Introduction
Madison, Wis. began as a development on the strip of land separating Lakes Mendota and Monona. A man named James Duane Doty originally purchased this acreage in what was then known as the Four Lakes Region. These four lakes - Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Wingra and Lake Waubesa – are still the defining physical features of Madison, even as development has spread out from the original downtown to encompass almost 70 square miles of land.
This historic and established city has developed a complex culture and strong community orientation. Many know Madison as a college community, home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Others identify Madison as the location of the white-domed State Capitol located on the isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona. A deeper look at Madison, however, reveals much more than college students and landmark buildings. Madison’s balanced lifestyle attracts both the young and the established who wish to be a part of this thriving city. While the academic community is still strong, it is slowly being balanced out by a growing segment of white-collar, high-tech workers who’ve selected Madison to be their home.
Madison has much to offer the home seeker: an established economy, a convenient location, many housing options, and a long list of educational, recreational and cultural attractions. In 1996, Money magazine recognized Madison as the best place to live in the country. In subsequent years, the city has been ranked in the Top 10 best places to live almost every year. Men’s Journal magazine has also acknowledged Madison, naming it America’s healthiest city in 2004. Contributing to this designation is Madison’s extensive bike trail system and cyclist culture. Interestingly, the state of Wisconsin is responsible for 20% of the country’s bicycle manufacturing capacity.
The beautiful architecture of the city is an amenity for those who appreciate aesthetics. The State Capitol enhances the skyline for miles around, thanks to legislation that limits how tall the nearby buildings can be. Frank Lloyd Wright is also tied to Madison, having lived in the city and studied for a short time at the University. Wright designed several buildings in Madison, including the Monona Terrace Convention Center and the Eugene Van Tamalen House.
As of the 2000 census, Madison had the second largest population of any city in Wisconsin. It is both the state capital and the county seat of Dane County. Located about 80 miles west of Milwaukee, Madison has an established transportation system consisting of major roadways, local and regional bus lines, rail lines and a nearby regional airport. Major roadways in the vicinity include Interstates 39 and 94 and U.S. Routes 14, 12 and 51.
Fast Facts
- Location: Madison is located in southern Wisconsin, east of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. Neighboring communities include Maple Bluff, Shorewood Hills, Monona and Fitchburg.
- Total area: 68.7 square miles
- Population: 208,054
- Housing units: 92,394
- Average annual rainfall: 36.55 inches
- Average temperatures: summer, 67; winter, 24
- Information provided by 2000 Census