Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
North Hall
The building was first heated by two hot-air furnaces. As an economy measure during the war (1865), stoves were placed in each room, and students were required to provide their own fuel – often a tree from nearby Bascom Woods. A mess hall was set up in the dormitory for those who wanted board at cost, about 80 cents a week. Sanitary conveniences were primitive: the students hauled their water from a nearby well, and the bad condition of the outdoor privies was the subject of lengthy discussions by both the faculty and regents.
In 1884 North Hall became an office and classroom facility, and since has been occupied by various University departments and for a time by the U.S. Weather Bureau. It was designated a Registered Historic Landmark in 1966.
Erected 1974 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 202.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the Wisconsin Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1846.
Location. 43° 4.532′ N, 89° 24.197′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from Observatory Drive just west of Lincoln Dr.. Located on Bascom Hill, UW-Madison campus. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Power of Ideas (within shouting distance of this marker); The American Character (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Dance (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Global Vision (within shouting distance of this marker); Natural Wonders (within shouting distance of this marker); The School of Pharmacy (within shouting distance of this marker); Reform and Revolt (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This is a marker for the park where the sandstone for North Hall was likely quarried.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,013 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 6, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on June 11, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on June 6, 2010, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on June 11, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.