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Historical Essay

Barstow-Bashford Affair of 1856

A brief history of the Barstow-Bashford Affair of 1856.
Historical Essay

How Madison Became the Capital

Argument and an Unpopular Choice
Discover how Madison became the capitol city during the first Wisconsin territorial convention
Historical Essay

How Madison Became a City

From Bear Hunting on the Capitol Square to a Fully-incorporated City
Discover how Madison went from a small village in 1836 to being organized and governed as a city in 20 years time
Historical Essay

Paines in the Neck for Powers-That-Be

Two Lawyers Spur Abolitionist Reform and Universal Voting Rights
Learn how Byron Paine and Halbert E. Paine used the power of law for radical abolitionist reform in mid-19th century Wisconsin.
Historical Essay

Wisconsin State Constitutions of 1846 and 1848

Too Progressive for Wisconsin
Discover why Wisconsin's 1846 was re-written and passed in 1848
Historical Essay

The Woman's Suffrage Movement

How Years of Failure led to Success
Discover the history of suffrage in Wisconsin, and how the state became the first to ratify the 19th amendment after many difficulties.
Historical Essay

Black History in Wisconsin

Read about Black history in Wisconsin. There are many links to original documents, pictures, eyewitness accounts, and other primary sources.

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