Rock River Industry

Historical marker location:

Janesville, Wisconsin

( Marker can be reached from Interstate 90 at milepost 168,, 5.1 miles south of State Highway 59, on the right when traveling east.)

Marker installed: 1983

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."