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

Breese J. Stevens House

1863 - 1864

Photographed By William J. Toman, March 13, 2011

1. Breese J. Stevens House Marker

Inscription. This multi-faceted brick Italianate house was built for Madison lawyer, Daniel K. Tenney. In 1871, Tenney sold it to Breese J. Stevens who probably altered the house significantly during his ownership. Stevens was elected mayor of Madison in 1884 and was also a curator of the State Historical Society and a regent of the University of Wisconsin from 1891 to 1904. An early carriage house and latticed well cover may be found near the rear of the house.

Erected 1972 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 13.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin, Madison Landmarks Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1871.

Location. 43° 4.615′ N, 89° 23.353′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Carroll Street and West Gorham Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in the ground by the sidewalk in front of the house. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 North Carroll St, Madison WI 53703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Mears House (within shouting distance of this marker); Steensland House (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Wootton - Mead House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Van Slyke House (about 400 feet away); Beecroft House (about 400 feet away); Holy Redeemer Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); First Church of Christ, Scientist (about 500 feet away); Madison Masonic Temple (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Breese J. Stevens House. According to the Madison Landmarks Commission, "This stately Italianate house was built for Daniel and Mary Jane Tenney. Tenney came to Madison in 1850 to typeset for his brother's newspaper, the Argus. Tenney then went to law school, his family moved to Chicago in 1870 and returned to Madison in 1897, where, among many civic activities, he gave the funds to develop Tenney Park. In 1870 Breese Stevens purchased the house and it remained in the family for about 100 years. Another prominent lawyer, Stevens had extensive business interests, served as mayor for two terms, and as UW regent for many years. His wife, M. Elizabeth Stevens, was one of the founders of the Madison Woman's Club."

Breese J. Stevens House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, March 13, 2011

2. Breese J. Stevens House

The marker is on the ground by the sidewalk in front of the house.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are markers for public areas named for occupants of the house.

Photographed By William J. Toman, March 13, 2011

3. Breese J. Stevens House

View of the house from the south.

Photographed By William J. Toman, March 13, 2011

4. Breese J. Stevens House

View of the house from the east.

Carriage House and Latticed Well Cover image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, March 13, 2011

5. Carriage House and Latticed Well Cover

These structures mentioned in the marker are behind the Stevens House on West Gorham Street.

Photographed By William J. Toman, March 13, 2011

6. Breese J. Stevens House

View from the west.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 941 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 13, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.