The Madison Heritage Series

It was future Wisconsin Governor James Doty who first envisioned a city on this site, after passing through the area and glimpsing its potential in 1829.

In April 1836, Doty purchased land on this isthmus between two lakes. That November, he lobbied the legislature of the newly created Wisconsin Territory to locate its capital city here. Doty's street plan for Madison, drafted on his way to the legislature, was inspired by Washington, D.C. This influence is apparent in Capitol Square, which radiates spoke-like streets.

Madison had some advantages over the other 18 capital contenders. It boasted natural beauty, a central location and patriotic appeal: The name honored the late president James Madison and, unlike any other American town, most streets were named for signers of the Constitution. After some savvy promotion, Doty's "capital idea" became a reality.

Sidebar:

James Doty's original plat map of Madison included plans for a canal, which had great commercial appeal due to the success of the Erie Canal in 1825. Doty's location proved impractical. Later, developer Leonard Farwell modified the idea by straightening the Yahara River.

In succeeding decades city officials gradually refined Doty's plan by adopting improvements suggested by others including the pioneering urban planner John Nolen.

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Show me all markers in:  Madison, WI  |  Dane County  |  53703  |  Wisconsin  |  United States of America

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