# Plymouth, Wisconsin

Plymouth is a city in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, United States, along the Mullet River. The population was 8,932 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin metropolitan area. The city is located in the Town of Plymouth, but is politically independent. Plymouth was known as "Hub City" for its former role as a center of wooden wheelwrighting. It advertises itself as "The Cheese Capitol of the World" as it produces 14% of all the cheese consumed in the United States. The Mayor is Don Pohlman.

## History

Plymouth was surveyed in 1835 by United States engineers, one of whom was named Mullet, and the Mullet river was subsequently named after him. The first land sold to a private party was sold to an Englishman named John Law who had emigrated from London. It was sold to Law on August 13, 1836. The next sale was to another Englishman, also from London, named Thomas Margrave. Settlers continued trickling in and the town was organized on April 3, 1849. In the 1840s a group of migrants arrived from Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Their ancestors had moved to that area from New England shortly after the American Revolution. The Thorpe family arrived from Hartford, Connecticut. They were of old New England ancestry. These migrants being the original pool of settlers in Plymouth gave the region cultural continuity with New England. The town was named Plymouth, after Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the Pilgrims had landed in 1620.
Originally known by early Native Americans as Quit Qui Oc, or Crooked River, Plymouth was settled in 1845 by Isaac Thorp and incorporated in 1877. The city is often called "Hub City" because of its central location within Sheboygan County, but the nickname "Hub City" began in the 1860s when the Schwartz brothers had a wagon shop where they made wagons, hubs and spokes.

## Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.34 square miles (13.83 km$^2$), of which, 5.26 square miles (13.62 km$^2$) is land and 0.08 square miles (0.21 km$^2$) is water.

### Climate

Climate data for Plymouth Wastewater Treatment Plant, Wisconsin (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1910–present) :
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 60 (16) | 71 (22) | 84 (29) | 89 (32) | 94 (34) | 101 (38) | 107 (42) | 101 (38) | 98 (37) | 88 (31) | 75 (24) | 67 (19) | 107 (42) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 26.3 (−3.2) | 29.7 (−1.3) | 40.5 (4.7) | 53.2 (11.8) | 65.5 (18.6) | 75.7 (24.3) | 80.9 (27.2) | 78.6 (25.9) | 71.8 (22.1) | 58.4 (14.7) | 44.1 (6.7) | 32.1 (0.1) | 54.7 (12.6) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 18.9 (−7.3) | 21.7 (−5.7) | 32.0 (0.0) | 43.7 (6.5) | 55.5 (13.1) | 65.4 (18.6) | 70.6 (21.4) | 68.7 (20.4) | 61.1 (16.2) | 48.8 (9.3) | 36.3 (2.4) | 25.2 (−3.8) | 45.7 (7.6) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 11.6 (−11.3) | 13.7 (−10.2) | 23.6 (−4.7) | 34.2 (1.2) | 45.4 (7.4) | 55.1 (12.8) | 60.3 (15.7) | 58.8 (14.9) | 50.5 (10.3) | 39.3 (4.1) | 28.5 (−1.9) | 18.3 (−7.6) | 36.6 (2.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −29 (−34) | −27 (−33) | −18 (−28) | 8 (−13) | 21 (−6) | 30 (−1) | 39 (4) | 36 (2) | 25 (−4) | 6 (−14) | −7 (−22) | −20 (−29) | −29 (−34) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 1.59 (40) | 1.41 (36) | 1.97 (50) | 3.63 (92) | 3.83 (97) | 4.22 (107) | 3.50 (89) | 3.69 (94) | 2.81 (71) | 2.96 (75) | 2.14 (54) | 1.82 (46) | 33.57 (853) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 12.4 (31) | 11.0 (28) | 5.9 (15) | 2.1 (5.3) | 0.2 (0.51) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 2.3 (5.8) | 10.7 (27) | 44.7 (114) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 9.3 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 11.0 | 12.9 | 11.6 | 10.8 | 10.2 | 9.2 | 10.8 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 121.2 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 7.4 | 6.5 | 3.6 | 1.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.0 | 6.2 | 27.1 |
| Source: NOAA ||||||||||||||

## Demographics

Plymouth city, Wisconsin – Racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race. :
| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000 | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
| White alone (NH) | 7,600 | 8,027 | 8,175 | 97.67% | 95.05% | 91.52% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 14 | 31 | 65 | 0.18% | 0.37% | 0.73% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 17 | 33 | 30 | 0.22% | 0.39% | 0.34% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 31 | 61 | 114 | 0.40% | 0.72% | 1.28% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 0 | 1 | 36 | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.40% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 33 | 87 | 234 | 0.42% | 1.03% | 2.62% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 86 | 205 | 276 | 1.11% | 2.43% | 3.09% |
| Total | 7,781 | 8,445 | 8,932 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |

### 2020 census

As of the census of 2020, there were 8,932 people, 4,011 households. The population density was 1,644.9 inhabitants per square mile (635.3/km?). There were 4,251 housing units at an average density of 782.9 per square mile (302.3/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.4% White, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.0% American Indian and Alaskan Native, 0.6% Asian, 2.8% Two or more races, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino.

### 2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 8,445 people, 3,710 households, and 2,253 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,605.5 inhabitants per square mile (619.9/km$^2$). There were 4,039 housing units at an average density of 767.9 per square mile (296.5/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the city was 96.2% White, 0.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.
There were 3,710 households, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.3% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% 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 median age in the city was 40.8 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

### 2000 census

As of 2000 the median age in the city was 40.8 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 17.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

### German community

Plymouth is known for its large ethnic German population comprising roughly 55% of the population. Per the 2023 American Community Survey five-year estimates, the German American population was 5,006.

## Economy

Plymouth, Wisconsin has a long history in the cheese industry. Once the site of the National Cheese Exchange where cheese commodity prices were set, it now claims the mantle "Cheese Capital of the World" and is home to four major cheese processing facilities:
* Sargento
* Masters Gallery
* Sartori
* Great Lakes Cheese
Plymouth has a historic downtown district, which promotes a mix of retail, office and service uses. The main traffic artery through the city runs through downtown, resulting in a vibrant area lined with unique shops, eateries and boutiques. The downtown also offers a pedestrian network connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks and commercial areas.
Tourism is an important industry for Plymouth, which hosts visitors to events all over Sheboygan County. With an abundance of parks, citywide events, easy access to the Kettle Moraine National Forest and ski hills, Plymouth is an attractive destination for tourists from all over the country. See recreational opportunities below.
Plymouth is developing its third business park in partnership with the Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation. The new park, east of the city limits, will offer rail access, improved lots from 1 to 25 acres in size and loan and incentive programs through the county. It will join existing parks on the north and south sides of the city. With the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation, Plymouth actively works to recruit established businesses and startups to locate in the city.
With more than 300 member business in Sheboygan County, the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce's mission is to promote local businesses and attract new ventures to the community. The chamber works closely with the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation, especially in the promotion of the county's Someplace Better initiative to bring families into Sheboygan County, along with the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce.

## Arts and culture

Made of fiberglass and standing 20 feet (6.1 m) tall, the statue of Antoinette the cow is a local landmark that honors the area's legacy of dairy production. She was erected in 1977, on the spot where the Wisconsin Cheese Exchange was located in the late 19th century, as part of the city's Centennial celebration. She's named after Jack Anton, who led the effort to put up the statue for the celebration.
The nationally acclaimed,Sartori Big Cheese Drop, is presented every year on New Year's Eve. Plymouth Arts Center initiated this popular NYE event in 2007 to pay tribute to Plymouth’s cheese heritage and its thriving industry that still exists today.
Murals were painted on downtown buildings during two special events by a group of muralists called the Walldogs. Over 25 murals depict scenes of Plymouth's History.

## Parks and recreation

Located east of the Kettle Moraine State Forest, Plymouth is a recreational destination. The city has 17 parks that offer recreational opportunities that include baseball (Plymouth Youth Athletic Association]), soccer (Plymouth Soccer Club), frisbee-golf, biking, swimming (Plymouth Aquatic Center), tennis, nature walks and more.
Plymouth offers a self-guided walking tour of historic downtown, which includes more than 50 historically significant homes, businesses and buildings, two of which are listed on national Register of Historic Places.
Free concerts are held every Thursday night during the summer at Plymouth City Park, located at Highway 67 and Grove Street. In addition, the Plymouth Arts Center hosts a variety of musical and theatre performances throughout the year.
The Sheboygan County Fair is held every year on Labor Day weekend at Sheboygan County Fair Park in Plymouth.
Festivals in the Plymouth area include the Cheese Festival in early June, the PAC's Cheese Capital Jazz and Blues Crawl for the Arts Fundraiser in August, the Mill Street Festival in July, Road America races and special events and a Holiday Gathering Christmas Parade.
Evergreen Golf Course is a 9-hole course located in Plymouth.
Plymouth Dirt Track Racing runs all summer at Sheboygan County Fair Park
The Plymouth Aquatic Center at City Park is a zero-depth-entry pool with waterslides, a sand play area and concessions.
Plymouth High School's indoor pool is open to the community during open swim times.
Downhill skiing is available at Nutt Hill in Plymouth, which opens once there is 10 inches of snow on the ground.

## Education

The Plymouth Joint School District serves the communities of Plymouth and nearby Cascade. It has three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. The Plymouth Joint School District is supported by the Plymouth Education Foundation, which provides scholarships, honors successful teachers, and raises funds for facility improvements. There are three neighborhood elementary schools within the Plymouth Joint School District, as well as Riverview Middle School and Plymouth High School. Plymouth High School has an enrollment of approximately 800 students and 53 full-time teachers.
St. John the Baptist Catholic School and St. John Lutheran School serve children in 3-K through eighth grade.

## Transportation

Plymouth is located along State Highways 57, 67 and 23. Rail access is provided by the Wisconsin and Southern Railway Company (WSOR). Sheboygan County Memorial Airport (KSBM) is seven miles away. Plymouth is located less than an hour drive from Milwaukee and Green Bay.
A single-track railroad branch line between Plymouth and Sheboygan runs through the city. Built by the Chicago & North Western (C&NW) Railroad, the track originally paralleled the electric interurban Wisconsin Power & Light line, which terminated at Elkhart Lake. In later years it was primarily a freight line for the Chicago and North Western Transportation Company, and Union Pacific after Union Pacific acquired the C&NW in 1995. In 2006, citing low demand and degraded infrastructure, Union Pacific announced plans to abandon the line west of the Kohler Company factory in Kohler, thus terminating all service to Sheboygan Falls. In 2009, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation purchased the Plymouth-Sheboygan Falls portion of the line from Union Pacific, with the intent of repairing the long dormant line to allow the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad to provide restored service to Plymouth by 2015.
Plymouth is served by the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport (KSBM), which is located several miles east of the city. SKBM is the seventh-busiest airport in Wisconsin with no commercial travel. The 700+ daily flight operations are primarily business travel. SKBM is capable of landing a 98,000 lbs. aircraft or a Boeing 737 with the longest concrete runway 6,800 feet long, longer than a mile. The airport has fixed base operator with several private, industrial and commercial lots available for development.

## Utilities

Electrical, water and sewerage service is provided by the municipally-owned Plymouth Utilities, while natural gas service is from Wisconsin Public Service.
For communications, Frontier Communications provides landline telephone service along with broadband DSL services and maintains a central office downtown, while Spectrum is the city's cable provider.

## Notable people

* Daniel P. Anderson, Presiding Judge of the Wisconsin Court of Appeals
* Vera Eugenia Andrus, artist and printmaker
* Theodore Benfey, Wisconsin State Senator
* Bill B. Bruhy, Wisconsin State Representative and Mayor of Plymouth
* Tony Evers, current Governor of Wisconsin and former Superintendent of Public Instruction
* Emil Fischer, Green Bay Packers President 1948-1952
* Val Heim, baseball player
* Beau Hoopman, United States Olympic Rower
* Frederick W. Krez, Wisconsin State Representative
* Edwin J. Larson, Wisconsin State Representative
* Walt Lautenbach, basketball player
* Major C. Mead, Wisconsin State Senator
* Bill Prietzel, racing driver
* Otto Puhlman, Wisconsin State Representative
* Patrick Henry Smith, Wisconsin State Senator
* Tyler Vorpagel, Wisconsin State Representative
* Allen F. Warden, Wisconsin State Representative