Wisconsin 101

From Fairs to Football Games: A History of Camp Randall

University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Camp Randall Stadium has been through many transformations yet has remained a pillar of statewide community. First put to public use as fairground enjoyed by residents across the state of Wisconsin, the site housed the state’s largest soldier training…

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September 26, 2023

Broad History / Military History / Manitowoc / Industry / Maritime Industry / Related Stories / Manufacturing & Trade / Manitowoc County / Nature & Environment / Politics & Government / Region 5 - Center East / Transportation & Tourism / Manitowoc Breakwater Lighthouse

Manitowoc’s Maritime Identity

The city of Manitowoc has been deeply shaped by its maritime industry. Located directly on the shores of Lake Michigan, Manitowoc’s identity is intimately tied to the Great Lakes. Manitowoc utilized the access to Lake Michigan to build an economy fueled by…

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May 29, 2023

Broad History / Industry / Grant County / Education / Related Stories / Platteville / Mining Industry / Manufacturing & Trade / Nature & Environment / Region 6 - South West / Ingersoll-Sergeant Pneumatic Rock Drill

Platteville’s Mining History

The Platteville lead boom spanned from 1827 to 1849, bringing diverse groups of people and the mining industry to what would later become southwest Wisconsin. In 1827, galena (lead ore) was discovered in Platteville by frontiersmen exploring the Northwest Territory, which included…

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December 21, 2022

Broad History / Art, Sport & Entertainment / Milwaukee County / Milwaukee / Industry / Sports & Games / Related Stories / Manufacturing & Trade / Transportation & Tourism / Region 8 - South East / The Harley-Davidson V-Twin Engine

Harley Davidson and Milwaukee

It’s no secret that Harley-Davidson’s history is deeply rooted in Milwaukee. From dealerships to museums, the motorcycle giant serves as a cultural landmark and has become synonymous with the sprawling city. Thus, one may be surprised to learn of its humble beginnings.…

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June 18, 2022

Broad History / Eau Claire / Education / Related Stories / Eau Claire County / 1900-1918 / 1918-1945 / 1945-1965 / Region 3 - Center West / 1965-1987 / Council Oak Tree

UW–Eau Claire History

Today, The University of Wisconsin System consists of 11 four-year campuses that educate over 165,000 students. But this extensive institution grew from very modest beginnings. Most of the universities that formed the UW System began as one-building teacher’s colleges, and for the…

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October 5, 2021

Eau Claire / Broad History / Education / Related Stories / Eau Claire County / Nature & Environment / Region 3 - Center West / Council Oak Tree

UW-Eau Claire & The Council Oak Tree

Oak Trees have been regarded for centuries as a symbol of strength, moral, and knowledge, and throughout history have been represented in different mythologies to show these attributes. And for the original Council Oak Tree, grown in Eau Claire, it also held…

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October 5, 2021