# Wisconsin

> state of the United States of America

**Wikidata**: [Q1537](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1537)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/wisconsin

## Summary

Wisconsin is a place located in the United States . It was established on May 29, 1848 . The population reached 5.9M in 2020 [1].The elevation of Wisconsin is 320 . It observes the UTC−06:00, Central Time Zone, and America/Chicago time zones .

## Summary
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the Upper Midwest region, officially becoming the 30th state on May 29, 1848. Known as "America's Dairyland" and "The Badger State," it is part of the Great Lakes region and shares borders with Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior.

## Key Facts
- Official statehood date: May 29, 1848
- Capital: Madison (since 1836)
- Nicknames: "America's Dairyland," "The Badger State"
- State abbreviation: WI, US-WI
- FIPS code: US55
- ISO 3166-2: US-WI
- Population: 5,893,718 (latest estimate)
- Geographic coordinates: approximately latitude 44.5°N, longitude 89.5°W
- Part of: contiguous United States, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, Midwestern United States, East North Central states
- Preceded by: Wisconsin Territory (1836-1848)
- Named after: Wisconsin River (from Native American term)
- Official website: https://www.wisconsin.gov/
- Demonym: Wisconsinite
- Motto: "Forward"
- Flag: Wisconsin flag
- Coat of arms: Wisconsin coat of arms
- Geographic extremes: northernmost point at approximately 47.31°N, southernmost at approximately 42.49°N
- Area: 169,640 square kilometers (total), with 320 meters average elevation
- Time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-6, UTC-5 during daylight saving time)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the origin of Wisconsin's name and nickname?
A: Wisconsin is named after the Wisconsin River, which derives from a French rendering of a Native American term meaning "grassy place." The state is nicknamed "America's Dairyland" due to its significant dairy production and "The Badger State" referencing early lead miners who lived in tunnels like badgers.

### Q: What geographic regions and areas is Wisconsin part of?
A: Wisconsin is part of the contiguous United States, Upper Midwest, Great Lakes region, Midwestern United States, and East North Central states. It borders Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and has coastlines along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.

### Q: What was Wisconsin's status before becoming a state?
A: Before achieving statehood on May 29, 1848, Wisconsin existed as the Wisconsin Territory from 1836 to 1848. The territorial period preceded the formal establishment of the state.

### Q: What are Wisconsin's official symbols and designations?
A: Wisconsin's official motto is "Forward," its capital is Madison, and its demonym is "Wisconsinite." The state uses the abbreviation WI or US-WI and has the FIPS code US55.

### Q: What makes Wisconsin significant in terms of geography and natural features?
A: Wisconsin is notable for its position in the Great Lakes region, bordering both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. It contains numerous rivers including the Wisconsin River, and its landscape includes forests, farmland, and the historic Ice Age Trail.

## Why It Matters
Wisconsin matters as a foundational state in the Upper Midwest, playing a crucial role in American agriculture, particularly dairy production, which earned it the "America's Dairyland" designation. The state's strategic position in the Great Lakes region makes it economically and environmentally significant, connecting the interior of the United States with the Great Lakes shipping network. Wisconsin has been historically important in American politics, often serving as a bellwether state in national elections and being the site of significant political movements such as the 2011 Wisconsin protests. The state's rich natural resources, including its extensive forests and waterways, contribute to both its ecological importance and its economic foundation in forestry, agriculture, and tourism. Wisconsin's cultural contributions through music, particularly bands like Violent Femmes and Garbage, and its role in American manufacturing and industry further enhance its national significance.

## Notable For
- Being known as "America's Dairyland" due to its significant milk and cheese production
- Having the nickname "The Badger State" derived from early lead mining history
- Serving as a key component of the Great Lakes region with coastlines on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior
- Housing the University of Wisconsin System, including the flagship campus in Madison
- Being the birthplace of notable musical acts like Violent Femmes, Garbage, and BoDeans
- Playing host to the annual Wisconsin State Fair and other significant cultural events
- Containing the historic Ice Age Trail, a long-distance hiking path
- Being the site of significant political events, including the 2011 Wisconsin protests
- Contributing significantly to American paper and lumber industries
- Having a strong tradition in brewing and beer culture
- Being home to Lambeau Field, one of the most iconic venues in American football
- Maintaining a strong tradition in manufacturing and industrial production

## Body
### History
Wisconsin achieved statehood on May 29, 1848, becoming the 30th state to join the Union. Prior to this, it existed as the Wisconsin Territory from 1836 to 1848. The territory was established following the organization of the region after the Black Hawk War and increasing settlement by European Americans. The push for statehood came from growing populations and the desire for greater self-governance. Wisconsin's admission to the Union occurred during the presidency of James K. Polk.

### Geography and Natural Features
Wisconsin is located in the Upper Midwest region of the United States and forms part of the Great Lakes region. It borders Minnesota to the west, Iowa and Illinois to the south, and has coastlines along Lake Michigan to the east and Lake Superior to the north. The state's geography includes the Wisconsin River, which flows through the center of the state, and numerous other rivers including the Chippewa, Black, and Fox Rivers. The northern part of the state is characterized by forests and lakes, while the southern regions feature fertile farmland. The Ice Age Trail, a 1,200-mile long hiking trail, traverses the state highlighting glacial formations from the last ice age.

### Administrative Divisions
Wisconsin is subdivided into 72 counties, each with its own local government. Notable counties include Dane County (containing the capital, Madison), Milwaukee County (containing the largest city, Milwaukee), and Door County (known for its peninsula extending into Lake Michigan). Major cities besides Madison and Milwaukee include Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, and Appleton. The state also contains numerous smaller municipalities, townships, and villages.

### Economy and Industry
Wisconsin's economy has traditionally been anchored by agriculture, particularly dairy farming, which led to its "America's Dairyland" nickname. The state is a major producer of cheese, milk, and other dairy products. Manufacturing also plays a significant role, with industries including paper production, machinery, and food processing. Companies like Kimberly-Clark, headquartered in the state, exemplify Wisconsin's industrial heritage. The state also has a growing technology and biotechnology sector.

### Culture and Music
Wisconsin has contributed significantly to American popular culture, particularly in music. The state is the birthplace of several notable musical acts including Violent Femmes, an alternative rock band formed in Milwaukee in 1980, and Garbage, an American rock band formed in Madison in 1993. Other musical acts from Wisconsin include the BoDeans and The Chordettes. The state hosts numerous music festivals and cultural events, including the annual Wisconsin State Fair.

### Education
The University of Wisconsin System is a major component of the state's educational infrastructure, with the flagship campus at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The system includes multiple campuses throughout the state, providing higher education opportunities across various disciplines. Private institutions such as Marquette University in Milwaukee and Beloit College also contribute to the state's educational landscape.

### Politics and Civic Engagement
Wisconsin has played a significant role in American politics, often serving as a swing state in national elections. The state gained national attention during the 2011 Wisconsin protests, which centered around Governor Scott Walker's proposed legislation limiting collective bargaining rights for public employees. These events highlighted Wisconsin's tradition of civic engagement and labor activism.

### Transportation
Wisconsin is served by several major highways including Interstate 90, Interstate 43, and Interstate 39. The state also has Amtrak service via routes such as the Empire Builder and the Hiawatha service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee. Air travel is facilitated through airports such as Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee and Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, along with numerous regional airports throughout the state.

### Natural Resources and Environment
Wisconsin's abundant natural resources include forests, lakes, and rivers that support both recreational activities and economic sectors such as forestry and tourism. The state manages numerous state parks and wildlife areas, including Horicon Marsh, one of the largest freshwater marshes in the United States. Environmental conservation efforts are ongoing, particularly concerning the Great Lakes ecosystem and forest management.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. Global LEI Index
3. [Source](https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Growing_WI/CIGAL2016.aspx)
4. [Source](https://coordinacionpolitica.sre.gob.mx/index.php/entidades/148-jalisco)
5. BnF authorities
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. Czech National Authority Database
9. FIPS 10-4
10. MusicBrainz
11. [2010 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0100000US%241600000&y=2010&d=DEC%20Redistricting%20Data%20%28PL%2094-171%29)
12. [Population Estimates Program](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest.html)
13. [2020 United States Census](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Populations%20and%20People&g=0100000US,%241600000&y=2020)
14. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?d=ACS%205-Year%20Estimates%20Detailed%20Tables)
15. GeoNames
16. BBC Things
17. Getty Thesaurus of Geographic Names
18. BabelNet
19. United States Summary: 2010, Population and Housing Unit Counts, 2000 Census of Population and Housing
20. [Source](https://www.tripadvisor.com.br/Tourism-g28972-Wisconsin-Vacations.html)
21. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
22. Google Maps
23. [2016–2020 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?t=Income%20and%20Poverty&g=0100000US,%241600000&tid=ACSST5Y2020.S1902)
24. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
25. [Source](https://www.minimum-wage.org/wage-by-state)
26. [Source](https://encyklopedia.pwn.pl/haslo/Wisconsin;3996714.html)
27. [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/places/inaturalist-places.csv.zip)
28. Golden
29. KBpedia
30. [Source](https://github.com/opencivicdata/ocd-division-ids/blob/1be9a1a8e83af5274515fca52cc7875d75174129/identifiers/country-us/states.csv)
31. museum-digital