Mukwonago
Origin of Mukwonago, Wisconsin
1) Me-quon-i-go, from Me-quan-iego-ick, likewise the name of the town. Mic-wan signifies a ladle-a bend in the stream known by that name. So that the resemblence may be detected, it should be noted that the Indian ladle is a very crooked utensil, with the handle turned quite over the bowl.
2) Mukwanago, refers to bears, perhaps bear-trap, which in Chippewa is called "makodassonagan", from "mako", bear, and "dassonagan", a trap. Mukanago is an Algic, but not a Chippewa word.
3) Mukwanago (lake and town) Perhaps from Makwawanagong = "bear lair, or place where the bear lies." (v.) Mu-qwu-yan-u-goog = "people of bear skins." (W.) Perhaps from makwanangog = "bear stars, a constellation of stars, "from makwa = a bear, and anong, a star, or anangog = stars. (V.) More probably the word means the place where the bear constellation is. (w.) Mukwonago--bear hole
Information obtained by Carlee E. Brown, May 19, 1923, from Sam Wapuka, a Prairie Potawatomi of the Bald Eagle clan, now a resident of Shawnee, Oklahoma, and Milw. Journal Nov. 16, 1926 and from Sheboygan Daily Press. Mar. 19, 1936
Learn More
See more images, essays, newspapers and records about Mukwonago, Wisconsin.
Dictionary of Wisconsin History
Explore more than 1,600 people, places and events in Wisconsin history.
[Source: Card file at the WHS Library reference deskp. 378 of Butterfield's History of Waukesha county.]