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Reference Maps

These maps were chosen for Turning Points in Wisconsin History, but they have many other uses. They are grouped by the Dept. of Public Instruction's themes in Wisconsin history, and arranged in rough chronological order within those broad categories. Many very useful maps of modern Wisconsin, including outline maps of counties, cities, waterways, highways and other features, can be downloaded free from the State Cartographer's Office.


Early Native Peoples: The Prehistory and Early History of Wisconsin's Native Peoples Before 1634

Forests of Wisconsin (PDF, 53KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 180

Hydrography of Wisconsin (PDF, 73KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 10

Indian Tribes of the Western Great Lakes, ca. 1600 (PDF, 119KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 15

Explorers, Traders,and Settlers: Early Explorers, Traders and Settlers from France and the British Isles, 1634 to 1812

The French in the Great Lakes Country, ca. 1680 (PDF, 167KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 18

Chequamegon Bay (PDF, 47KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 27

Marquette and Joliet in the Upper Mississippi (PDF, 3.81MB)
Source: adapted from a mapby Mary Stuart Foster in Louise P. Kellogg, The French Regime in Wisconsin and the Northwest (Madison, 1925)

British Era Fur Trade Sites, 1760-1815 (PDF, 257KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): : Fur Trade 3-5

American Era Fur Trade Sites, 1815-1850 (PDF, 245KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Fur Trade 4-4

Spheres of Influence, 1713 (PDF, 71KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 41

Spheres of Influence, 1763 (PDF, 145KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 54

Spheres of Influence, 1783 (PDF, 153KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 72

Surveyed Lands, 1848 (PDF, 88KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 435

Territory to Statehood: The Transition from Territory to Statehood, 1787 to 1848

Territorial Milwaukee (PDF, 42KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 195

American Forts & Explorations, ca. 1820 (PDF, 101KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 97

Military Forts and Road, 1805-1862 (PDF, 272KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Government 2-2

Territorial Roads, 1836-1848 (PDF, 219KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 7-4

Native American Habitation, ca. 1830 (PDF, 231KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Historic Indians 1-17

Native American Habitation, ca. 1855 (PDF, 231KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Historic Indians 1-18

Territorial Changes, 1800-1838 (PDF, 178KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 201

Population by Counties, 1836 (PDF, 78KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 250

Population by Counties, 1840 (PDF, 84B)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 468

Population by Counties, 1850 (PDF, 105KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 469

Cities and Villages, 1848 (PDF, 73KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 1: From Exploration to Statehood: 538

Immigration and Settlement in 19th-Century Wisconsin, 1812 to 1874

Railroads, 1865 (PDF, 103KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 438

Railroads, 1873 (PDF, 95KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 439

Rail Lines, 1936 (PDF, 383KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 6-5
Date 1936

Routes to Wisconsin, 1854 (PDF, 102KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 64

Native-Born from Eastern States, 1870 (PDF, 259KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 418

German-Born, 1870 (PDF, 213KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 419

English- and Welsh-Born, 1870 (PDF, 260KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 420

Irish-Born, 1870 (PDF, 251KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 422

Swedish- & Norwegian-Born, 1870 (PDF, 213KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 422

Danish-Born, 1870 (PDF, 159KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 423

Dutch-Born, 1870 (PDF, 139KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 424

Swiss-Born, 1870 (PDF, 181KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 425

Native Germans, 1890 (PDF, 494KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 2-13

Native Swiss, 1890 (PDF, 321KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 3-11

Native Belgians, 1890 (PDF, 246KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 4-10

Native Dutch, 1890 (PDF, 262KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 4-9

Native Norwegians, 1890 (PDF, 515KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 5-11

Native Swedish, 1890 (PDF, 570KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 6-15

Native Danish, 1890 (PDF, 365KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 6-16

Native Czechs (Bohemians), 1900 (PDF, 316KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 8-20

Native Finnish, 1920 (PDF, 357KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 6-17

Native Polish, 1920 (PDF, 368KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 7-7

Native Russians, 1920 (PDF, 284KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 8-21

Native Italians, 1920 (PDF, 265KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 9-9

Blacks in Wisconsin, 1930 (PDF, 243KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Settlement 12-8

Inland Waterways & Canals, 1855-1900 (PDF, 228KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 2-6

Animal-Powered Street Railways, 1880-1890 (PDF, 212KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 9-4

Cities and Villages, 1848-1871 (PDF, 160KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 157

Major Private Colleges, 1846-1936 (PDF, 239KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Education 1-4

Primary Schools, 1836 and 1900 (PDF, 682KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Education 2-13

Public High Schools, 1900 (PDF, 539KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Education 3-9

Normal Schools, 1925 (PDF, 263KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Education 4-12

Early Hospitals, 1816-1892 (PDF, 260KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Social & Political 6-10

Counties & County Seats, 1835 (PDF, 189KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Government 8-8

Counties Created 1835-1850 (PDF, 608KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Government 8-9

Counties Created 1851-1870 (PDF, 514KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Government 8-10

Counties Created 1871-1901 (PDF, 382KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Government 1871-1901

State roads, 1848-1886 (PDF, 240KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 7-5

Wisconsin in the Civil War Era, 1848 to 1874

Temperance Movement (PDF, 647KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Social & Political 2-9

Mining, Lumber, and Agriculture in Wisconsin, 1830 to 1914

Lead Mining Centers, 1820-1860 (PDF, 242KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 3-16

Major Lumbering Districts, 1870 (PDF, 312KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 5-18

Value of Production for Sawmills, 1880 (PDF, 378KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 5-19

Pulp & Paper Mills, 1880-1910 (PDF, 225KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 6-13

The Cutover Region, 1885-1935 (PDF, 445KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 4-6

Mississippi River Landings etc., 1890-1955 (PDF, 242KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 3-5

Wheat Yield, 1850 (PDF, 268KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 458

Wheat Yield, 1870 (PDF, 78KB)
Source The History of Wisconsin (Madison, State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1973-1998), v. 2. The Civil War Era, 1848-1873: 459

Flour Mills, 1880 (PDF, 422KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 8-13

Hops Cultivation, 1860-1865 (PDF, 238KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 3-7

Head of Sheep by County, 1870 (PDF, 301KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 8-15

Acres of Hay planted, 1910 (PDF, 630KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 5-12

Acres of Corn Planted, 1910 (PDF, 571KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 5-11

Acres of Oats Planted, 1910 (PDF, 680KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 5-13

Orchard and Cranberry Regions, 1880--1920 (PDF, 449KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 6-13

Butter Production, 1859 (PDF, 381KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 9-5

Title Factory Cheese Production, 1885 (PDF, 306KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 10-7

Dairy Plants, 1932 (PDF, 330KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Agriculture 11-8

Quarries, 1898 (PDF, 518KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 2-17

Iron & Copper Mining, 1845-1945 (PDF, 224KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 4-8

The Progressive Era: La Follette and The Progressive Era, 1893 to 1914

Knights of Labor Assemblies, 1877-1896 (PDF, 248KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Social & Political 8-8

Knights of St. Crispin Assemblies, 1867-1874 (PDF, 205KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Social & Political 8-7

County Insane Asylums, 1910 (PDF, 238KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Social & Political 7-18

Institutions for Dependent & Handicapped Persons, 1935 (PDF, 233KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Social & Political 7-17

Industrialization and Urbanization: Prosperity, Depression, Industrialization and Urbanization, 1874 to 1945

Furniture Manufacturing, 1870 (PDF, 288KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 7-9

Brewery Concentrations, 1860-1880 (PDF, 314KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 9-10

Canning Plants & Refineries, 1890-1950 (PDF, 240KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 11-11

Tanneries, 1872-1910 (PDF, 386KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 12-10

Carriage & Wagon Shops, 1870 (PDF, 402KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 13-7

Agricultural Machinery Production, 1880 (PDF, 307KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 14-9

Major Pottery Locations, 1850-1880 (PDF, 192KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 15-5

Ice Harvesting, 1880-1900 (PDF, 216KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Industry 17-6

State Trunk Highways, 1918 (PDF, 287KB)
Source Cultural Resource Management in Wisconsin (Madison: State Historical Society of Wisconsin, 1986): Transportation 8-4

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