Kewaunee County, Wisconsin (Images of America)

Kewaunee County became well known throughout the country even before Wisconsin became a territory. The word that gold had been discovered in Kewaunee spread quickly, and plans were soon underway that mapped out the future metropolis of the area. Unfortunately for fortune hunters, "fool's gold" was all that was to be found in Kewaunee. That, and a landscape of breathtaking beauty.Incorporated in 1852, Kewaunee County became home to a large influx of settlers. From the New England states to as far away as Germany, Poland, Ireland, and Bohemia, pioneers flocked to Kewaunee, increasing the population from 1,109 in 1855 to 14,405 in 1875. The European cultural influence is still apparent in the community today. These families came seeking farmland, industrial work, and the natural resources that Kewaunee had to offer. The lumber business boomed and the farmers prospered. Today, the scenery and Lake Michigan attract thousands of sportsmen and vacationers, with expansive beaches, a boardwalk, and fishing tournaments.