Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1913-12-11
ROMANCE IN BADGER NAMES
Indian and French Words Furnishes
Majority of Derivations for Wis
consin Cities and Towns.

consin Cities and Towns.
Madison-That the story of the
naming of cities and physical fea-
lures of Wisconsin abOunds with ro-
mantle interest is shown in the find
ings of the United States geological
survey, which has traced the origin
of these place names, with the as
sistance Of the state historical So
ciety
The name Wisconsin is a Sank IN
dian word having reference to holes
in the bank of a stream, in which
birds nest
Milwaukee is said to have derived
its name from the Indian word mil
Joke, meaning good earth" or good
country"
Green Bay was named from the bay.
which was called by the early French
la grande bale, the large bay,
which was corrupted into the pres
ent name.
La Crosse was so named by the
French because the ground was
fayorite place for ball playing with
the Indians, the game being called
by the French la crosse.
Madison is one of the numerous
geographical namesakes of President
James Madison.
Oshkosh was named for an Indian
chief. The word is said to mean
nail, CLAW" or the horny part of
the foot of beasts
Racine, situated at the mouth OF
Root river, has French name mean
ing root"
Appleton owes its name to- Sam
uel Appleton, one of the founders of
Lawrence university.
BelOit bears a coined name Sc
lected by a committee, to whom it
was suggested by the name Detroit
Fond du Lac was so named because
of its situation, the phrase being
French for lend of the lake"
GAINESVILLE was given it's name in
honor of Henry F. James.
Kenosha is an Indian word mean
ing fish, ''pickerel, " pike
Manitowoc is also Indian-named,.
the word signifying spirit land"
Marinette was named for the
daughter Of an Indian chief, Marin
cite Jacobs.
The name Wausau is a corruption
of wassa, meaning far away"
Amigo derived its name from the
Indian word neequee-antigo-sebi, an
tigo meaning green"
Baraboo was named for Jean Bar
ibault, a French settler
Chippewa Falls took its name from
a noted Indian tride. The proper
Indian form is Ojibwa
Fort Atkinson took its name
from Gen. Henry Atkinson, who COM
manded stockade there during the
Blackhawk war.
Menasha is an Indian name mean
ing thorn" or island"
MenomUnie bears the name of an
Indian tribe, the word referring to
the wild rice which grew abundantly
in the region.
Merrill was so called in honor Of
s. s. Merrill, Of the Wisconsin Cen
trail Railroad company
Neenah derived it's name from an.
Indian word signifying water"
Portage was so named by the
French because of boats having been
carried from the Fox to the Wis
consin river. The word means Gear
rying place"
Stevens Point owes it's name to-
the Rev. J. D. Stevens, missionary to
the Indians
Washburn was named for CadwaI-
lader c. Washburn, former governor
of the state
Waupun is an Indian word mean
ing early or ''early day"
Marshfield was named for J. J.
Marsh. of New York, who owned the
greater part of the town.
Prairie du Chen is a French
phrase, meaning "prairie Of the dog
Rhinelander was named for F. w.
RhineIander, president of the Mil
waukee, Lake Shore & Western rail-
way
Rice Lake was so called because
situated on a lake where wild rico.
is abundant.
Waukesha derived it's name from
the Indian wauk-tsha, meaning
fox"
Madison.-The city Of Amigo must.
pay $128,800 for the plant of the Anti
go Water company
Eau CIaire-Eau CIaire's tax rate
this year will be .O235 and is the
lowest tax rate in the city's history
Despite the rate heavy state tax last.
years low rate has been cut.
Rice Lake.-Bishop Koudelka Of
7ciated at the dedication of the new
parochfal school just completed by
the ST. Joseph's parish. About 40
priests were in attendance.
Oshkosh-Charles Rahr. pioneer req
ident, is dead, aged so years. He was
one of the founders Of the Rahr brew
cry, which has been in operation here