word, that means "long river," a Chippewa word, "Ouisconsin," that means "grassy place," or an Ojibwa word, that means "gathering of the waters."
State Nickname - Badger State
State Motto - "Forward"
State Song - On, Wisconsin!
Major Rivers
Wisconsin -, Mississippi -, St. Croix -, Chippewa River
Major Lakes
Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, Lake Winnebago
Highest Point
Timms Hill - 1,952 feet (595 m) above sea level
Bordering States
Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois
State Abbreviation - WI
State Capital - Madison
Largest City - Milwaukee
Area - 65,503 square miles
[Wisconsin is the 23rd biggest state in the USA]
Population - 5,363,675 (as of 2000)
[Wisconsin is the 18th most populous state in the USA]
Major Industries
dairy products (milk, butter, cheese),
farming (corn), machinery,
paper manufacturing, beer, tourism
Amberwood Inn
Algoma, WI
Amberwood Inn Bed & Breakfast, is a romantic Country Inn, with six large, luxury suites.
Situated on 2+ wooded acres and 300 feet of private Lake Michigan beach. Only minutes from all that Door County, has to offer.
Mark & Karen Rittle, are the friendly & warm Innkeepers, who make one's stay, an absolute pleasure.
You will sleep, to the sound of the waves and awaken to the sunrise, over the water.
 
This Is The Room, I Stayed In, Whilst In Algoma... It Is Called -
"The Gulls Rest"...
Thank You, Mark & Karen !
 
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