Originally named Gates in honor of John L. Gates, then a prominent Milwaukee lumberman and capitalist. It was changed (1905) to Rusk in honor of Governor Jeremiah M. Rusk (1830-93). Rusk was born in Ohio, and removed to Wisconsin in 1853, settling at Viroqua. A member of the legislature of 1861, he served in the federal army throughout the War of Secession. From 1865-67, Rusk was bank-comptroller; 1871-77, member of Congress; and 1882-89, governor of the State. Under President Benjamin Harrison, he was the first secretary of agriculture, an office wherein he was highly efficient. He died at his Viroqua home, soon after his last term of public service.

Learn More

Rusk, Wisconsin

See more images, essays, newspapers and records about Rusk, Wisconsin.

Dictionary of Wisconsin History

Explore more than 1,600 people, places and events in Wisconsin history.

[Source: Kellogg, Louise Phelps. "Derivation of County Names" in Proceedings of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin for 1909, pages 219-231.]