Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Natural Wonders
Bascom Hill Historic District
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
1. Natural Wonders Marker
The marker is still dirty from recently completed construction in the area.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of this campus, a student named John Muir developed a love of the outdoors that would touch not only his own life, but those of future generations. Muir left the University of Wisconsin in 1863 and became one of the most famous naturalists in America. His writings influenced the creation of our national park system and convinced the expanding nation that resources such as the great redwoods of California were worth preserving. These surroundings, which so inspired Muir, have helped to shape generations of environmental leaders who have followed in Muir's footsteps and are still working to ensure that the beauty of nature will endure.
Erected 2001 by the UW Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Environment. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 43° 4.569′ N, 89° 24.2′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is on Observatory Drive, 0.1 miles west of North Park Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53715, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. North Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Rasmus Björn Anderson
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Bascom Hill. Wikipedia entry
Links to National Register of Historic Places entry (Submitted on December 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. John Muir. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on November 13, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
2. Natural Wonders Marker
Looking west, with Bascom Hall, at the top of Bascom Hill, in the background.
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
3. Natural Wonders Marker
Looking east, with Muir Woods and Lake Mendota in the background.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
4. Natural Wonders Marker
A Muir Knoll stone marker is in the foreground and the Muir Woods is in the background.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
5. Nearby Class Year Markers
As noted on the UW-Madison Muir Knoll web page (see link), "During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries it was common for senior classes to erect memorials bearing the year of their graduation. Several of these markers can be seen near the edge of Observatory Drive. Over the years, some have complained that the assemblage of markers makes the area look a graveyard. Indeed, pranksters once planted a stolen tombstone here!"
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
6. A Class Marker
Apparently a tongue-in-cheek marker, inscribed "In Memoriam, Senior Vacation, '93" (presumably 1893).
Photographed By William J. Toman, November 7, 2010
7. Nearby Stone
A nearby stone with graffiti from long-gone UW-Madison students.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 826 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 8, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 6, 7. submitted on November 9, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
