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

Machinery Row

1898-1914

Photographed by William J. Toman, February 25, 2011

1. Machinery Row Marker

Inscription. This block long group of brick buildings was originally known the Brown Brothers' Business Block. It earned the nickname "Machinery Row" when several agricultural implement branch houses located here, part of the lively railroad shipping business that flourished in Madison in the early 1900s. This substantial Romanesque Revival block was designed by the prominent local architectural firm Conover and Porter. It was built gradually, in sections, replacing older wooden structures and an ice house.

Erected 1980 by the Madison Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number 62.)

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.

Location. 43° 4.564′ N, 89° 22.513′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. It is in Marquette. It is at the intersection of Williamson Street and South Blair Street (U.S. 151), on the right when traveling east on Williamson Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 601 Williamson Street, Madison

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WI 53703, 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 of this marker: Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Tragedy of War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory (about 600 feet away); Madison Gas & Electric Company Powerhouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); Emily Thompson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nelson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Mattermore - Malaney House (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Patrick's Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Cardinal Hotel (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Related markers.

Photographed by William J. Toman, February 25, 2011

2. Machinery Row Marker

The marker is just to the left on the near, west corner of the building (to the left of the SALE sign).

Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. This is a list of markers for buildings designed by Conover.

Machinery Row image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William J. Toman, February 25, 2011

3. Machinery Row

This is the view of the north corner of the building, with the Williamson Street side of the building on the right.

Photographed by William J. Toman, February 25, 2011

4. Machinery Row

This is a view of the southeast, Lake Monona side of the building, which more clearly shows the different phases of construction.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,359 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 26, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.