On May 29, 1848, Wisconsin became the thirtieth state admitted
to the Union. The "Badger State" was the last state formed in
its entirety from the Northwest Territory. Textured with
beautiful landscapes and abundant natural resources, Wisconsin
has a rich legacy of concern regarding their conservation.
Tourist sites include the Wisconsin Dells and Devil's Lake. The
Winnebago, Menominee, Potowatomi, Dakota (Sioux), and Ojibwa
(Cherokee) were among the Native American tribes to reside in
the area. Among the first Europeans in this region were Jean
Nicolet, who started a profitable fur trade between France and
the native population, and Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet,
Catholic priests who first explored the upper Mississippi
territory.