Take a Historic Journey to First Capitol During Wisconsin’s 175^th Anniversary Year

Belmont, Wis. – Journey to the birthplace of Wisconsin’s first Capitol during the state’s 175^th anniversary year. First Capitol, one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s historic sites, is located in Belmont, Wisconsin and consists of two history-filled white wooden frame buildings. The historic site will open for the season on May 27, 2023, and is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the season ending on Sept. 3, 2023.

Founded in 1836, Belmont was the first territorial capital of Wisconsin where legislators met for just 46 days. Visitors to First Capitol historic site can take a self-guided tour through the historic buildings where Wisconsin’s early lawmakers met to make important decisions and pass the territory’s first laws. General admission to First Capitol is free with a suggested $2 donation per visitor.

First Capitol also offers pre-registered, guided 30-minute group tours from May through October. The guided group tour option requires pre-registration at least two weeks in advance and is offered for a fee of $5 per person. To schedule a group tour, call (608) 987-2122 or email firstcapitol@wisconsinhistory.org.

For further information, visit firstcapitol.org.

Click here to view the First Capitol photo gallery.

About First Capitol

Near the picturesque hamlet of Belmont is First Capitol, the site where the first territorial legislature met in 1836 to build the framework for Wisconsin statehood. Over the course of just 46 days, these lawmakers recorded more than 40 new laws which created a judicial system, called for new infrastructure, and established Madison as Wisconsin’s permanent capital city. Restoration began in 1919 to save the two historic buildings that stand on the site today. First Capitol became a Wisconsin Historical Society site in 1994. For more information, visit firstcapitol.wisconsinhistory.org.

About the 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 www.wisconsinhistory.org.