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

Rasmus Björn Anderson

Teacher • Author • Diplomat

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

1. Rasmus Björn Anderson Marker

Inscription. Born of Norwegian parents in town of Albion, January 12, 1846

Member of the University faculty 1869-1883
United States Minister to Denmark 1885-1889
Died in Madison, Wisconsin, March 2, 1936

First Wisconsin-born professor on the University faculty
First professor of Norwegian descent in an American university
Founder of the first chair of Scandinavian languages in America

"Urdar orgi kvedr engi madr"

This native rock, which Anderson cherished for its likeness to a Viking ship, was removed from his home in 1987 and placed here by the Scandinavian section of the Wisconsin Centennial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Communications • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is January 12, 1755.

Location. 43° 4.601′ N, 89° 24.172′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker can be reached from Observatory Drive, on the right when traveling west. The marker is in the Muir Woods on the north side of Observatory Drive, across Observatory Drive from North Hall, 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robert E. Gard Memorial Storyteller's Circle (here, next to this marker); Natural Wonders

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Howard M. Temin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); North Hall (about 400 feet away); The American Character (about 400 feet away); The Power of Ideas (about 500 feet away); Black Hawk (about 600 feet away); Lincoln Statue (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

2. Rasmus Björn Anderson Marker

The marker is on the top left hand side of the rock described in the marker.

The Marker from Storyteller's Circle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010

3. The Marker from Storyteller's Circle

Rasmus Björn Anderson Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010

4. Rasmus Björn Anderson Memorial

Memorial in Rockdale, Wisconsin to "an intellectual pioneer among the Norwegians in America, born January 12, 1846 in Albion Township, Dane County, Wisconsin, died March 2, 1936 in Madison, Wisconsin, erected 1936 at the centennial of this community by his friends."

Location of Rasmus Björn Anderson Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, September 4, 2010

5. Location of Rasmus Björn Anderson Memorial

The memorial is behind the Rockdale sign, in Rockdale, Wisconson.
Coordinates: 42.972381, -89.031278

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 881 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 7, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on September 5, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.