Historical Marker
The First Milwaukeeans
Historical marker location:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
( Marker is at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and the east bank of the Milwaukee River, on the right when traveling east on Wisconsin Avenue.)
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."