Marquette in Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory

1903; Addition 1911

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 2, 2011

1. Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory Marker

Inscription. This building is significant for its association with Madison's cultural history, particularly transportation manufacturing, and as an excellent example of a textile mill industrial loft type building. This type of building was long and narrow with multiple floors and abundant windows providing natural lighting and ventilation. The open interior plan provided ample space, easily adaptable for manufacturing equipment. Constructed for the manufacture of horse-drawn buggies, production was converted in 1917 to auto bodies and tops as automobiles became more predominant.

Designated October 15, 2002

Erected 2011 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 146.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 15, 1793.

Location. 43° 4.633′ N, 89° 22.604′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Marquette. Marker is at the intersection of South Blair Street and South Blair Street, on the right when traveling north on South Blair Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 602 Railroad Street, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. Mattermore - Malaney House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Nelson House (about 400 feet away); Emily Thompson House (about 400 feet away); Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree (about 400 feet away); Machinery Row (about 600 feet away); St. Patrick's Church (about 600 feet away); Tragedy of War (about 600 feet away); Madison Gas & Electric Company Powerhouse (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "The Wisconsin Wagon Co. built this utilitarian building in two phases. It served as a warehouse and space for constructing and finishing horse-drawn wagons. By 1917 the company had transitioned to the production of auto bodies. The building is associated with the transition from horse-drawn transportation to the automobile. It is also an excellent example of a building type known as the 'textile mill industrial loft' - a long, narrow, multi-story building with an open floor plan to accommodate industrial machinery."

Photographed By William J. Toman, December 2, 2011

2. Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory Marker

The marker is to the left of the window that is immediately to the left of the near corner of the building. The related marker is just to the right of the near corner.

Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, February 12, 2011

3. Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory

The South Blair Street side of the building is on the left and the Railroad Street side of the building is on the right. This photo was taken before installation of the marker.

Related Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, February 12, 2011

4. Related Marker

602 Railroad Street
Madison Wisconsin

This property has been placed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior on November 15, 2002.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 12, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,187 times since then and 87 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 3, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on December 7, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on February 12, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.