FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2026-089

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (May 29, 2026) – This edition of Fun with Maps reminds us how much America loves her cheese curds.

Cheese

Wisconsin, originally part of the Northwest Territory, gained statehood on May 29, 1848, representing the 30th star on the US flag.

The name of the state is based on the Algonquin word for its primary river.  Wisconsin is one of many states whose name originates from a Native American word or term.

Although the first European reaching Wisconsin was Marquette, and later French fur traders, most of the early settlers came from Scandinavia and Germany, as was the case for much of the upper Midwest.

Given the German heritage, it is not surprising that brewing beer is a big industry in the state.  About one quarter of cheese is produced in Wisconsin – lots of dairy cows.  Also, given the wooded northern part of the state, lumber and paper production are large parts of the economy.

The map of Wisconsin shown here by Tanner was issued four years before statehood.  Note that there are more counties in the south, indicative how the European settled the area.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps. Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.