How Wisconsin Became a State

Wisconsin is a state with a rich and unique history. From its early Native American inhabitants to its current status as a Midwestern state, Wisconsin has a long and storied past.

Pre-Statehood

Early inhabitants of Wisconsin

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, Wisconsin was inhabited by a variety of Native American tribes. These tribes included the Menominee, Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk, and Fox. These tribes lived in the area for centuries, and had developed a complex and diverse culture. They lived off the land, hunting, fishing, and gathering wild plants for food. They also traded with other tribes and with European settlers.

French colonization

In the 1600s, French explorers arrived in Wisconsin, and began to establish trading posts and settlements. The French were the first Europeans to settle in Wisconsin, and they had a significant influence on the area. They introduced new crops, such as wheat and corn, and new methods of farming. They also established trading relationships with the Native American tribes, exchanging goods for furs.

British rule

In 1763, the French lost control of Wisconsin when the British took control of the area. The British continued to trade with the Native American tribes, and also encouraged settlement by European immigrants. The British also established a system of government in Wisconsin, which included a governor and a legislature. This system of government laid the groundwork for Wisconsin's eventual statehood.

Statehood Movement

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was a major step in the process of Wisconsin becoming a state. This ordinance was passed by Congress and established the Northwest Territory, which included the area that would become Wisconsin. It also laid out the process for the formation of new states from the Northwest Territory. The ordinance provided for the division of the territory into smaller units and the eventual formation of three to five states. It also established a process for the admission of new states into the Union. The ordinance also provided for the establishment of a government for the territory, which included a governor, a secretary, and three judges. It also provided for the establishment of a legislative body, the General Assembly, which would be responsible for making laws for the territory.

The Wisconsin Territory

In 1836, the Wisconsin Territory was established from the Northwest Territory. The Wisconsin Territory included the area that would become the state of Wisconsin, as well as parts of Minnesota, Iowa, and Michigan. The first territorial governor was Henry Dodge, who was appointed by President Andrew Jackson. Dodge was responsible for setting up the government of the territory, including the establishment of a legislative body, the General Assembly. The General Assembly was responsible for passing laws and making decisions on behalf of the territory.

The Wisconsin Constitution

In 1846, the people of the Wisconsin Territory voted to become a state. In order to become a state, the people of the territory had to draft a constitution. The constitution was drafted in 1846 and was approved by Congress in 1848. The constitution established the government of the state of Wisconsin, including the three branches of government: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. It also established the rights of the citizens of the state and provided for the election of state officials. The constitution also established the state's boundaries and provided for the division of the state into counties. The constitution was ratified by the people of the state in 1848, and Wisconsin officially became the 30th state in the Union.

Statehood Achieved

The Wisconsin Enabling Act

On April 20, 1848, Congress passed the Wisconsin Enabling Act, which authorized the people of Wisconsin to form a state government. The act also set the boundaries of the state and provided for the election of a state legislature. The act was signed into law by President James K. Polk on May 29, 1848.

Ratification of the Wisconsin Constitution

On October 5, 1848, the people of Wisconsin voted to ratify the Wisconsin Constitution, which was the document that established the form of government for the new state. The constitution was modeled after the U.S. Constitution and provided for a bicameral legislature, an executive branch, and a judicial branch.

Wisconsin admitted to the Union

On May 29, 1848, President Polk signed the Wisconsin Enabling Act into law, and on May 29, 1848, Wisconsin was officially admitted to the Union as the 30th state. The admission of Wisconsin to the Union was celebrated with a grand parade in Madison, the state capital. The parade featured a large procession of people, including members of the state legislature, the governor, and other dignitaries. The parade was followed by a fireworks display and a grand ball.