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Bounded by Observatory Dr., University Ave., and N. Park, Langdon, and State Sts.
Bascom Hill Historic District
74000065
Bounded by Observatory Dr., University Ave., and N. Park, Langdon, and State Sts.
Dane
Madison
Summary
Bascom Hill Historic District
Generally bounded by Lake Mendota, Library Mall, University Avenue, Lathrop Drive, and Bascom Hall, Madison, Dane County
The map of Madison is dominated by two topographical features: the hill on which the State Capitol building was constructed, and her sister hill to the east on which the state university was founded. The plan for the University of Wisconsin-Madison was originally envisioned in 1850 and was comprised of five buildings.
The Bascom Hill Historic District, nominated to the National Register in 1974, now includes 37 structures and properties which surround what was once known as “College Hill.” This district contains the five oldest buildings which were built for the university including Bascom Hall, North and South Halls, the Assembly and Library Hall, and the Mining Engineering and Heating Station.
The campus continued to expand after the original plan for the university was realized, and the Bascom Hill Historic District has grown to include those sites that are most associated with campus life, such as the Armory and Gymnasium building, known popularly as the Red Gym, and the Memorial Union and Terrace. Bascom Hall itself with its tree-lined hill is UW-Madison’s most enduring symbol. The Bascom Hill Historic District represents the most historic cluster of institutional buildings in Wisconsin. More importantly, its sensitive mix of urban and natural spaces forms a memorable and coherent district.
Property Details
| Criteria | Event,Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Education,Politics/Government |
| Period of Significance | 1851-1969 |
| Architectural Style | Gothic,Romanesque,Other |
| Architect | multiple,Conover & Porter,Koch, H.C.,Ferry & Clas,Peabody, Arthur,Weese, Harry |
| Resource Type | District |
| Historic Use | College,Research Facility,Educational Related Housing,Park |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 19 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 6 |
| Contributing Structures | 1 |
| Contributing Objects | 6 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 2 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 2 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 2 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 4 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Sep 12, 1974 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 1, 1989 |
| Historic Status | Additional Documentation, State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Aug 24, 2012 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or have other questions about the registers, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Bascom Hill, UW Campus, Madison
1880
Drawing of University Hall by D.C. Salisbury showing the view from the bottom, south side of the hill on the University of Wisconsin campus. Bascom Hall, built in 1859, was originally called Unive...
Bascom Hill, University of Wisconsin campus
66000021
Located in Madison, Dane County
