10 Things You Didn’t Know About The History Of Wisconsin
Growing up in Wisconsin, a lot of us learned some facts about the state’s history and took a historical field trip or two. But there are some things many people just don’t know about the state despite living here for a long time. Here are ten little-known facts about the history of Wisconsin.
1. Everything that Wisconsin is is thanks to glaciers.
Why is it that Wisconsin has enjoyed excellent crops, a dairy industry, beautiful forests, and almost a lake per person? You can thank Wisconsin glaciation. Wisconsin glaciation extended from approximately 85,000 to 10,000 years ago. Prehistoric human migration was greatly influenced through this last glacial period. Beyond that, it left us admiring some awesome geography, such as Devil's Lake State Park (pictured here).
2. There are tons of effigy mounds hiding across Wisconsin.
I've come across some of these mounds and had no idea that what I was looking at was not due to geology. Effigy mounds are raised piles of earth that were built in the shape of an animal, symbol or other figure. They were built by Native American communities throughout the country, but the most in the country are right here in Wisconsin. They built between 15,000 and 20,000 of these mounds. Today, still 4,000 exist.
3. The United States acquired Wisconsin from France.
Ha ha ha (cue French accent). Yeah, we are all little Frenchies. The French came up here and basically dominated the fur trade, bringing beaver furs back to Europe, where they were all the rage. They maintained control over us until the Treaty of Paris (1783). We were originally claimed by Massachusetts and Virginia. Eventually, we became our own state.
You might think that Wisconsin is the "Badger State" because these cute little guys are found in Wisconsin. Actually, the reference has to do with the rush of lead miners in our state during the early 19th century. Men came to Wisconsin to mine, and rather than build structures, they would actually burrow into the hillsides. That's kind of what badgers do, so the name stuck.
5. The Republican Party was born in Ripon, Wisconsin.
A lot of people do not know that the Republican party was founded in Ripon, Wisconsin. It was founded at a meeting at the Little White Schoolhouse, which you can visit and is included on the Registered Historic Places list. The reason this party came into existence was for the express purpose to combat slavery.
6. The most disastrous fire in United States history happened in Wisconsin.
A lot of people learn about the Great Chicago Fire, even if they aren't from Illinois. But most people never learn about the Great Peshtigo Fire. Coincidentally, it occurred on the same exact day as the Chicago fire. But it was much more devastating. In fact, it caused the most deaths in one fire in United States history. As many as 2,500 people perished as a result of this fire (by contrast, the Great Chicago fire only killed around 300). Small fires were often set to clear land in Wisconsin, but on that fateful day, incredibly strong winds fanned the flames and it quickly became out of control.
7. Madison has not always been the capital of Wisconsin.
Actually, Madison was not the first. The first was Belmont, and there is a free admission historic museum located just outside of there. In these buildings, territorial legislators first met to establish the territorial government.
It seems like Milwaukee or Madison would have been the first city. But the oldest city is actually Green Bay. Nicolet founded a trading post in Green Bay back in 1634, originally naming Green Bay "La Baie des Puants" (which means 'the stinking bay'). The British renamed it Green Bay...you're welcome. Because The Stinking Bay Packers really doesn't have the same ring to it.
9. The first American kindergarten was started in Wisconsin.
The first American kindergarten was actually started in Watertown, Wisconsin. It was opened in 1856 by Margarethe Schurz, who started a home kindergarten for her daughter and four of the cousins. She soon let other children in. You can even visit the actual house, which was been converted into a museum.
10. Wisconsin has provided a hideaway for a LOT of gangsters.
You might think that all of the old-time gangsters operated in Chicago or on the East Coast. But there is a huge history of gangsters up in Wisconsin. They really enjoyed Waukesha County, particularly Oconomowoc. Some notorious vacationers included Baby Face Nelson, Bugs Moran, John Dillinger, and, of course, Al Capone.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Wisconsin, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
history of Wisconsin
June 13, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the weirdest places in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin may seem highly approachable and suburban as a prime example of the American Midwest, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve as well. Some of the weirdest places in the state include the Statue of Romeo, the Killer Elephant in Delavan, and the upside-down White House located in the Wisconsin Dells. Head to Mount Horeb to experience the Home of the Troll, or visit the world’s largest talking cow, Chatty Belle, in Neilsville.
What are the best manmade attractions in Wisconsin?
Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum if you’re looking to indulge in an afternoon of fine art, or perhaps head to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Hayward. Lambeau Field is known by every Green Bay fan, and the Noah’s Ark Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells (also known as the “Waterpark Capital of the World”) has been open for over 30 years and remains the largest outdoor waterpark in the United States.
Are there any castles in Wisconsin?
Most folks don’t realize that there are castles hidden away in Wisconsin, but you can find them from Madison to Appleton and back again. The Red Gym is located on the University of Wisconsin Campus, and the Somers Mars’ Cheese Castle is filled with CHEESE. Yum! Head to Dunn County to visit the haunted Elk Mound Castle, or visit the highly educational History Museum at the Castle in Appleton. Even the town of Tomahawk has its own castle, a privately owned and built structure known as Kelley Castle.
Wisconsin In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
