Madison

On our way west. We've traveled through several states new to me. We picked up the camper in Indiana, drove halfway across Illinois, and then turn north into Wisconsin, my third new state on the trip.

As an old history teacher, I had often read about it and toss about Robert Lafollette, and he is progressive party in Wisconsin. Many authors wrote about the wonderful Nexis, between the state government, and the State University in Madison, Wisconsin. I envisioned a mall like that in Washington, DC with the capital at one end and the University of the other where the learned professors of the University would advise and lead the legislators in the state capital. So when it became clear that we would be passing very near to Madison, I sponsored a quick side trip to see for myself.

The Capitol building and in Madison, is the third to stand on that site. The first was replaced by one "more beautiful." The second burned in 1904. This is the third, which was completed in 1911. It is massive (see pic at right).


Inside, there is a greater variety of colored marble than I have seen anywhere else. This pic doesn't do justice to the beauty of the green columns, and red floor tiles, and red band around the central room under the dome. Anyway, one for its era, when you really couldn't overdo anything, it is a beauty.

Outside, the Avenue stretching toward the University is like any other city street and the University is not placed as a balance to the Capitol building, but is like any other university. I was disappointed.

More pics here.