Superior, Wisconsin

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Script error: No such module "about". Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Main otherScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Template:Main other Superior (Template:IPAc-en; Template:Langx)[1] is a city in Douglas County, Wisconsin, United States, and its county seat.[2] The population was 26,751 at the 2020 census. Located at the western end of Lake Superior in northwestern Wisconsin, the city lies at the junction of U.S. Route 2 and U.S. Route 53 immediately north of, and adjacent to, both the Village of Superior and the Town of Superior.

Bordered by Saint Louis, Superior, and Allouez bays, the city is framed by two rivers: the Nemadji and the Saint Louis. Superior and the neighboring city across the bay, Duluth, Minnesota, form a single metropolitan area called the Twin Ports. They share a harbor that is one of the most important ports on the Great Lakes. Both cities feature museum ships (Template:SS in Duluth and Template:SS in Superior), devoted to the local maritime heritage. Superior was the final port of call for Template:SS before her sinking on November 10, 1975.[3] It is an industrial city, with ship harbors along two sides, several large rail yards, an oil refinery, and a shipyard.

History

The first log cabin in Superior was erected in September 1853 on the banks of the Nemadji River, at the same time that ground was broken for construction of the locks and ship canal at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. This was intended to allow ships to bypass the rapids at that site. Superior was incorporated as a city on March 25, 1889.[4] Around the same time Superior became the seat of newly formed Douglas County. Immediately there was eagerness for a railroad from Lake Superior to the Pacific Coast, and investment flowed in, but then the Panic of 1857 hit, investment slowed, and the population of the new city collapsed from 2500 to 500.[5]

25 years later the Northern Pacific Railway and other rail lines finally arrived, fulfilling the dream of a rail and water highway from coast to coast. In 1883 General John H. Hammond formed the Land and River Improvement Company, which developed much of West Superior, including the West Superior Iron and Steel plant. Numerous grain, coal and lumber businesses formed in the same period.[5]

In the Boom Period from 1888 to 1892, Land and River Improvement and others built architect-designed business blocks on Tower Avenue, seeing Superior as the "new Chicago". Many of the investors were from out East, so the buildings received names like the New Jersey Block and the Maryland Block.[5] By 1892, population was 34,000. Then the Panic of 1893 hit, and development slowed again.[5]


Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Cvt, of which, Template:Cvt is land and Template:Cvt is water.[6] Most of Superior is level with a gradual slope toward Lake Superior.

Climate

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Demographics

Template:US Census population

2020 census

As of the census of 2020,[7] the population was 26,751. The population density was Template:Cvt. There were 12,593 housing units at an average density of Template:Cvt. The racial makeup of the city was 87.7% White, 2.1% Native American, 1.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 6.7% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 2.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2010 census

As of the census[8] of 2010, there were 27,244 people, 11,670 households, and 6,548 families residing in the city. The population density was Template:Cvt. There were 12,328 housing units at an average density of Template:Cvt. The racial makeup of the city was 91.5% White, 1.4% African American, 2.6% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 11,670 households, of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.2% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.9% were non-families. 34.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age in the city was 35.4 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, there were 27,368 people, 11,609 households, and 6,698 families residing in the city. The population density was 740.9 people per square mile (286.1/km2). There were 12,196 housing units at an average density of 330.2 per square mile (127.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.26% White, 0.68% Black or African American, 2.23% Native American, 0.84% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 1.69% from two or more races. 0.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 15.8% were of German, 13.6% Norwegian, 10.9% Swedish, 9.3% Irish, 7.2% Polish, 6.9% Finnish and 5.3% American ancestry.

There were 11,609 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.3% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.91.

The city's median household income was $31,921, and the median family income was $41,093. Males had a median income of $33,712 versus $22,073 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,253. 13.4% of the population and 9.6% of families were below the poverty line. 16.0% of those under the age of 18 and 7.8% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 12.9% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

Economy

File:2009-0617-Superior-DouglasCtyCourt.jpg
Douglas County Courthouse

The transportation industry accounts for more than 1,000 jobs. The Twin Ports of Duluth–Superior, the largest in the Great Lakes, welcomes both domestic and foreign vessels. Bulk solids (such as grain) make up much of the tonnage handled by the port, and the silos of such port facilities are visible on the Superior waterfront. In 2004, the port's busiest year since 1979, more than 41.4 million metric tons were shipped out of the port. BNSF Railway has an operations hub in Superior.

Cenovus Energy operates a refinery in Superior.[9] The refinery is located along a pipeline connecting western Canada and the Midwest. On April 26, 2018, there was an explosion at the refinery. Douglas County issued a state of emergency due to heavy smoke, and then an evacuation order for local residents and workers. There were 20 injuries, and five were taken to hospital in Duluth. No fatalities were reported.

Growing area manufacturers include FenTech, Inc., which manufactures vinyl doors and windows; Charter NEX Films, a producer of plastic films; Genesis Attachments, manufacturer of shears and grapples; Amsoil, a producer of synthetic motor oil and lubricants; and Crane Song Ltd.[10] a manufacturer of discrete Class A electronics for recording studios. Fraser Shipyards also provides many jobs to local residents. They repower and repair commercial vessels.

Arts and culture

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Superior Public Library is located in downtown Superior.

Superior City FC, a semi-professional soccer club, compete in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL). Founded in 2023, the club supports a Men's UPSL Premier team, a Women's UPSL Premier team, and multiple amateur adult teams. The club plays their home games at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex, located at Superior Senior High School.[11]

Every summer, Superior Porchfest[12] takes place, occurring every two weeks on Thursdays between June and September. This community event features musical performances on the porches of homeowners in various neighborhoods, transforming these spaces into makeshift stages. The lineup typically includes at least three musical acts, with the potential for up to six. Superior Porchfest is organized by the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Siggy’s Musical Garden.[13]

Parks and recreation

There are several parks in the city, including the second largest municipal forest in the United States, located in the city's Billings Park neighborhood.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".

Government

The current mayor of Superior is Jim Paine, who was first elected in 2017.[14]

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Presidential election results
Presidential election results[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third parties
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2024 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|39.4% 5,329 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|58.7% 7,943 1.9% 328
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2020 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|37.9% 5,083 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|59.6% 7,999 2.5% 328
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2016 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|37.4% 4,642 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|54.9% 6,828 7.7% 956
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2012 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|29.6% 3,783 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|69.0% 8,816 1.4% 178
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2008 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|29.5% 4,154 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|68.9% 9,711 1.6% 229
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2004 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|30.6% 4,566 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|68.5% 10,217 0.8% 125
style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|2000 style="text-align:center;" style="background-color:Template:Republican Party (US)/meta/shading"|28.2% 3,687 style="text-align:center;" style="color:black;background-color:Template:Democratic Party (US)/meta/shading"|66.1% 8,647 5.6% 738

Education

File:YellowjacketUnion2.jpg
Yellowjacket Union at the University of Wisconsin–Superior

Superior is served by the Superior School District, which has one high school, one middle school, and five elementary schools, with a total enrollment of over 5,000 students. Superior High School enrolls more than 1,500 students. Its mascot is Sparty the Spartan. Over 1,400 students are also enrolled in the Maple School District. Parochial schools include the Catholic Cathedral School, the Protestant-based Maranatha Academy and Twin Ports Baptist School.[16]

The University of Wisconsin–Superior (UWS) is a public liberal arts college. Originally opened as a state Normal School (teacher's college), UWS became part of the University of Wisconsin System in 1971.[17]

Northwood Technical College (formerly WITC) offers skill development and technical education, with an enrollment of over 2,200.

Media

Print media

Radio

Superior is part of the Duluth radio and television market.

Television

  • 6 KBJR-TV (NBC/CBS) – Superior
  • 3 KDLH (The CW) – Duluth
  • 8 WDSE (PBS) – Duluth
  • 10 WDIO-DT (ABC) – Duluth
  • 21 KQDS (Fox) – Duluth
  • 27 KCWV (Family Chanel) – Duluth

Transportation

Highways

The following routes are located within the city of Superior.

Airport

Richard I. Bong Airport (KSUW) serves the city and surrounding communities. Duluth International Airport in Duluth is the nearest commercial airport, with service on three commercial and two cargo airlines, as of December 2018.

Bus

The Duluth Transit Authority provides Superior and nearby Duluth with fixed-route and dial-a-ride public bus service. Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Indian Trails.[20]

Rail

Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". A proposed Amtrak route running between Duluth and the Twin Cities has a planned stop in Superior and is the final stop before arriving in Duluth or the first stop after departing from Duluth. Previously, Superior was served by passenger rail until 1984 at the Superior Union Station.

Religion

Superior is the episcopal see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior, and the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior is the mother church of the diocese. Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located in the East End of Superior, has been noted for its architecture. Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church is the only congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod located in Superior. It recently moved from its original location on Belknap Street to a new campus on North 28th Street. Pilgrim Lutheran Church is located along Belknap Street near the University of Wisconsin–Superior. United Presbyterian Church represents the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. as a merger of three churches in a new church building. Faith United Methodist Church is the result of a merger of the city's original three Methodist Churches: First, Central and Trinity. Many small churches dot the city's neighborhoods, representing most major denominations.

Notable people

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See also

References

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Further reading

  • Bartlett, Elizabeth Ann. Making Waves: Grassroots Feminism in Duluth and Superior (Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2016). xvi, 325 pp.

External links

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  7. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  8. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Crane Song Ltd.
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Superior Porchfest
  13. ↑ Siggy’s Musical Garden
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  17. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Positively Superior
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1897,' Biographical Sketch of James Herman Agen, pg. 676-677
  22. ↑ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1905,' Biographical Sketch of Wallace W. Andrew, pg. 1096
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  26. ↑ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1931,' Biographical Sketch of Agnes Charbonneau pg. 218
  27. ↑ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1966,' Biographical Sketch of Frank W. Christopherson, pg. 29
  28. ↑ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1907,' Biographical Sketch of Paul W. Durley, pg. 1147
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".; Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ 'Wisconsin Blue Book 1946,' Biographical Sketch of Frank D. Sheahan, pg. 43
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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