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The history of Green Bay
Downtown, Broadway and Olde Main Street show Green Bay's local character between the river and long-established neighborhoods.
Green Bay at a glance
Green Bay was settled in 1764 and incorporated on February 27, 1854.
When was Green Bay founded?
Green Bay was settled in 1764 and incorporated on February 27, 1854.
How old is Green Bay?
About 262 years old, counting from 1764, when it was settled.
What county is Green Bay in?
Green Bay is in Brown County, Wisconsin.
What is the area code for Green Bay?
Green Bay uses area code 920.
What is the elevation of Green Bay?
About 581 feet (177 m) above sea level.
Dates, namesake and elevation from Wikipedia: Green Bay, Wisconsin and Wikidata (checked 2026-11-08); population and ZIP codes from the U.S. Census Bureau.
People who shaped Green Bay
These milestones are an introduction, not a complete local history. Follow the linked city and museum sources to explore the people and places behind them.Read the local historical account.
Watch the city’s history
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Wisconsin Hometown Stories: Green Bay
A local history film shared by PBS Wisconsin.
Watch on YouTube ↗Famous people born in Green Bay
See all 48 famous people
- 1634
Jean Nicolet reaches the bay
The city's European-origin history begins with French explorer Jean Nicolet's arrival; Native communities were already established in the region.
City of Green Bay ↗ - 1838
Village charter
Green Bay was chartered as a village.
City of Green Bay ↗ - 1854
City incorporation
Green Bay incorporated as a city on February 27.
Brown County ↗ - 1854
The county seat moves
Voters transferred the Brown County seat from De Pere to Green Bay on April 4.
Brown County ↗ - 1895
Green Bay and Fort Howard unite
Green Bay consolidated with the neighboring community of Fort Howard.
City of Green Bay ↗
See the history for yourself.
Walk Broadway through Green Bay’s Broadway-Walnut Historic District, a commercial block with buildings dating from 1879 to 1947. Check current opening hours before visiting the Neville Public Museum.
For deeper research, the Green Bay library resources is a starting point for archival material and research help. Historic photographs have their own permissions; we link to the collection instead of treating every old image as free to reuse.
Selected milestones researched September 13, 2026. This is an introduction, not a complete account of the city’s history.