Wisconsin
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File:US wi highlighted map.jpg (In Detail) | |||||
Capital | Madison | ||||
Area - Total - Land - Water - % water |
Ranked 23rd | ||||
Population
- Density |
Ranked 18th
31.6/km² | ||||
Admittance into Union
- Date | 30th | ||||
Time zone | |||||
Latitude |
42°30'N to 47°3'N | ||||
Width |
420 km | ||||
ISO 3166-2: | US-WI |
Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state of the United States, (54,314 square miles) and 18th greatest population (5,363,675 as of 2000). The state's name is an English version of a French adaptation of an Indian name said to mean "the place where we live."
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.
Known as "The Dairy State", Wisconsin is also known for beer, cheese, and many festivals, such as Summerfest and the EAA Oshkosh Airshow.
USS Wisconsin was named in honor of this state.
History
Main Article: History of Wisconsin
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.
Law and Government
The capital is Madison and the largest city is Milwaukee.
Geography
See: List of Wisconsin counties
It is bordered by Lake Superior and Michigan to the north, by Lake Michigan to the east, by Illinois to the south, and by Iowa and Minnesota to the west. Part of the state's boundaries includes the Mississippi River and St. Croix River.
Important Cities and Towns
The following are major cities in Wisconsin:
Wisconsin's minor cities include:
Badger State | |
State Animal: | Badger |
State Domesticated Animal: | Dairy Cow |
State Beverage: | Milk |
State Bird: | Robin |
State Capital: | Madison |
State Fish: | Muskellunge |
State Flower: | Wood Violet |
State Insect: | Honeybee |
State Song: | "On Wisconsin" |
State Tree: | Sugar Maple |
State Mineral: | Galena (Lead sulphide) |
State Rock: | Red Granite |
State Soil: | Antigo Silt Loam |
State Dance: | Polka |
Education
Colleges and Universities
- Alverno College
- Beloit College
- Cardinal Stritch College
- Carroll College
- Carthage College
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Edgewood College
- Lakeland College
- Lawrence University
- Maranatha Baptist Bible College
- Marian College of Fond du Lac
- Marquette University
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Mount Mary College
- Mount Senario College
- Northland College
- Ripon College
- St. Norbert College
- Silver Lake College
- University of Wisconsin System
- University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
- University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin, Parkside
- University of Wisconsin, Platteville
- University of Wisconsin, River Falls
- University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
- University of Wisconsin, Stout
- University of Wisconsin, Superior
- University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
- Viterbo College
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology
Professional Sports Teams
- Milwaukee Brewers, Major League Baseball
- Milwaukee Bucks, National Basketball Association
- Green Bay Packers, National Football League
- Minor League Baseball Teams