How did Wisconsin get its borders?
Did you know that Wisconsin used to make up the vast majority of the Midwest? 'Tis true.For many, Wisconsin is 65,556 square miles of cheese curds, beer, Green Bay Packers, Badgers, and, despite those irritating California commercials, the country’s happiest cows. But! It hasn’t always been that way! In fact, did you know that Wisconsin used to make up the vast majority of the Midwest? Prior to the Louisiana Purchase, the Territory of Wisconsin consisted of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and the eastern half of the Dakotas. So, how exactly did we go from having all of that land to the border lines we find in place today?
Wisconsin Trails published a great article by Robert D. Temple (author of the award-winning book Edge Effects) highlighting how our fair state got its borders, and it’s not quite as simple as you might think. Ours is a tale of lengthy arguments, nonexistent boundary lines based on severely inaccurate maps, daring explorers, and a couple of tongue twisters of potential names. (Try saying “Assenisipia” five times fast.)
In addition to some very fascinating Wisconsin history, the article also mentions a few historical landmarks that can be found around the state marking crucial points in the development of Wisconsin’s borders. Summer road trip, anyone? It’s definitely an interesting read, so release your inner history nerd and go check it out.
