Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Population: 5,363,675

Entered the Union: May 29, 1848

As the: 30th state

Motto: Forward

Nickname: Badger State

Origin of Name: From a Native American word for the principal river of the region, which French explorers spelled Miscous, Miskonsing, Mesconsin, and then finally Ouisconsin. It means "gathering of the waters."

Major Industries:Dairy farming, paper production, and nonelectric machinery manufacturing (engines, turbines, farm machinery, etc.)

Historical Sites: The Circus World Museum at Baraboo.

Points of Interest: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; Ice Age National Scientific Reserve; the Wolf, St. Croix, and Lower St. Croix national scenic riverways; and the Wisconsin Dells.