Wisconsin: The Story of the Badger State

by Norman K. Risjord

This book recounts the big themes and the poignant stories that make Wisconsin's past meaningful. Author Norman K. Risjord takes us from the reign of the giant glaciers, through the colorful years of exploration, fur trade and lumbering, to the political heyday of Fighting Bob La Follette and modern times. Useful Travelers' Guides detail historic destinations, giving wandering historians the information they need to explore the Badger State's vibrant past.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1995

About the author

AKA Norman Kurt Risjord;
University: BA, College of William and Mary (1953)
University: PhD, University of Virginia (1960)
Professor: History, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Reviews

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being a Wisconsin resident, I wanted to read into someone else’s insights on our history (since much doesn’t happen here lol) and wanted to learn more about my home state. The author delves deep into many topics such as the agriculture industry, politics, immigration, war, and where Wisconsin is going now.

This book is separated into seven chapters that speak of glaciers, Indians, settlement, the civil war, lumber/farming, political movement, and the future of the state. Within the 215 pages, they all seem to be separated evenly yet some feel like forever. Some of the topics are split into multiple subsections, making it easier to read without the author having to force a paragraph for some flow. Other topics ramble on and on and on, making me lose attention as I read. The end of the book was structured perfectly, but by the time I got to it, I was so burnt out from previous chapters.

I feel the author did a good job bringing up Wisconsin’s largest historical events and feats. The Peshtigo Fire. The Prohibition. The founding of the Republican Party. I just found it odd how topics like the prohibition were quickly skipped over. Yet nationwide issues that barely affected Wisconsin were mentioned immensely. The prohibition was huge and still talked about considering were America’s drunkest state.

I did enjoy the final paragraph of the book. Where the author questions Wisconsin’s future considering people continue to move from farm to city. Leaving our founding labor as a state as the dairy industry declines (supposedly). Makes you question how our split politics (mentioned in this book) has done nothing for us either way and is hurting the traditional principles of our state.

I’ve learned a lot from what the author has put in his book, but I do believe the inconsistent writing style made me lose interest in multiple areas.