Leaders in Science

Historical marker location:

550 North Park Street, Madison, Wisconsin

( Marker is at the intersection of North Park Street and Langdon Street, on the left when traveling north on North Park Street.)

Marker installed: 2001

Bascom Hill Historic District.

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."