For Immediate Release

Contact: Kara O’Keeffe
608-261-9596
kara.okeeffe@wisconsinhistory.org

 
May 16, 2019

Discover the Origins of the First Capitol of Wisconsin Territory at First Capitol Historic Site

Belmont, Wis. - Discover the origins of the first capital of the Wisconsin Territory, where legislators built the framework of law and order that evolved into our current state government at First Capitol Historic Site which opens for the season on June 1, 2019.

“Many people may not realize that Madison was not always the capital city,” said Susan Caya-Slusser, southwest sites director for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “Visiting First Capitol allows guests to see and learn how Wisconsin started as a state.”

At First Capitol guests can visit the Council House where territorial legislation was voted on in 1836. The building has been restored to look like it did when territorial legislators were working there. In total, they passed 47 acts that shaped Wisconsin into the state it is today.

Next, guests visit the Court House to learn about early Wisconsin history. Once in the Court House building visitors can see items recovered from an archaeological dig on the site, learn what brought settlers to Southwest Wisconsin, and the work that went into saving these structures.

First Capitol is open Saturday’s and Sunday’s, June 1, 2019, through September 1, 2019, from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Admission is a suggested donation of $2.00 per person.

To learn more and to start planning your trip visit firstcapitol.wisconsinhistory.org.

About First Capitol Historic Site
Near the picturesque hamlet of Belmont is First Capitol, the place where the first territorial Legislature established Wisconsin’s territorial government. These lawmakers huddled in the cold during the fall and winter of 1836, built the framework that would evolve into the state of Wisconsin 12 years later. They met from October 25 to December 9, 1836, put 42 laws on the books, established a judicial system, called for roads and railroads, and — most significantly — established Madison as the permanent capital city. First Capitol is open June 1 through September 1. For hours and more information visit firstcapitol.wisconsinhistory.org.

About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.

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