Pronunciation: (wis-kon'sun), -n.
Name Origin: Indian. ("gathering of the water")
Capital: Madison
Wisconsin is known as the Dairy Capital of the United States.
Other, lesser known "Capitals" of Wisconsin:
Belleville is the "UFO Capital" of Wisconsin.
Bloomer is known as the "Jump Rope Capital" of the world.
Bonduel is the "Spelling Capital" of Wisconsin.
Boscobel is the "Turkey Capital" of Wisconsin.
Eagle River is known as the "Snowmobile Capital" of the world
Green Bay is known as the "Toilet Paper Capital" of the world.
Mercer is known as the "Loon Capital" of the world
Monroe is known as the "Swiss Cheese Capital" of the world
Mount Horeb is known as the "Troll Capital" of the world.
Muscoda is the "Morel Mushroom Capital" of Wisconsin.
Potosi is the "Catfish Capital" of Wisconsin.
Sheboygan is known as the "Bratwurst Capital" of the world.
Somerset is known as the "Inner Tubing Capital" of the world
Sturgeon Bay is known as the "Shipbuilding Capital" of the Great Lakes.
Wausau is known as the "Ginseng Capital" of the world.
1. a state in the N central United States: a part of the Midwest. 4,705,335; 56,154 sq. mi.
2. a river flowing SW from N Wisconsin to the Mississippi. 430 mi.
3. the fourth stage of the glaciation of North America during the Pleistocene.
Badger State
State Animal: Badger
State Domesticated Animal: Dairy Cow
State Wild Animal: White-tailed Deer
State Beverage: Milk
State Fruit: Cranberry
State Bird: Robin
State Capital: Madison
State Dog: American Water Spaniel
State Fish: Muskellunge
State Flower: Wood Violet
State Fossil: Trilobite
State Grain: Corn
State Insect: European honey bee
State Song: "On, Wisconsin!"
State Tree: Sugar Maple
State Mineral: Galena (Lead sulfide)
State Rock: Red Granite
State Soil: Antigo Silt Loam
State Dance: Polka
State Symbol of Peace: Mourning Dove
Area: 56,153 square miles
Statehood: May 29, 1848 (30th)
Nickname: The Badger State
Motto: "Forward "
There are over 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails in Wisconsin and it's the home of the largest cross country ski race in the US, the American Birkebeiner. There are also 26,767 miles of streams and rivers, and Somerset is the inner-tubing capital of the world.
Odd Laws:
At one time, margarine was illegal, so;
Butter substitutes are not allowed to be served in state prisons.
As people used to smuggle it in from Illinois, all yellow butter substitute is banned.
Margarine may not be substituted for butter in restaurants unless it is requested by the customer.
Condoms were considered an obsene article and had to hidden behind the pharmacist’s counter.
State Law made it illegal to serve apple pie in public restaurants without cheese.
Whenever two trains meet at an intersection of said tracks, neither shall proceed until the other has.
The state definition of rape stated that it was a man having sex with a woman he knows not to be his wife.
While all cheese making requires a license, Limburger cheese making requires a master cheese maker’s license.
It is illegal to kiss on a train.
It is illegal to cut a woman’s hair.
The government may not prohibit manual flushed urinals.
One may not camp in a wagon on any public highway or risk a fine of up to ten dollars.
It is a class A misdemeanor to wave a burning torch around in the air.
It is illegal to throw rocks at a railroad car.
Livestock have the right-of-way on public roads.
Historical Note:
One step ahead of the Roosevelts . . .
Wisconsin has a notable record for leading the nation in progressive reforms. For example, in 1854 Wisconsin began efforts to curb the power of Big Business -- 55 years before TR's famous "Trust Busting." In 1856 they had the first kindergarten in America. In 1873 they passed laws to control railroad rates, also a first in America. But the real push for social reform was in 1901 with the election of Governor Robert M. ("Fighting Bob") LaFollette, who spearheaded what became known as the "Wisconsin Idea," soliciting advice from independent social scientists before forming new legislation and establishing state agencies. Decades before FDR's social programs, LaFollette achieved sweeping reforms in industrial regulation, taxation, voters rights, workmen's compensation and unemployment compensation for the state of Wisconsin. Today Wisconsin is leading the nation with new ideas in welfare reform.
Famous For:
Wisconsin Dells, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Lake Superior, Mirror Lake State Park, House on the Rock (a 1940s retreat built on a 60-foot rock outcropping overlooking a 450 ft drop) Dairy, Beer, Cranberry Fest, Fresh Water Fishing and one of the best websites.
State Flag:
Wisconsin's flag depicts the US shield and the national motto. The surrounding icons represent the State's main industries: mining, shipping, labor and agriculture. The cornucopia and lead-pile represent the State's abundant farms and minerals.
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