1450 Linden Dr., University of Wisconsin campus

Summary

Agriculture Hall
1450 Linden Drive, Madison, Dane County
Architect: John T. W. Jennings
Date of Construction: 1903

Agriculture Hall is scenically situated on Observatory Hill at the northern end of Henry Mall. The Beaux Arts design incorporates a projecting entrance pavilion, a large two-story portico, and extensive classical ornamentation. The building contains three stories with a rusticated raised basement and a two story octagonal wing. On the exterior, three flights of broad concrete steps rise from Henry Mall to the main entrance. Inside, gray terrazzo steps descend ahead into the basement, while two curvilinear staircases ascend from either side to the first floor. At the top is a balcony overlooking the main entrance that is supported by two Ionic columns. The octagonal wing houses a two-story auditorium on the upper levels; the basement originally held the College of Agriculture's library, but is now used as a studio for the Department of Landscape Architecture.

Educationally and scientifically, Agriculture Hall symbolizes the importance of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. William Henry, founder and first dean, directed the university's experimental farms and taught botany. To promote agricultural sciences, Henry established the College of Agriculture and persuaded the state to fund the construction of Agriculture Hall. Dean Harry Russell, Henry's successor, established the college as a prestigious research center. He expanded the college to contain many other departments, including the nation's first department of Agricultural Economics and the first organized genetics program in the United States.

Landscape Architecture and Rural Sociology are currently located in the building, in addition to the administrative offices of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. It is open to students and staff during regular school hours.

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