I think this year I’m going to work my way around the world by exploring my own state! I’ve already been to Rome, WI last week, so my journey has already begun!
Immigrant Place Names In Wisconsin
In Wisconsin the names of towns often reflect the diverse places that immigrants hailed from. Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of immigrants settled in Wisconsin, bringing with them not only their customs and languages but also the names of their homelands.
Naming a new place after the old one may have helped immigrants maintain a sense of identity and emotional connection to where they came from. Some paid honor to their roots by placing the word “New” before the town name, such as New London or New Berlin.
Native American Place Names in Wisconsin
We must also acknowledge and pay honor to the Native American names in Wisconsin, as those names reflect centuries of deep cultural, spiritual, and geographic knowledge of the land long before European settlers arrived. Many towns, rivers, lakes, and even the name Wisconsin itself come from Native languages. These names often describe features of the land or have symbolic meanings. Wisconsin is home to 11 federally recognized Tribes, each with their own distinct traditions and cultural heritages they are committed to preserving.
Keeping Wisconsin’s Unique Heritages Alive
You can enjoy and experience many of the foods, drinks, dances and customs of our unique blend of cultures in Wisconsin with the many heritage festivals and celebrations held throughout the year. So, enjoy “traveling around the world” as you wander through Wisconsin!
Resources
- 6 Cultural Festivals Bringing the World to Wisconsin – https://www.travelwisconsin.com/article/fairs-festivals/6-cultural-festivals-bringing-the-world-to-wisconsin
- Native Wisconsin: A Guide to Experiencing & Honoring Native American Culture https://www.travelwisconsin.com/article/native-culture/wisconsins-native-american-and-tribal-culture-a-visual-guide