Hans Christian Heg

Historical marker location:

Madison, Wisconsin

( Marker is at the intersection of East Main Street and South Pinckney Street, on the left when traveling east on East Main Street.)

Marker installed: 1926

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."