Search the Wisconsin Historical Society's collections
Filter: Categories of Odd Wisconsin Stories
Filter: Year of 1800-1899
Filter: Year of 1840-1849
| A Disappointment that Created a Community |
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| Learn about the most successful Utopian community in Wisconsin, born of a failed doomsday prediction. |
| The Amusing History of the Scots Influence on Wisconsin |
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| Discover the rich history of the sport of curling in Wisconsin. |
| Madison's Oldest Resident |
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| Born into slavery, Hettie Pierce lived 115 years and was able to fully experience both life before and after emancipation. |
| From Sacred Calumets to Ashtrays |
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| Discover the important role that tobacco and the Peace Pipe have played throughout Wisconsin's history. |
| An Old Man's Tall Tale |
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| Wisconsin pioneer Joseph Crelie was said to be 139 years old when he was exhibited to spectators in 1864. But how old was he really? |
| The Capital's First Drunkard |
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| Read the story of Madison's first and most beloved drunkard, Pinneo. |
| The Rise and Fall of Isaac Walker |
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| Discover the story of Isaac P. Walker, the first Wisconsin presidential contender in 1850. |
| A History of Disease in Wisconsin |
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| Read this informative collection of all the outbreaks and epidemics in Wisconsin's history. |
| Some Interesting Stories of the Winnebago Chief |
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| Read about Ho-Chunk Chief Dandy's interesting and friendly interactions with white settlers in Wisconsin, even while he was a fugitive. |
| From Under a Tree to Madison's Most Popular Lodge |
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| Discover the story surrounding the planning and construction of the first building erected in Madison. |
| From Bear Hunting on the Capitol Square to a Fully-incorporated City |
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| Discover how Madison went from a small village in 1836 to being organized and governed as a city in 20 years time |
| The Remarkable History of the Telephone |
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| Learn how Wisconsin resident Richard Valentine's invention would change the world |
| The Story of Jonathan Walker, Abolitionist |
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| Discover the story of Jonathan Walker, "Slave Stealer." |
| Wisconsin's Brigham Young |
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| Discover the history of early Mormon leader James J. Strang, self-proclaimed successor to Joseph Smith. |
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