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

Reform and Revolt

Bascom Hill Historic District

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 10, 2010

1. Reform and Revolt Marker

Inscription. University of Wisconsin students traditionally have been active in political and social causes, and that was never more apparent than during the turbulent 1960s. During that time, students frequently led rallies and demonstrations, many of which protested U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. Those activities succeeded in mobilizing thousands for and against the war. The tensions and divisions on campus eventually devolved into violence, culminating with the bombing of Sterling Hall, which housed the Army Math Research Center. On August 24, 1970, the explosion killed a Physics researcher, putting a tragic conclusion on a period of protest.

Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics • Peace • War, Vietnam. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.

Location. 43° 4.494′ N, 89° 24.253′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It can be reached from Lincoln Drive. Marker is on Bascom Hill on the University of Wisconsin campus. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison WI 53706, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

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

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of this marker: Lincoln Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Global Vision (within shouting distance of this marker); The School of Pharmacy (within shouting distance of this marker); The Power of Ideas (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Dance (about 300 feet away); North Hall (about 300 feet away); Dr. Robert Fassnacht (about 400 feet away); Black Hawk (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Sterling Hall 40 years later image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 16, 2010

2. Sterling Hall 40 years later

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

3. Bascom Hill

The heart of the University of Wisconsin, with Bascom Hall at the top.

View from Bascom Hall image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, June 17, 2010

4. View from Bascom Hall

The Capitol as seen from the top of Bascom Hill. State Street links state government and the state university.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,143 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 11, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2. submitted on June 16, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.