Ogden in Weber County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Madison Elementary School

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 21, 2025

1. Madison Elementary School Marker

Inscription. The Madison School is significant as an indicator of the emergence of the public school system in Ogden and in Utah and the growth of Ogden as an urban center. The building is also significant as the oldest school building still standing in Ogden. Elements of the Romanesque Revival Style mark this school as one of a very limited number of buildings statewide which reflect the influence of that style.

The public school system in Utah was established in 1890 and provided free education of all children ages 6-18. Within three years student enrollment at public schools in Ogden tripled. Community leaders such as William H. (Coin) Harvey, the tamous Populist Party leader, began calling for the construction of "modern and model school buildings". On April 19, 1892, plans for the Madison School were displayed by the architect Francis C. Woods. Mr. Woods was the architect of several schools, churches and hotels in Ogden.

It is interesting to note that one of the characteristics of the Richardsonian Romanesque Style of architecture is the feeling of massiveness it portrays, a feeling which Mr. Harvey felt was essential in

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the design of new schools constructed in Ogden.

National Register of Historic Places

Erected by Ogden City Landmarks Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is April 19, 1892.

Location. 41° 13.307′ N, 111° 57.709′ W. Marker is in Ogden, Utah, in Weber County. It is on Madison Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2434 Madison Avenue, Ogden UT 84401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Wasatch Front

and in Greater Salt Lake.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in Colorado Plateau.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Madison Lodge (a few steps from this marker); Samuel & Mollie Powell Property (within shouting distance of this marker); 2468 Madison Avenue (within

Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 21, 2025

2. Madison Elementary School Marker

shouting distance of this marker); The Heywood House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dennis A. Smyth House (about 700 feet away); Pierre-Jean De Smet (approx. 0.2 miles away); David Christian Eccles House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Moench Building (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ogden.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.