On This Day: February 15

1837 - First Post Office Established in Madison

On this date the U.S. Postal Service established the first post office in the town of Madison. One of the area's earliest pioneers, John Catlin, was appointed postmaster. Mail was received at and distributed from Eben Peck's log cabin. The post office building was officially opened on May 27, 1837.

1865 - (Civil War) Battle of Congaree Creek, South Carolina

The 12th Wisconsin Light Artillery participated in the Union victory at Congaree Creek outside of Columbia, South Carolina.

1964 - Chris Farley Born

On this date comedian Christopher Crosby Farley was born in Madison. He studied theatre and communications at Marquette University. After finishing school Farley joined the cast of the Second City Theatre, where he was discovered by Saturday Night Live producer, Lorne Michaels. He died of an accidental drug overdose on December 18, 1997, in Chicago, Illinois. [Source: Oddball Wisconsin by Jerome Pohlen, p.139]