Home Questions Open left menu wisconsin. Traveling through the state of Wisconsin Brief historical background

Open left menu wisconsin. Traveling through the state of Wisconsin Brief historical background

An ever-hurrying metropolis or a quiet provincial town, loud music or birdsong, the noise of entertainment venues or the deafening silence of nature, theaters, clubs, cinema halls or fishing, relaxing on the shore and walks in the forest? Are you choosing the latter? Then Wisconsin is for you.

This state, nestled between Lakes Superior and Lake Michigan, is one of the richest (in terms of natural treasures) states. Deciduous and coniferous forests, glacial lakes, of which, by the way, there are about 15 thousand, rivers, lowlands, plains, canyons and even mountain wastelands - the entire “range” of natural attractions is available in Wisconsin. Multiply this by thousands of kilometers of picturesque lands, the aromas of herbs, unafraid representatives of the fauna who are happy to rush to communicate with residents and tourists, and you will get the best relaxation program for restoring mental and physical strength, strengthening “shaky” nerves and energy charging for the whole year .

Ecotourism lovers, fans of sports recreation and simply those who want to relax with their family, enjoying the silence, clean surrounding nature, the leisurely flow of life, those who like to pick berries, walk through the forest, relax on fishing, ride a sleigh or skiing

The capital of the state of Wisconsin is the city of Madison, the largest city is Milwaukee, in addition, Green Bay, Kenosha, and Racine are considered large cities in the state.

How to get there

In Wisconsin, the General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee awaits all Russian tourists. Getting to this “oasis of purity and peace” from Moscow will take 13 hours by air (this is the duration of the shortest flight).

Search for flights to Milwaukee (closest airport to Wisconsin)

There, at the Milwaukee airport, there is a small train station, from where you can travel to other cities in the state, and throughout the country as a whole. However, do not rush to leave this city, it has something to show you and surprise you with.

If you find yourself in the Milwaukee International Airport, do not miss the opportunity to visit the Mitchell Aviation Museum, located in the main terminal building of the airport, and one of the largest bookstores in the United States, Renaissance Books.

Weather in Wisconsin

The climate of the state is humid, summers are warm, winters are snowy and cold. For aesthetes, the best time to travel in Wisconsin is early fall. The variety of colors in the state's hills and forests, the clear water of the Great Lakes in the foggy morning haze, and the bright blue autumn sky make your head spin.

For aesthetes, the best time to travel in Wisconsin is early autumn.

Popular hotels in Wisconsin

Entertainment, excursions, attractions

The melodiously named state is known for its rich history, wildlife and leisurely pace of life. People come here who want to enjoy the beauty of this region and simply “fall out” from the frantic rhythm of megacities and, stopping for a while, comprehend the beauty of the world around them, realize themselves as part of it and be filled with new vitality. By and large, Wisconsin is a kind of cozy and miniature “one-story” America.

Ecotourism

The main wealth of Wisconsin, of course, is its nature. The state is famous for its recreational areas, which range from the Apostle Islands, located in the northern part of Lake Superior, to 85 beautiful state parks. Here you can see icy moraines, steep lake shores, dense forests and delightful emerald plains. Every year, the opportunity for recreational recreation attracts thousands of tourists, often coming with their families in search of a cozy and relaxing holiday. For a Russian tourist, the climate and natural resources of Wixonsin may seem familiar and close to the heart.

The most attractive park for both tourists and the residents of the state is Apostle Island National Lakeshore, located in the north of the state. The park is proud of its untouched nature, a small number of campsites and trailer parks, so you can always challenge the elements and try an extreme form of recreation, breaking away from the benefits of civilization.

Excursion tourism

If you are planning to travel around Wisconsin, then you will find not only quiet farms and picturesque landscapes, but also the “beer capital of the USA”, Milwaukee, the largest city in the state with more than a thousand bars and taverns and museums. It is also worth visiting Madison, famous for its university and Capitol, the town of Baraboo with its World Circus Museum, a walk along the Door Country coastline along Lake Michigan, a trip to the picturesque Madeleine Island and much more. etc.

Wisconsin

Milwaukee is a city that deserves special attention. This place is full of students and young people, colorful, cheerful, noisy and freedom-loving. Milwaukee is home to many small breweries, many of which make wonderful drinks.

Dear ladies, attention! Wisconsin laws prohibit women from being on the street unaccompanied at night, as well as from wearing red in public places.

Bikers and sympathizers will undoubtedly be attracted by the Harley Davidson plant. This legendary plant has its own museum, which is simply a must-see. Another interesting museum that is worth a look is the Museum of Art, it is located in the center of downtown on the lake at the very beginning of Wisconsin Ave. The museum building is made in the shape of a bird that opens and folds its wings - you can watch this action at exactly noon.

So, if you want to relax with your family, taste wonderful beer and a variety of cheeses, get enough impressions and stock up on bright photographs, welcome to Wisconsin.

In terms of area and 20th in terms of population (about 6 million).

The state is located near two of the US Great Lakes. On the eastern side of the state is Lake Michigan, and on the northern side is Lake Superior. The state of Wisconsin shares a common border with Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Michigan.

As in most other states, the city of Madison, as the capital of Wisconsin, is not the largest population center in the state, but the city of Milwaukee has this status. The state became famous for its dairy production, excellent beer, natural parks and reserves.

History of Wisconsin

The answer to the question of why the name of the state is defined as Wisconsin is not clear-cut. Wisconsin is believed to be the English version of the French name for the Meskousing (Wisconsin) River, which feeds the state's lands. Some believe the state's name comes from indigenous languages ​​that translate to "gathering of waters."

Archaeological excavations have shown that the first Paleo-Indian people appeared on the lands Wisconsin 10,000 BC This is confirmed by the discovery of a mammoth skeleton with a spear in its body. Gradually, the nomadic population, after the Ice Age ended, adopted a sedentary lifestyle and began to engage in agriculture, fishing and hunting.

In the era of post-Columbian America, in 1634, European discoverers, representatives of France, landed on the lands of Wisconsin. Later, French explorers discovered Michigan territory. The lands discovered by the French belonged to the French Republic and after the Seven Years' War between Great Britain, France and Spain in 1763 they came under the jurisdiction of the British authorities.

After the United States gained independence, Wisconsin was included in the Northwestern, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan territories. Wisconsin received status separated from other lands on July 3, 1836, and twelve years later, on May 29, 1848, it joined the United States as the thirtieth state.

Population and cities of Wisconsin

The Census Bureau estimates that Wisconsin's population as of July 1, 2014 is 5,757,564, an increase of 1.24% since 2010.

After a wave of French settlers, Wisconsin settled by migrants from Great Britain, residents of the northeastern states of the United States (called Yankees), New England and New York state.

At the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, the expanses of the state were inhabited by representatives of other European nations, mainly Germans and Norwegians; in the mid-20th century, migrants from Mexico and Vietnam came to the state. This diversity has determined a heterogeneous national environment.

Indigenous peoples make up the majority of the population in Menominee County, and the state has the largest Polish population in the United States (9.3%), as well as large populations of German (42.6%) and Irish (10.9%).

The largest city is Milwaukee with a population of about 600 thousand people, followed by the state capital Madison with a population of about 250 thousand, the cities of Green Bay (110 thousand), Kenosha (100 thousand), Racine (80 thousand), Appleton (75 thousand ) and others.

Wisconsin Attractions

What interesting things can a tourist find? in Wisconsin? The state is mainly considered the most beer-producing state in the USA, and the most populous city in the state, Milwaukee, is called the “beer capital of America” (there are more than two thousand bars and pubs).

In the city of Madison, according to Forbes magazine, there is the most beautiful IT office of the Epic Systems company, which creates medical software.

The state has a number of interesting museums. These are the Charles Ellis Art Museum, the World Museum of Circus Arts in the town of Baraboo, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the modern Harley-Davidson Museum (more than 160 units of motorcycle equipment from different eras are presented).

The state capital, Madison, with its streets, university buildings and Capitol, is an open-air museum.

If you decide to visit the Capitol, where the State Legislature, the State Supreme Court, and the State Attorney's Office are located, you will not need to warn anyone. According to the generally accepted rule, you can enter any door that is not closed. But it is worth noting that the main value is the courtroom and the domes of the building.

There are many national parks and reserves in the state:
- Chequamegon National Forest in the northwest;
- Mondo Hardwoods National Park;
- Kidrick Swample National Park;
- Nicolet National Forest;
- Northern State Forest, and others that can be found on the state map.

The city of Oshkosh hosts the annual world air exhibition. The city of Wisconsin Dells is considered the “Water Park Capital of the World” and is home to more than twenty different water parks.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism organizes periodic cheese tours for guests and residents of the state. During the tour, you are allowed to try various brands of cheese produced in Wisconsin, the main ones being Limburg cheese and Wisconsin cottage cheese. Those who wish can even prepare their own piece of cheese under the supervision of specialists.

Name Wisconsin was assigned to two US Navy battleships: USS Wisconsin (BB-9) and USS Wisconsin (BB-64).

Peculiarities

Since 2011, the state has allowed concealed carrying of firearms, except in courthouses, police stations, and schools. To do this, residents of the state should contact the police and undergo a check in the FBI databases. In 2015, this right was significantly expanded to a wider range of persons.

In addition to its attitude towards weapons, the state has an extremely negative attitude towards smokers. In particular, the state has a complete ban on smoking in public places (government buildings, bus stops, hotel rooms, crowded streets). The fine for violating the ban is very high and ranges from $100 to $300. Similar bans apply in the neighboring state of Michigan.

Wisconsin Economic Potential

In terms of GDP, Wisconsin ranked 21st in the United States in 2014, producing goods and providing services worth $293 billion. Industrial production occupies 20% of the state's gross domestic product, according to this indicator the state is third in the United States. The average per capita income in 2013 is $43,244. Unemployment in the state is around 8% (seasonally adjusted).

The state's cheese companies produce more than a third of all cheese products in the United States, making Wisconsin a leader in U.S. cheese production. Wisconsin has about 150 licensed cheese production centers, for example Widmer's Cheese Cellars in Teresa, Beechwood Cheese near Milwaukee. Wisconsin also produces a significant portion of US milk, ranking 2nd in US production volume behind California, and per capita, Wisconsin ranks 3rd behind Idaho and Vermont. The state is a leader (2nd place) in butter production, producing 25% of all butter in the United States. In addition to dairy production, Wisconsin is a leader in brewing, sausage production and food paper products, and is also the state where cranberries and ginseng are most grown. The state's agricultural products include oats, potatoes, carrots, cherries, maple syrup and sweet corn.

The medical field also has advanced developments; the University of Wisconsin-Madison is considered a world center for the study of stem cells.

An important part of the economy Wisconsin is the mining industry. The first waves of migrants were miners by profession and, having settled, began mining lead (at a certain time, Wisconsin produced half of the lead in the United States), which is common in the bowels of Wisconsin.

The state of Wisconsin is located in the northeastern United States. Area 169,639 sq. km (23rd place in the USA). The length of the state of Wisconsin: from north to south - 500 km and from east to west - 420 km. Population 5.7 million people. The administrative center is Madison, the largest city is Milwaukee. The date of formation of the state of Wisconsin is May 29, 1848 (30 in the USA). The state motto of Wisconsin is Forward. The nickname of the state of Wisconsin is the "Badger State", "Dairy Country of America". The abbreviation of the state of Wisconsin is WI.

Wisconsin state name

The name of the state of Wisconsin comes from the name of the largest river flowing through the state, a tributary of the Mississippi - the Wisconsin River.

The name of the Wisconsin River was given by the first European who explored these lands - the Frenchman Jacques Marquette. He used the word for it Meskousing from the Algonquin language of the indigenous people of America - Indians. Later the name changed to Ouisconsin, and it came into English as Wisconsin - Wisconsin.

Story

During the period prior to European discovery, Wisconsin was home to an indigenous culture known as the Mound Builders. The number of mounds in Wisconsin exceeds the number in the rest of the United States.

In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet, searching for the Northwest Passage, landed near Green Bay and became the first European in what is now Wisconsin. The region belonged to France until 1763, and then passed to Great Britain after the Seven Years' War.

After the American Revolution, Wisconsin became part of the Northwest Territory of the United States. As this territory split, Wisconsin became part of the Indiana, Illinois and Michigan territories. The Wisconsin Territory organized on July 3, 1836 and became the thirtieth state on May 29, 1848.

During the first half of the 19th century, Wisconsin was an important source of lead. As treaties and Indian Wars opened up the territory to white settlers, thousands of miners flocked to southern Wisconsin, many of them immigrants from Cornwall. At one time, Wisconsin produced more than half of America's lead. During the lead boom, it even seemed that the metal-rich southwest of the state would become the most populous, and the city of Belmont briefly became its capital. However, by the late 1840s, readily available reserves were largely depleted, and many miners were caught up in the California gold rush. Wisconsin is still full of echoes of the events of this period. Galena is the state's official mineral, and Wisconsin is nicknamed the "Badger State" because many miners, who arrived faster than housing could be built, lived with their families in the mines, like badgers in dens. Place names like Mineral Point also recall this period of Wisconsin history.

At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, thousands of immigrants from Germany and Scandinavian countries settled in Wisconsin.

About Wisconsin

Wisconsin is considered primarily an agricultural state. It ranks first in the country in the production of various types of cheeses. Wisconsin also produces a significant amount of beer, sausage, and many other agricultural products. Wisconsin is sometimes called the dairy capital of America. Wisconsin also has a strong wood and paper manufacturing industry. Shipping on the Great Lakes is important.

State capital: Madison
Official name: State of Wisconsin (WI)
Largest city: Milwaukee

Other major cities: Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha, Oshkosh, Eau Claire, West Allis, Janesville, La Crosse, Sheboygan, Ashton.
State nicknames: Badger State
State motto: Forward!
State formation date: 1848 (30th in order)


State of Wisconsin located in the north central part of the country, it is one of the states of the Midwestern United States. The name of the state of Wisconsin comes from the name of the largest river flowing through the state, a tributary of the Mississippi - the Wisconsin River. The name of the Wisconsin River was given by the first European who explored these lands - the Frenchman Jacques Marquette. He used the word for it Meskousing from the Algonquian language of the indigenous people of America - Indians. Later the name changed to Ouisconsin, and it came into English as Wisconsin - Wisconsin.
Wisconsin belongs to the Great Lakes region. The state's northern border is Lake Superior and the complex border with Michigan, which in some places follows the Montreal and Menominee rivers. Wisconsin is bordered on the east by Lake Michigan, on the south by Illinois, and on the west by Iowa and Minnesota, mainly along the Mississippi and Saint-Croix rivers. Most of the state is located in the Mississippi River basin.
The climate is humid, summers are warm, winters are snowy and cold. Wisconsin is a state of farmers, producing milk and countless types of cheese.

Wisconsin population

The state has a population of approximately 5,700,000 people (the twentieth most populous state in the United States). The average population density in the state is about 40 people per km2 (25th place in the USA).

Racial composition of the state of Wisconsin

  • White - 86.2%
  • Black (African American) - 6.3%
  • Asians - about 2.3%
  • Native Americans (Indians or Alaskan Eskimos) - about 1.0%
  • Other races - about 2.4%
  • Two or more races - about 1.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino (any race) - about 5.9%

Largest ethnic (national) groups among the population of Wisconsin

  • Germans - about 43%
  • Irish - about 11%
  • Poles - about 9%
  • Norwegians - about 8%
  • English - about 7%
  • Italians - about 6%

Wisconsin has the largest percentage of ethnic Poles of any US state.

State history

In the territory of modern Wisconsin, people have lived for about twelve thousand years. Gradually, the indigenous people of the American continent moved from hunting and gathering to agriculture; about two and a half thousand years ago, the first permanent settlements appeared on the lands of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Native American tribes of the first millennium AD are known for their "figure mound" culture, mounds depicting animals or people. The number of mounds in Wisconsin exceeds the number in the rest of the United States.

The first Europeans to visit the modern territory of the state were the French. In 1634, Frenchman Jean Nicolet landed on Wisconsin soil. The territory of the state became a colony of France. In 1763, the territory came under British control after the Seven Years' War. In 1783, the United States of America gained formal authority over the Wisconsin Territory.

After the American Revolution, Wisconsin became part of the Northwest Territory of the United States. As this territory split, Wisconsin became part of the Indiana, Illinois and Michigan territories.
In the 1920s, several armed clashes between Americans and Indians took place in Wisconsin, known as the Winnebago War. In addition, in 1832, several battles of the Black Hawk War took place on the lands of Wisconsin, including the Battle of the Bad Akes River, when the rebel Indians were finally defeated. The result of European victory in these conflicts was the almost complete displacement of Indian tribes from Wisconsin.
On May 28, 1848, Wisconsin officially became a US state.

Wisconsin Landmarks

Winnebago Indians in Wisconsin during the census, 1911

One of Wisconsin's many tourist attractions is the Chiquamegon-Nichol National Forest, which is home to bears, white-tailed deer, elk, wolverines, martens, bobcats, squirrels and many other species.

Rock Lake is located 40 km east of Madison, Wisconsin.

Devil's Lake State Park, a popular tourist destination in Wisconsin. The picturesque lake that gives the park its name, bizarre rock formations and dense forests attract more than a million visitors every year

Autumn at Devil's Lake Wisconsin State Park

Chippewa River in Wisconsin

Sunrise on Lake Michigan, Wisconsin

The “Winged” Museum of Art in Milwaukee is a kind of “calling card” of the city and state

Madison (Madison) - the capital of Wisconsin was recognized as the best city to live in the USA

Capitol in the state capital

The main street of a typical American provincial town of Ashleton

Museum of Circus Arts in Baraboo.

View of Lake Michigan from a hotel window: Kenosha, Wisconsin

  • The events of the animated series Life with Louie take place in the city of Cider Knoll, Wisconsin.
  • According to the filmmakers of Dogma, the state of Wisconsin is worse than the Underworld itself.
  • The state is mentioned three times in director Roland Emmerich's 2012 disaster film, which in that film also appears to be a reference to Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  • According to James Cameron's film Titanic, the main character Jack Dawson was born in Wisconsin.
  • The Cleveland Show describes Wisconsin as a "fat man's paradise" (sixth episode of the second season).
  • In one of the nursing homes in the city of Madison, under the pseudonym Lana Peters, Stalin's daughter Svetlana Alliluyeva lived.

Ridiculous Wisconsin Laws

  • State law defines rape as sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who is aware that he is not having sex with his wife. Thus, a woman cannot be found guilty of rape, nor can a man who thought he was having sex with his wife.
  • Manual flushing of all urinals in a building is prohibited.
  • It is forbidden to cut off women's hair.
  • State law prohibits public restaurants from serving apple pie without cheese.
  • State prisons prohibit the use of butter substitutes in food.
  • Citizens of the state are prohibited from killing their enemies.
  • If two trains meet at a crossing, each must stand until the other starts moving.
  • Kissing on the train is prohibited.
  • The use of butter substitute is prohibited. At one time, the substitute was smuggled from Illinois.
  • Since condoms are indecent, they should be sold under the counter in pharmacies.
  • A man is prohibited from being in an excited state in a public place.
  • It is prohibited to tie your horse along Third Street.
  • In accordance with the decree, it is prohibited to stand in a parking lot for more than two hours if the horse is not tied to the car.
  • It is prohibited to play the flute or beat drums on the street in order to attract attention.
  • It is prohibited to appear in a public place during the day if you are indecent.
  • It is prohibited to purchase or light sparklers in the city, but you may purchase fully disassembled automatic weapons.
  • It is forbidden to wake up a firefighter when he is sleeping.
  • Women are prohibited from walking the streets at night unless accompanied by a man.
  • Women are prohibited from wearing red in public.

Incorporated into the United States on the 30th Wisconsin often called One-Story America. There are few high-rise buildings on its territory, but there are many lakes and forests. And its museums will surprise you with the collections of their exhibits.

Wisconsin gained statehood on May 29, 1848. These territories were first discovered in the middle of the 17th century by the French and belonged to them until the Seven Years' War. After its defeat, France was forced to cede Wisconsin to Great Britain, which controlled it until the Anglo-American War (1812-1815). Although formally this territory belonged to the United States after they gained independence in 1776.

The capital is the second largest here. Largest cities: Milwaukee, Green Bay, Kenosha. Wisconsin borders four states (Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois) and two lakes (Michigan and Superior).

City of Madison

Geography and climate

Based on the topography, the territory of the state of Wisconsin is divided into 5 regions. These are the lowlands in the valley of Lake Superior, the highlands in the north, the flat terrain in the center, the hills of the west, and the hills and lowlands of the east in the valley of Lake Michigan. Wisconsin is rich in forests that are home to many fur-bearing animals. That is why selling fur was the main activity of the Indians before the arrival of the first settlers.

Wisconsin is characterized by a sharply continental climate. Winters here have little snow, and therefore are especially cold and very long. Summer is warm, but it starts late and ends quickly. The most optimal months for vacation are June-August. Only in the valleys of the lakes of Wisconsin, the climate is slightly milder: winters here are not so severe, and summers are warmer and longer.

Population composition and religion

The majority (about 43%) of Wisconsin's population is of Germanic ancestry. Other ethnic groups, even the Irish and English, are not represented in large numbers. The dominant religion in this area is Christianity. Of the denominations, Protestantism is the most widespread.

Economics and education

Wisconsin is a major producer of:

  • Dairy products (especially cheese and butter)
  • Sausages
  • Maple syrup
  • Vegetables, berries and cereals: potatoes, cranberries, oats, corn

The importance of the state of Wisconsin in the national economy is very high. The volumes of supplied cheese and corn are especially significant. These products are even featured on a commemorative coin dedicated to the state of Wisconsin.

University of Wisconsin, USA

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is the leader here. He is famous for his research work. It is at the University of Wisconsin that the stem cell research center is located.

What to visit and see

Wisconsin is popular for its museums and water parks. It is recommended to visit the museum of arts and circus skills. Of interest are the National Forest, home to many rare species of animals, and the Devil's Lake Park, famous for its magnificent landscapes. There are about 18 water parks in the state that are also worthy of tourists' attention.




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