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CAPITAL CITY: Madison

BACKGROUND

The state's name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place where we live." In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet became Wisconsin's first European explorer. The French controlled the area until 1763, when it was ceded to the British. In 1848, Wisconsin was admitted as the 30th state. Wisconsin's natural beauty has made the state a favorite playground of the nation. Vacationers enjoy the state's clean lakes, rolling hills, quiet valleys, deep forests and cool, pine-scented breezes. The winters are ideal for skating, skiing, snowmobiling and tobogganing. Many communities stage curling matches during the winter and others hold snowmobile derbies. Many annual events celebrate the state's rich ethnic heritage and diversity.

With the nickname "America's Dairyland," it's no surprise that Wisconsin is first in the country in the production of milk, cheese, and butter. In fact, the loyal fans of the Green Bay Packers football team call themselves "cheeseheads." Milwaukee, the state's largest city, helps make Wisconsin one of the largest manufacturing states in the nation.

QUICK FACTS

The great seal of the state of Wisconsin

Nickname: Badger State / America's Dairyland

Motto: Forward

Statehood: May 29, 1848 (30th)

Origin of State's Name: Based on an Indian word "Ouisconsin" believed to mean "grassy place" in the Chippewa tongue

Largest Cities: Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine

Border States: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota

Land Area: 54,314 sq.mi., 25th largest

State Bird: Robin

State Flower: Wood Violet (viola papilionacea)

State Tree: Sugar Maple (acer saccharum)

State Song: On Wisconsin

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Wisconsin - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.