600 Vulcan St., Appleton, Outagamie County 

Near this site on September 30, 1882, the world's first hydroelectric central station began operation. The station, here reproduced, was known as the Vulcan Street Plant and had a direct current generator capable of lighting 250 sixteen-candle power lamps, each equivalent to 50 watts. The generator operated at 110 volts and was driven through gears and belts by a water wheel operating under a ten foot fall of water.

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[Source: McBride, Sarah Davis. History Just Ahead (Madison:WHS, 1999).]