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

Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree

Photographed by William J. Toman, April 21, 2011

1. Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

Inscription. This evergreen commemorates the first Christmas tree in Madison and perhaps one of the first in the country. It was erected at 616 Williamson Street in the log cabin of Johann Jacob Reiner, the 2nd German to arrive in Madison, and his Swiss bride, Elsbeth Hitz, Dec. 1848. The Northern European custom of decorating a Christmas tree soon spread throughout the United States. In 1850, the Reiners built a brick home on the lot next to Johann's blacksmith and carriage shop. During the great German influx of the 1850's many found refuge here and attended church services at the Reiners.

Erected 1986 by Reiner descendants.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1848.

Location. 43° 4.584′ N, 89° 22.536′ 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, on the right when traveling west on Williamson Street. The marker is on the southeast corner of the lot occupied by the Gateway Mall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 600 Williamson Street, Madison 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: Machinery Row (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin Wagon Company Factory

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(about 400 feet away); Tragedy of War (about 400 feet away); Emily Thompson House (about 800 feet away); Madison Gas & Electric Company Powerhouse (about 800 feet away); Nelson House (about 800 feet away); Mattermore - Malaney House (about 800 feet 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 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by William J. Toman, April 21, 2011

2. Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

The marker is on the rock in the lower center of this photo. The Gateway Mall is in the background.

Photographed by William J. Toman, April 21, 2011

3. Johann and Elsbeth Reiner Tree Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,953 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.