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Historical Essay

Civil War Silver

Wisconsin Historical Museum Object – Feature Story
Tiffany punch bowl presented to Wisconsin's Joseph Bailey in honor of his service during the Civil War. (Museum object #1965.228.1,A)
Historical Essay

Hungarians in Wisconsin

Learn about the Hungarian immigrants who came to Wisconsin from the 19th century through the post-World War II era.
Historical Essay

Benjamin Butts (1853-1930)

One Man's Journey from Slavery to Madison Business Owner to State Assembly Staff Member
Learn about a freed slave's intriguing story as a barber serving Wisconsin's prominent politicians, and as a well-known, beloved face in the capital city.
Historical Essay

Black History in Wisconsin

Read about Black history in Wisconsin. There are many links to original documents, pictures, eyewitness accounts, and other primary sources.
Historical Essay

Epidemic Anniversary

A History of Disease in Wisconsin
Read this informative collection of all the outbreaks and epidemics in Wisconsin's history.
Historical Essay

Automobile Culture

Wisconsin and the Invention of the Car
Discover how Wisconsin's influence on the automobile and tourist culture.
Historical Essay

Ezra Pound's Wisconsin Roots

The Midwestern Heritage of One of the 20th Century's Greatest Poetic Innovators
Discover literary giant Ezra Pound's connection to the frontier wilds of Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Pierce, Hettie, 1829-1944

Madison's Oldest Resident
Born into slavery, Hettie Pierce lived 115 years and was able to fully experience both life before and after emancipation.
Historical Essay

Pleasant Ridge: A Community of Black Farmers in Wisconsin

Read the history of Pleasant Ridge, Wisconsin, a unique a community developed by formerly enslaved African American slaves in the mid-19th century.
Historical Essay

Presidential Visits to Wisconsin

Read amusing stories of presidential stays in the state, from Lincoln's broken heart to Roosevelt's Milwaukee gun wound. Links to photos and articles.
Historical Essay

The Birth of the Labor Movement

How Wisconsin Created the Workday
Discover the history of the labor movement in Wisconsin and how it created the modern work week.
Historical Essay

Milwaukee Sewer Socialism

How Wisconsin Became America's Most Socialist State
Discover how Milwaukee, Wisconsin became America's first Socialist city.
Historical Essay

Cheesemaking in Wisconsin

Brief history of cheesemaking in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

The Rise of Professional Sports

Learn about the development of professional sports teams in Wisconsin in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Historical Essay

Wild Rice

A Brief History of one of Wisconsin's Earliest Crops
Discover the history of wild rice in Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Ringling Brothers: The Beginnings of the 'Greatest Show on Earth'

Read about the creation and early success of the famous Ringling Brothers circus founded in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Juliet Severance, Radical Victorian

A Good Mother, a Good Friend and a Good Woman
Discover Juliet Severance, the free-thinking Whitewater physician who was involved with the anti-slavery movement, temperance and women's rights.
Historical Essay

Farming and Industry

How a Disaster Made Wisconsin the Dairy State
Discover how Wisconsin became the nation's leader in wheat long before it was renowned for dairy, and the disaster that made it all possible.
Historical Essay

Logging

The Industry That Changed the State
Discover how the logging industry shaped Wisconsin's economy and culture from the 19th century to the present.
Historical Essay

Brewing and Prohibition

Read about the brewing industry, the temperance movement, and the effects of prohibition in Wisconsin.

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