In 2023, UW–Madison celebrated its 175 years of leadership in ground-breaking research, revolutionary social movements, and pioneering academic studies. 175 years ago, UW was officially incorporated by Wisconsin’s first governor, Nelson Dewey. In 1851, North Hall, the first UW–Madison campus building, was opened and used as a classroom facility and a men’s dormitory.
But long before UW–Madison even existed, the land that UW–Madison occupies has been a cultural center for the indigenous Ho-Chunk nation. As time has continued, the physical spaces of Madison, Wisconsin have continued to change, and UW–Madison has continued to grow and adapt to changing expectations.
Welcome to Rooted, our final episode of GridgeFridge season 4. Continue listening to learn about the history of the UW–Madison campus, value of space, and the many factors determining the physical layout of UW–Madison.