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Wisconsin State Historical Markers

About the Program

Wisconsin State Historical Markers tell the stories about events, individuals, buildings, or sites of local, state, or national significance that contribute to our state's rich historical heritage. There are more than 600 official state markers in Wisconsin that carry approved historical inscriptions. Historical markers are an excellent educational tool, informing people about significant aspects of Wisconsin's past.

These permanent, outdoor plaques are located near the place where something significant occurred. Many of them are roadside markers.

The Wisconsin State Historical Markers Program is administered by the Local History Outreach Program of the Wisconsin Historical Society

Official List of Markers

  • This list contains approximately 630 official state historical markers in Wisconsin. In most cases, state historical markers are listed chronologically by date erected.
  • Each listing includes the marker's official number, its official name and location, and a map index code corresponding to the Wisconsin Official State Highway Map.
  • Download or request this year's Official State Highway Map from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. 

Download Official Markers List

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Missing or Damaged Marker?

Do you know of a Wisconsin State Historical Marker that is missing or has been moved or damaged?

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A woman in a lime green tank top repaints the Peshtigo Fire Cemetery historical marker

Repainting the Peshtigo Fire Cemetery Marker

Restoring Your Wisconsin State Historical Marker

Find resources and contact information for restoring your Wisconsin State Historical Marker.

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Apply for a Wisconsin State Historical Marker

Anyone can apply for a Wisconsin State Historical Marker by submitting a completed application form. Read how to do it step-by-step and explore resources about creating your marker.

Applications Currently Paused
3 Anishinaabe pose with the Mooningwaanikaaning Historic Marker Dedication Madeline Island along with the director of the Wisconsin Historical Society

Attention

The studio that produces Wisconsin's state historical markers is navigating temporary staffing shortages and supply chain issues. At this time, please allow at least seven months for delivery from the date your marker order is placed by the Wisconsin Historical Society.  
Updated February 2026

FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Wisconsin State Historical Markers program.

The Official List of Wisconsin Historical Markers is published by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Each marker listed includes its official marker number, official name and location, and a map index code that corresponds to Wisconsin's official state highway map.

Currently there are over 630 official state historical markers in Wisconsin that carry approved text commemorating sites, individuals, buildings, or events of local, state, or national significance.

To report a marker that is missing or damaged, contact the Historical Markers Program at [email protected]. Please provide the date, the title of the marker, and its location. Make sure that the marker has an emblem of a badger on top; otherwise, it is not an official Wisconsin State Historical Marker. We will try to locate the original applicant, who is usually the party responsible for any maintenance.

All marker applicants agree to accept responsibility for marker maintenance in perpetuity. For those who would like to see their markers repainted, please contact the Historical Markers Program at [email protected] for services provided.

It is the responsibility of the marker applicant to install their State Historical Marker in the approved location, taking into account any feedback from marker program administrators. The following installation guides are provided by Sewah Studios for one- and two-post markers.

Wisconsin State Historical Markers are produced by Sewah Studios. More info about Sewah Studios.

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Questions about State Historical Markers?

We're here to help you get the information you need. Call the State Historical Markers Program at 608-890-3170 or use the email below.

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