Ringling Brothers Perform First Circus Show
This week in Wisconsin history, the Ringling Brothers gave their first circus show performance in Baraboo, Wisconsin, on May 19, 1884. Six years later, the brothers, Al, Otto, Alf T.,…
Joseph Schlitz was born in Germany
This week in Wisconsin history, well-known Milwaukee brewer Joseph Schlitz was born in Mainz, Germany, on May 15, 1831. He immigrated to Milwaukee in 1855 before working at a brewery…
Earthquake Strikes Wisconsin
This week in Wisconsin history, a strong earthquake shook a 3,000-mile area in Southeastern Wisconsin on May 6, 1947. Despite the magnitude being a near 3.8, there was little damage,…
Wisconsin Mobilizes Thousands for Spanish-American War
This week in Wisconsin history, after the announcement of the start of the Spanish-American War a week prior, Wisconsin was ordered to mobilize soldiers for the war effort on April…
Congress Approves the Creation of the Wisconsin Territory
This week in Wisconsin history, the US Congress debated the boundaries and infrastructure of a new territory to be introduced to the Union. On April 20th, 1836, President Andrew Jackson…
The Milwaukee Braves Debut
This week in Wisconsin history, the Milwaukee Braves made their official debut in Milwaukee on April 14, 1953. They played at the newly constructed County Stadium, defeating the St. Louis…
Curly Lambeau was Born in Green Bay
This week in Wisconsin history, the founder, player, coach, and vice president of the Green Bay Packers, Earl “Curly” Lambeau, was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on April 9, 1898.…
Old Abe Dies in Fire at State Capitol
This week in Wisconsin history, the famous Civil War mascot for the Eau Claire infantry unit, Company C, passed away on March 26, 1881. During the Capitol fire of 1881,…
Reedsville Wins WIAA Basketball Tournament
This week in Wisconsin history, Reedsville High School, with an enrollment of only 87 students, won the WIAA state basketball tournament on March 16, 1946. With a population of just…
Dane County Becomes Recognized
This week in Wisconsin history, the Territorial Legislature passed an act officially recognizing Dane County on March 11, 1839. They would later call for an election of county officers on…