Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 29, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • Us State

Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a U.S.

Updated July 29, 20261 min readCited sources

Wisconsin is a U.S. state in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions, admitted to the Union on May 29, 1848 as the 30th state. Its capital is Madison and its largest city is Milwaukee.

What it is

Wisconsin is a state in the north-central United States, bordered by Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Lake Superior. It has 72 counties, with Timms Hill as its highest point. The state is widely known for dairy production, especially cheese.

Key details

The region was explored by Europeans in the 17th century, became part of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, and achieved statehood in 1848. Its landscape includes lakes, rivers, forests, and the Wisconsin River system. The economy is driven by agriculture, food processing, tourism, and manufacturing.

Why it matters for Canadians

Wisconsin borders Lake Superior and lies near Ontario’s Great Lakes region, making it relevant for cross-border geography, trade, and travel. Its dairy industry and Great Lakes access connect it to Canadian markets and tourism.

In short

  • Wisconsin became the 30th U.S. state on May 29, 1848.
  • Madison is the capital; Milwaukee is the largest city.
  • Borders Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Lake Michigan, Michigan, and Lake Superior.
  • Famous for dairy production, especially cheese.
Canadian angle

Wisconsin borders Lake Superior and lies near Ontario’s Great Lakes region, making it relevant to Canadian readers interested in cross-border geography, trade, and travel.

Quick questions

When did Wisconsin become a state?
Wisconsin became the 30th U.S. state on May 29, 1848.
What is the capital of Wisconsin?
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin.
What is Wisconsin known for?
Wisconsin is especially known for dairy production, including cheese.

Sources

  1. National Geographic Kids — https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/geography/states/article/wisconsin
    Supports: Borders and geographic location of Wisconsin.
  2. Wisconsin Historical Society — https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/Records/Article/CS2906
    Supports: Statehood date, capital, highest point, and state statistics.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisconsin
    Supports: State overview, borders, capital, largest city, and county count.
  4. The Fact File — https://thefactfile.org/wisconsin-facts/
    Supports: Statehood date, borders, capital, county count, and nickname-related facts.
  5. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/Wisconsin
    Supports: State overview, borders, history, population, capital, and economic context.