Known variously as Yankee Hill, Aristocrat Hill and Big Bug Hill, the area north of the Capitol Square near Lake Mendota was selected by Madison's business, political, and academic elites in the 19th century for their homes. Successuful bankers, timber barons, real estate promoters, railroad lawyers, University regents, professors, governors, judges and mayors resided on the hill. The seed of the Wisconsin Idea may have been planted by informal discussion and formal associations among these neighbors when they cooperated to determine public policy and direct the course of events. Large residences of dressed stone, fancy brickwork and elaborate carpentry testified to their position and taste. While outstanding structures are individually designated landmarks marked with plaques, the entire district reflects the fabric of an upper-class turn of the century neighborhood[.]
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