This city is a consolidation of Grand Rapids and Centralia, the former lying on the east side of the river and the latter on the west. The consolidation was effected in the spring of 1900 and the city subsequently bore the name of Grand Rapids until 1920, when it was changed to Wisconsin Rapids, since it was frequently finding its mail shipped to Grand Rapids, Mich. The name Grand Rapids probably was given because of the descent of 45 feet, which it has in passing the city.

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Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

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[Source: Jones, George. History of Wood County, p. 126.]