Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
9XM - WHA
"The Oldest Station in the Nation"
Photographed By Gordon Govier, June 19, 2009
1. 9XM - WHA Marker
Experimental station 9XM transmitted telegraphic signals from Science Hall until 1917 when it was moved to Sterling Hall. In that year professor Earle M. Terry and students built and operated a "wireless telephone" transmitter.
In 1918, during World War I, when other stations were ordered silenced, 9XM operated under special authorization to continue its telephonic exchange with U.S. Navy stations on the Great Lakes. After the war, programs were directed to the general public.
The WHA letters replaced the 9XM call on January 13, 1922. Thus, the University of Wisconsin station, under the calls 9XM and WHA, has been in existence longer than any other.
Erected 1958 by Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 84.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Education. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1871.
Location. 43° 4.376′ N, 89° 24.008′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Grand Experiment (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); University Presbyterian Church and Student Center (about 700 feet away); Luther Memorial Evangelical Lutheran Church (about 700 feet away); Securing the Future (approx. 0.2 miles away); Luther Memorial Chapel (approx. 0.2 miles away); State Historical Society (approx. 0.2 miles away); Born in Madison, the Wisconsin Idea changed the nation (approx. 0.2 miles away); On the Air (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. A related marker by the University of Wisconsin.
Additional keywords. Radio
Photographed By Gordon Govier, June 19, 2009
2. 9XM - WHA Marker
Photographed By William J. Toman
3. Sterling Hall
The second location of station 9XM-WHA.
Photographed By Dawn Toman, July 25, 2010
4. Science Hall
The first location of station 9XM-WHA.
Photographed By Gordon Govier, June 19, 2009
5. Plaque on opposite side of the wall from the 9XM-WHA marker
Photographed By Gordon Govier, June 19, 2009
6. Vilas Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison - location of 9XM-WHA Marker
Photographed By Gordon Govier, June 19, 2009
7. Vilas Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison - location of 9XM-WHA Marker
Photographed By Gordon Govier, June 19, 2009
8. Vilas Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison - location of 9XM-WHA Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2009, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,125 times since then and 71 times this year. Last updated on July 26, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2009, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on June 18, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on July 26, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 21, 2009, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
