Posted on 02/15/2023 7:18:37 AM PST by Diana in Wisconsin
On February 15th, National Wisconsin Day recognizes The Badger State. #NationalWisconsinDay
Rich in copper, lead, forest and fertile farmland, Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. In 1634, French explorer Jean Nicolet was the first European to reach Wisconsin while seeking a Northwest passage to China.
A mining boom, not fur trading, led to the nickname The Badger State. According to oral history, the miners burrowed into the hillsides much like badgers for shelter instead of setting up more permanent homesteads. The first wave of settlers to the area also began the uprooting of the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Chippewa and other indigenous people.
Early in Wisconsin’s settlement, dairy production began to take root. By the turn of the century, the state became known for its dairy farms and synonymous with cheese.
Mining, dairies, and breweries grew one after the other. An influx of German immigrants in the 1850s brought a new brand of dreamers. Brewers cropped up across Wisconsin satisfying the thirst of The Badger State. As with brewers in other regions of the country, the 18th Amendment of 1919 prohibiting alcohol drowned out much of the competition leaving only a handful after the legislation was repealed in 1933.
From Lake Michigan to Superior and numerous river and lakes in between, Wisconsin offers ample opportunity for water recreation and sport. There are also year-round trails perfect for summer hiking or substantial snow for winter activities.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL WISCONSIN DAY
Discover a taste of Wisconsin.
Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 30th state’s history, people, and culture.
Read about these 5 Things Wisconsin is Known For (other than cheese).
Uncover and Travel Wisconsin with all her hidden treasures and amazing landscapes!
Use #NationalWisconsinDay to share on social media.
1. Cranberries
Wisconsin farmers grow cranberries across 20 counties in the central and northern parts of the state. They first started developing the industry in the early 1850s. However, long before European settlers arrived in the state, the indigenous people harvested the wild cranberries growing in the state. Today, the state produces 60 percent of the U.S. crop!
2. Ginseng
Around the globe, people use ginseng as a supplement for a variety of reasons. Most of the herb’s benefits come from the root. However, the leaves and stems are also used. About 95 percent of the U.S. ginseng production takes place in Wisconsin.
3. Paper
Wisconsin is a leading producer of paper products in the United States. More than 160 mills and processors create everything from tissue paper to cardboard. In fact, Green Bay, Wisconsin, is known as the toilet paper capital of the world. Northern Tissue, located in Green Bay at the time, issued the first “splinter-free” toilet paper in 1935. The plant opened in 1901 as the Northern Paper Mill on the north side of Green Bay. Today the mill continues operation as Georgia Pacific.
4. Harley Davidson
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is the home of Harley Davidson. Hometown boys, Arthur Davidson and William Harley with the help of a few friends developed a prototype motorcycle in the early 1900s. They eventually brought in Arthur’s brothers William and Walter Davidson and in 1904 they built the second prototype. Their approach to business was revolutionary and grew into an iconic brand recognized worldwide.
5. Great Lakes
Wisconsin is bordered by two of the five Great Lakes: Superior and Michigan. The state boasts 800 miles of coastline that provide excellent habitat for Wisconsin’s wildlife. The lakes also bring outdoor recreation-lovers to the area. The state is home to 48 lighthouses keeping watch over the coastlines between the two lakes.
I can believe that!...................
Why February 15th?
At one time, Green County alone had 195 working cheese factories. 13 remain, including the only US maker of tasty Limburger cheese,(which you don’t eat with your nose!)
No. six is beer.
Or so I’ve heard.
Happy Wisconsin Day, Diana. 🦡
We had no problems finding TP during Covid, LOL!
This site seems to be 100% random. :)
We are next to Green County. Beau’s brother is The Big Kahuna of that county - he runs all of the operations for the county - snowplowing, road fixing, land use, Fire, EMTs, etc.
Green County still has a dozen or so cheese factories, too.
We LOVE going to Monroe to Baumgartner’s!
https://www.baumgartnercheese.com/
Thanks! I LOVE My State.
I sometimes hate the politics, but all in all it’s a great place to live/work/raise a family/retire. :)
Old advertising trick, claim that your product doesn't have or do something that your competitors' products does by inference but not by name......................
One must also mention the Birthplace of the Republican party.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ripon,_Wisconsin#Birthplace_of_the_Republican_Party
Ripon, Wisconsin was also famous for 'Rippin' Good Cookies.'
Wisconsin was also part of The Underground Railroad and assisted slaves to get into Canada to FREEDOM. :)
https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS566
I told the in-house recruiter to contact him for an interview, and ask what his bowling average was. She looked at me strangely and asked why. "Because he's from Wisconsin."
Later that day, she told me that the initial screening went well and an interview was set up for the next day. And, "his average is about 185."
Great story! Love it!
My Stepson won State in Bowling when he was in High School. He’s had a few 300 games.
I was in a Ladies League for a while. Our Team Name was ‘G.L.O.B.’ The ‘Gorgeous Ladies of Bowling.’ ;)
G.L.O.W. = The Gorgeous Ladies of Wresting - probably also a Wisconsin Thing...
Ladies Roller Derby was also a Big Thing at one time, as was that smack-down fake Wrestling. (Gorgeous George!) We snow-bound Wisconsinites take our ‘indoor sports’ SERIOUSLY! LOL!
Plus, there’s almost always a bar in the establishment, LOL!
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