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Historical Essay

Wisconsin's First Election

Creating the Wisconsin Territory
Discover the story of Wisconsin's first elections and how the state was divided into its present-day areas.
Historical Essay

Valentine's Callers

The Remarkable History of the Telephone
Learn how Wisconsin resident Richard Valentine's invention would change the world
Historical Essay

When Beer Was Almost Illegal

A Popular Speaker Sways Opinion
Discover the connection between P.T. Barnum and the 1853 statewide referendum on liquor sales.
Historical Essay

The Budget Deficit of 1921

How a New Progressive Governor Repaired the Economy
Read about Governor John J. Blaine's plan to deal with the Budget Deficit of 1921.
Historical Essay

Madison's First Thanksgiving

The Power of the Pumpkin
Read the story of the first Thanksgiving celebrated in Madison.
Historical Essay

First House Never Occupied

How Plans to Make Madison's First Home Went up in Flames
Discover the Brief History and Tragic Ending of Madison's First Home
Historical Essay

The Mysterious Ballots of 1855

A Dishonest Democrat and a Radical Republican
Learn about the election that was so close that Wisconsin briefly had two governors until one was exposed for tampering with ballots.

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