U.S. Post Office

Historical marker location:

123 West Main Street, Sparta, Wisconsin

( Marker is at the intersection of South Court Street and West Main Street, on the right when traveling north on South Court Street.)

Marker installed: 2004

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."