Zona Gale

Historical marker location:

Portage, Wisconsin

( Marker is at the intersection of Cook Street (State Highway 33) and Wisconsin Street (State Highway 16) on Cook Street.)

Marker installed: 2007

The state's name is derived from the Wisconsin River, which was named by the French traders and explorers who arrived in the area in the 17th century. The river's name is believed to come from the Ojibwe word "meskonsing," which means "it lies red" or "red stone place."