Growing up in our slice of the Midwest, a lot of us spent years in school learning about the history of Wisconsin – from settlement to the Lewis and Clark Expedition to railroad history, geological history, and everything in between. Maybe even took a history field trip or two! But there are still some things many people just don’t know about the Badger State despite living here for a long time. Here are ten little-known historical facts about Wisconsin.

1. Wisconsin's landscape was formed by glaciers.
Devil's Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI 53913, USA
Desiree Westbury/Getty
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.
2. There are tons of effigy mounds hiding across Wisconsin.
milehightraveler/Getty
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, around 4,000 still exist.
3. The United States acquired Wisconsin from France.
fdecomite/Flickr
When the French arrived in Wisconsin, they basically dominated the fur trade, bringing beaver furs back to Europe, where they were all the rage. They maintained control until the Treaty of Paris (1783). We were originally claimed by Massachusetts and Virginia. Eventually, we became our own state!
4. Many of the first settlers in Wisconsin were lead miners.
Kathleen Reeder Wildlife Photography/Getty
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. Since that's basically what badgers do, the name stuck.
5. The Republican Party was born in Ripon, Wisconsin.
Little White School House, 1074 W Fond Du Lac St, Ripon, WI 54971, USA
Adam Wallenfang/GoogleReviews
A lot of people don't know that the U.S. 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.

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6. The most disastrous fire in United States history happened in Wisconsin.
self/Flickr
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 a single fire in United States history. As many as 2,500 people perished as a result of this catastrophic event. By contrast, the Great Chicago fire death toll was 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 grew out of control.
7. Madison has not always been the capital of Wisconsin.
halbergman/Getty
Actually, Madison was not our state's original capital. The first was the city of Belmont, and there is a free admission historic museum located just outside of the city, called First Capitol Museum. In these buildings, territorial legislators first met to establish the territorial government.
8. Wisconsin's oldest city is...Green Bay?
Phil Roeder/Flickr
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.
Natasha Natashia/GoogleReviews
The first American kindergarten actually had its debut in Watertown, Wisconsin. It was opened in 1856 by Margarethe Schurz, who started a home kindergarten for her daughter and four of the family cousins. She soon let other children in. You can learn more about this fantastic Wisconsin "first" at a local Hudson, WI museum called the Octagon House Museum.
10. Wisconsin has provided a hideaway for a LOT of gangsters.
Recuerdos de Pandora/Flickr
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.

Why didn’t we learn this stuff in history class?? Wisconsin’s history is certainly unique, and we know that there are plenty more interesting facts about Wisconsin to learn and share! What’s the most unique thing you’ve ever learned about our state?

Speaking of history…if you’re looking for a few more fun experiences around the state, make sure to check out these historic castles in Wisconsin, or this unique small-town museum. While you’re at it, how about a stay in this luxurious, historic estate on the water.

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History of Wisconsin & Related Info

Meghan Kraft | June 13, 2020

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
  • Killer Elephant in Delavan
  • Upside-down White House in the Wisconsin Dells.

 

You can also 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 man-made 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
  • The Somers Mars’ Cheese Castle is filled with CHEESE. Yum!
  • Head to Dunn County to visit the haunted Elk Mound Castle
  • 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.

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