TRAVEL GUIDE

Wisconsin Travel and Famous Wisconsinites

There are many famous people, from overnight celebrities to politicians known throughout the world. However, they all have something in common. In one way or another, their childhoods were influenced by their hometown. Just like most of us, many famous people are proud of their background and heritage. Wisconsin is no exception and has produced its fair share of famous people. During your Wisconsin travels, you will find that Wisconsin holds true to what it is known for, "America's Dairyland". However, do note that the famous people came from this state do not necessarily have anything to do with dairy or cheese!

One of the well-known comedian and actor was the late Christopher Crosby Farley, more well-known as Chris Farley. Famous for his sense of humor and enthusiasm, Chris Farley was loved by many. Travel back in time, we could see that Farley has always loved to perform. Born on February 15, 1964 in Madison, Wisconsin, Farley went to Marquette University with a degree in theatre and communications. Later on, Farley debuted on NBC's Saturday Night Live in the 1990-1991 season after being discovered by Lorne Michaels when Farley was performing at the Second City Theatre in the late eighties. After the 1994-1995 season, Farley moved onto the silver screen. His popularity sore after his breakthrough performance in "Tommy Boy" and his career took off quickly with other popular movies such as "Beverly Hills Ninja" and "Almost Heroes". Sadly, Chris Farley died on December 17, 1997 from a heart attack induced by overdose of opium and cocaine. Nonetheless, Wisconsinite Chris Farley is one of the comedian legends in the 90s. In your Wisconsin travels, you can go to the state's capital, Madison to visit some of the places Farley began his career in.

Travel further back in time, we can see that Wisconsin has also brought us politicians other than comedians. Born in Primrose, Wisconsin on June 14, 1855, Robert Marion LaFollette has significant influence in the political history in United States. A founder of the Progressive Movement, LaFollette was a spearhead for political reform in Wisconsin and the nation for 25 years. A farmer's son, LaFollette graduated from the University of Wisconsin with the degree of law. In 1880, he won the office of district attorney and from 1885 to 1891; LaFollette went on to serve as a Republican in the United States House of Representative. "Fighter Bob" LaFollette's rise came in the time of unrest among farmers at the capitalist's control of money and political power. LaFollette campaigned in his Wisconsin travels for years before he was elected in 1900 as governor and re-elected twice in 1902 and 1904, achieving many of his goals. Under LaFollette's governing, Wisconsin became the first state for many legislations. Elected to the Senate in 1905, LaFollette traveled to Washington and continued his battle against the same forces of privilege he had defeated in Wisconsin. In his political career until 1925, LaFollette stood up for his beliefs and the people. Because of his fighting spirit, he left a significant impact in American political history and LaFollette was voted by the Senate in 1957 as one of the five most outstanding senators of all time. To better your understanding of these famous LaFollette, what is better than to go to the places of his beginning in your Wisconsin travels?

Chris Farley and Robert LaFollette are only two examples of the famous Wisconsinite throughout history and there are many more well-known Wisconsinites that have contributed and impacted the American history. Some others include Robert George Uecker, better known as Bob Uecker, an American former Major League Baseball player, later an award-winning sportscaster and actor. There was Thorstein Bunde Veblen, a Norwegian-American economist, sociologist and a leader of the Efficiency Movement. Tom Snyder, the news caster that gained national fame hosting "Tomorrow with Tom Snyder". There are other famous Wisconsinites that left a mark in different aspects in the American history. In your next Wisconsin travels, be sure to do some research before hand and visit some of these historical places!