Discover the Birthplace of Wisconsin Government
Before Madison became Wisconsin’s capital, the first territorial Explore the site of Wisconsin’s first capitol, where for just 47 days representatives met to lay the foundation for our state’s government. Madison has long been Wisconsin’s capital city, but the first 40 laws were made 50 miles southwest in Belmont. At First Capitol, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of these founders, walking through the buildings and rooms where these important decisions were made.
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First Capitol
Discover the rugged origins of the first capitol of Wisconsin Territory, where legislators laid down the framework for the current state government.
It's National Historic Marker Day!
Our historic markers at First Capitol celebrate the founding and continuation of Wisconsin government. Marker #75 shares the history of the territorial government meeting in this spot in 1836. Markers #355 and #438 observe Wisconsin's 1998 Sesquicentennial celebration through an address by governor Tommy Thompson and the Wisconsin Assembly.
Our markers are located in the parking lot of First Capitol, but have been temporarily removed for refurbishment by Sewah Studios, Inc in Ohio. They will be reinstalled later this spring.
📸: Marker #5, Belmont, Wisconsin Territory, 1836
📸: Marker #355, Governor Tommy G. Thompson's 1998 Address at Wisconsin's First Capitol
📸: 1998 Wisconsin Assembly ... See MoreSee Less
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Did you know that First Capitol was the site of the only battle of the War of 1812 to take place in Wisconsin? British and American forces clashed in July of 1814 over control of the Upper Mississippi River.
April Fools! Any "battles" at First Capitol were fought only with words and votes during the Wisconsin territorial legislature's first session in 1836. The Battle of Prairie du Chien actually occurred at our sister site, Villa Louis Historic Site. From July 17-20, 1814, British soldiers and local militias laid siege to the American Fort Shelby, leading to the Americans' surrender. Thirty years later, Hercules Dousman would build his home on the very spot where Fort Shelby once stood. You can learn more about the War of 1812 and the Dousman family by visiting Villa Louis this year, opening for the season on May 28. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to our friend and colleague Dale on his retirement after many years of service at Stonefield Historic Site!Congratulations to Stonefield facilities manager Dale Moore on his retirement! Today is Dale’s last day at Stonefield after over 21 years of service.
Dale’s favorite part of working at Stonefield over the years has been meeting new people who come to visit and answering their questions about the site. In addition to his facilities duties (taking care of dozens of structures and many acres of grounds!), Dale has been a great ambassador of the site. One of his favorite moments over the years was giving a tour of the State Agricultural Museum to Governor Jim Doyle. Dale has had a life long interest in the history and technology of farming which began when he was growing up farming with his grandfather, who had once farmed with horses and taught Dale about that equipment. Those experiences show in Dale’s passion for teaching others about his favorite pieces at Stonefield, the farming implements that show the transition of farming through horse-drawn to mechanized, including his favorite piece in our collection—North America’s oldest motorized tractor, the McCormick automower.
Dale plans to keep busy in retirement by fishing, spending time with his grandchildren, carpentry, running, and traveling. Thankfully we will see Dale on site at Stonefield this season for some special projects! ... See MoreSee Less
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