The man who could escape from anything, whether it be handcuffs, jail, or even underwater, Harry Houdini amazed millions with his feats. He has become a symbol and standard for professional magicians worldwide. Birthplace: Appleton.
Former governor of the state and a candidate for Presidency under the Progressive party label, Robert La Follette believed in equal taxes for individuals and corporations, and the reform of American politics. Some of his ideas were adopted at the state and federal level. Birthplace: Primrose, Dane County.
Jacques Marquette was a Catholic missionary who was also a brave explorer. He went to Canada to preach among the natives, and was asked by that government to explore the Wisconsin territory. He was the first white man to explore the upper reaches of the Mississippi River. Birthplace: France.
Orson Welles is best known as the man who made what some consider the world's greatest movie, "Citizen Kane." He was also a radio actor of some repute, recording a production of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" which was so lifelike that many believed the alien invasion in the story to be real. Birthplace: Kenosha.
Thornton Wilder was a noted playwright and novelist, winning three Pulitzer Prizes over his lifetime. Some of his famous works include the play "Our Town" and the novel "The Bridge of San Luis Rey." Birthplace: Madison.
Perhaps America's greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright believed in an organic style that would be close to nature and its ideals. He created numerous buildings which possess this style and are still impressive and beautiful today. Birthplace: Richland Center.
