Hours Admission Directions Closed for the SeasonFirst Capitol is closed for the season. Thank you to our members and guests for your support during the 2021 season. We look forward to welcoming you back for the 2022 season. In the meantime, you can check out our Holiday events at Old World Wisconsin, Villa Louis, Wade House, the Wisconsin Historical Museum and more events with the society. Continue exploring Wisconsin history year-round at the Wisconsin Historical Museum. Our Story WELCOME! Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators built the framework of law and order that evolved into our current state government. Learn More Explore the SiteBefore Madison became Wisconsin’s capital, the first territorial legislature met in the picturesque hamlet of Belmont to chart a path to statehood. Learn more about its history! Explore EXPLORE FIRST CAPITOL COUNCIL HOUSE See the Council House where territorial legislation was debated and voted on in 1836. LEARN MORE! COURT HOUSE Visit the Court House to learn about early Wisconsin history. LEARN MORE! ABOUT US Learn about the birthplace of the Wisconsin Territorial Government. LEARN MORE! PLAN YOUR VISIT Begin planning your trip today! Tickets, Hours, Directions and more. LEARN MORE! For Your Health & Safety Advance Registration Advance registration is required for some events Face Mask Policy Required for guests indoors if you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Recommended for guests indoors if you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing Daily cleaning & sanitizing enhanced at all facilities Social Distancing Guidelines Please practice social distancing while on-site 2021 Site Protocols Effective Aug. 5, in accordance with current state guidelines To protect your safety and ours: If you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, we recommend you wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums. If you are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 you are required to wear a face mask while inside on-site at our historic sites and museums. Please practice social distancing at our historic sites and museums. Disposable masks will be available on-site. All facilities will adhere to increased daily cleaning and sanitation requirements and there will be cleaning stations in each building. Each location will follow strict guest engagement protocols, including parking, food preparation, and the use of shared facilities such as a public restroom. Staff and guests, per CDC guidance, are asked to stay home if they have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for COVID-19 test results, have COVID-19 symptoms, or if they have had close contact with a person who has tested positive for or who has symptoms of COVID-19. As we continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 our hours and guidelines for access may change. Please continue to check our website for the most up-to-date information. Site Accessibility Explore Other 2021 ExperiencesThis season, we are excited to welcome visitors to some of our historic sites & museums for general admission and special experiences. Click the button below for more information on how you can safely explore history in a new way through our 2021 programs and events. Explore All 2021 Events GET INVOLVEDDONATE BECOME A MEMBER