Rural, Wisconsin

Rural (also Nepewan, Nepowan) is an unincorporated community in the Town of Dayton, Waupaca County, Wisconsin, United States.

History
Starting in 1851, Yankee settlers were drawn to the area by its potential for milling using the Crystal River. Until the mid-1870s many settled in the area building Greek Revival styled houses on a semi grid pattern hoping that the expansion of the railroad would follow the well traveled path between Berlin and Stevens Point and provide and economic boom for the town. When it bypassed Rural for Waupaca to the north economic growth stopped and no new houses were built for 40 years.

Notable people
Rural was the home town of author and poet Margaret Ashmun (1885-1940) who was born in Rural. The Ashmun family home still stands in Rural. Wisconsin State Senator and lawyer George Hudnall (1864-1936) was also born in Rural. Rural was also the birthplace and home town of Wisconsin state legislator Andrew R. Potts (1853-1932).

Historic houses
Rural has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989. There are 15 of buildings contributing to the listing along with various structures and bridges.