Stories that account for a place's name are not always reliable. Ethnic pride, among other things, can distort. But there are those who claim that the name is Polish in origin, derived from Tadeucz Wiscont, an early Polish settler. Some places in Wisconsin are famously singular in their ethnicity. The residents of New Glarus, settled by Swiss immigrants in 1845, celebrate Switzerland's independence day.
Portage County has the largest rural Polish settlement in the United States.
Others places are famous for their ethnic diversity. Racine, for example. African-Americans have lived in Racine since the Civil War. Poking around Racine County, you'll find places called Norway, Little Armenia, Polonia, Scotch Lane and The Barrio. The ethnic festivals that dot the state and fill Milwaukee's summer calendar certainly give that impression.