Madison: Wisconsin’s Thriving Capital City

Madison is the capital city of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. With a population of around 270,000, it’s the second largest city in Wisconsin after Milwaukee. Madison is located on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona and is home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the Wisconsin State Capitol, and a thriving technology sector.

History

The Madison area was inhabited by Native American tribes like the Ho-Chunk for thousands of years before Europeans arrived. The city itself was established in 1836 when former federal judge James Doty purchased over 1,000 acres of land between the two lakes with the intention of building a city. He named it after Founding Father James Madison. Madison was incorporated as a city in 1856.

During the Civil War, Madison served as a hub for the Union Army in Wisconsin. Camp Randall on the west side of the city was used as a military hospital and prison camp. After the war it became the site of Camp Randall Stadium on the UW campus.

In the 1960s and 70s Madison was known for its counterculture centered around the Mifflin Street area near campus. There were many anti-Vietnam War protests, some of which turned violent and got national attention. This progressive spirit lives on today.

Geography

Madison’s downtown isthmus area is very compact and walkable while the rest of the city extends out across five lakes – Mendota Monona, Wingra, Kegonsa and Waubesa. The lakes provide ample recreation opportunities like boating, swimming, and fishing.

The city has a number of distinct neighborhoods like the hippie enclave of Williamson-Marquette and the historic Dudgeon-Monroe area. Capitol Square is the heart of downtown near the Capitol building. Other notable neighborhoods include the University-dominated State-Langdon and Park Street.

Economy

Madison has a very strong and diverse economy. As the state capital, government and the University are major employers. The UW campus in particular drives much of the economy through its large student population, academic programs, and research & development.

The city is also a hub for biotech companies like Promega, Exact Sciences, and many healthcare and medical device startups. High-tech firms like Epic Systems and American Family Insurance are headquartered in the Madison area.

Manufacturing is also still important to the economy, especially agricultural equipment and machinery as well as food processing due to the surrounding dairy farms. Popular brands like Spectrum Brands, Sub-Zero and Lands’ End are based here.

Culture

Madison offers an incredible variety of cultural institutions and events year-round. From museums like the Chazen and the Wisconsin Historical Museum to venues like the Overture Center performing arts center, there is always something to see and do.

The massive UW campus brings lots of youth culture, live music, college sports, and an intellectual vibe. Epic Systems even built its own huge concert venue called the Sylvee on campus. Outside of the university, there is a vibrant local food, beer, theater and arts scene.

Popular events range from the huge Art Fair on the Square to the annual Rhythm and Booms fireworks festival to the Freakfest Halloween block party. Local favorites include the Dane County Farmers’ Market, the iconic Memorial Union Terrace, the Henry Vilas Zoo and Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

Sports

Sports are huge in Madison, especially college sports. The UW Badgers have loyal followers and successful programs in football, basketball, hockey and more. Camp Randall Stadium and the Kohl Center are always full on game days.

The city also has some beloved minor league teams like the Madison Mallards baseball team and Madison Capitols hockey team that play to packed crowds. Beyond spectator sports, residents take full advantage of the city’s lakes and 160 miles of bike trails to stay active year-round.

Government

As the state capital, Madison is home to all of Wisconsin’s government functions. The imposing State Capitol building towers over downtown. It houses the state legislature, Supreme Court and the offices of the Governor. Local politics lean progressive.

Madison has a Mayor-council system of government. The current mayor is Satya Rhodes-Conway. The city is known for high levels of political engagement by citizens. Protests and demonstrations are common occurrences.

Transportation

Madison has an international airport and is connected to Milwaukee and Chicago by rail and interstate highways. Public transportation is provided by Metro Transit which operates an extensive bus system throughout the city.

Madison was named the Platinum Bicycle City by the League of American Bicyclists thanks to its abundance of dedicated bike lanes, paths and trails. Biking alongside lakes is a favorite pastime. The city is compact enough that walking and biking can easily replace driving.

Education

The University of Wisconsin-Madison dominates higher education in the city with over 43,000 students. It is the state’s flagship public university and a major research institution ranked among the best universities nationally and globally.

The Madison Metropolitan School District serves over 27,000 students in 50 schools. Madison public schools consistently rank highly in terms of quality and academic achievement. The city is also home to Edgewood College and Madison College which provide diverse education options.