1. On October 20, 1818, the Wisconsin Territory was established. It was created out of the western part of the Michigan Territory, and included the areas that are now Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota.

2. On October 20, 1861, the Battle of Ball's Bluff took place in Virginia during the American Civil War. Among the casualties was Wisconsin Senator Edward Dickinson, who was killed in action. He was the first sitting senator to die in military service.

3. On October 20, 1888, the University of Wisconsin-Madison opened its doors for the first time. It was known then as the Wisconsin State University and had just over 1,100 students.

4. On October 20, 1914, the Wisconsin State Capitol building was dedicated in Madison. It was designed by architect George B. Post and features a dome that is 284 feet high. It is the tallest building in Madison.

5. On October 20, 2010, a massive storm swept through the state, bringing with it heavy rain and high winds. Over 100,000 homes and businesses lost power, and flooding closed several major roads. It was one of the most severe storms to hit Wisconsin in recent history.