Wonewoc

History

The name “Wonewoc” is of Indigenous American origin, probably meaning "howling hills". However, at the time of colonization, the site and subsequent town were known to the native Hoocąk (Winnebago) people as Wonį́wąk, which derives ultimately from an infinitive meaning, "to be wicked, bad." However, Josephine White Eagle says that wōnį́wąk means more precisely, "you (sg.) are naughty, foolish, not thinking." Apparently, a settler asked a native resident, "What do you call this place?" and the man replied, "You're a knucklehead." George and Lucinda Willard first settled the area in 1851. The town was incorporated as a village in 1878, and once the railroad was built village growth exploded. The population of the town was largely settled by Yankee colonists from New England, according to the 1860 census. When the railroad era ended Wonewoc’s growth halted. Wonewoc is now a quiet town known for its beauty and close-knit community.

Geography

Wonewoc is located in the southernmost part of Juneau County, in an unglaciated region of Wisconsin. The resulting landscape is filled with jagged bluffs, with the scenic Baraboo River flowing next to the town. The Wonewoc Formation was first described here and named for the village. Wonewoc is located at 43°40' North, 90°14' West (43.654, -90.223). According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all land.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• Royall High
  High · Elroy · 223 students · 11.2:1 ratio
• Royall Elementary
  Elementary · Elroy · 150 students · 10.7:1 ratio
• Wonewoc-Center Elementary
  Elementary · Wonewoc · 149 students · 13.5:1 ratio
• Wonewoc-Center High
  High · Wonewoc · 114 students · 12.7:1 ratio
• Royall Intermediate
  Middle · Elroy · 96 students · 10.7:1 ratio
• Wonewoc-Center Junior High
  Middle · Wonewoc · 79 students · 13.2:1 ratio
• Wonewoc-Center Virtual Academy
  Other · Wonewoc · 6 students