What Is the Capital of Wisconsin?

The capital city of Wisconsin is Madison.

Madison with the state capitol in full view.

The state of Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state in the US that is famous for its dairy products, especially cheese. The state occupies an area of 65,498.37 square miles and has a population of close to six million people. The city of Madison is the capital of Wisconsin state. Madison is located in the central region of the southern part of the state. The city occupies an area of about 94.03 square miles. The geography of Madison is marked by the presence of several water bodies. It is home to four lakes: Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, and Kegonsa, which are located on Yahara River. Madison became the capital of the state in the 19th century after the formation of the state of Wisconsin under the Union.

History Of The Capital Of Wisconsin

Named after the fourth president of the US, Madison was founded in 1829 after the purchase of the land between Lakes Mendota and Monona by a federal judge, James Duane Doty. Madison later became the capital of the territory of Wisconsin in 1836 and later the capital of the newly established state of Wisconsin in 1848. Due to its rapid growth, Madison became a city in 1856 with its population growing from about 600 to 6,864 people. The city grew as a commercial, administrative, residential, and educational center attracting German, Italian, and African American immigrants in the 20th century.

Economy Of Wisconsin's Capital City

The city of Madison has for a long time now existed as a government-based economy with most of the employed population working either in the Wisconsin state government or at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Of late, however, the economy is shifting towards becoming a service-based economy with the investment in advertising, biotech, health, and high-tech industries. Unlike most cities in Wisconsin, Madison has sailed through the recession rather successfully without the economy suffering significant drawbacks. The growth of the economy of the city has a boost by the high literacy and education rates.

Population Of Madison

The capital of Wisconsin has an estimated population of about 252,551 people, a metropolitan population of about 641,385, and an urban population of 401,661 people. During the 2010 census, the city had a population density of 3037.7 people per square mile. The population of Madison displays diversity in ethnic and racial origin with a 78.9% of the population being white. 7.3% of the population are black Americans, 7.4% Asian, 0.4% Native Americans, and 2.9% of other races. The city has a higher number of males than females, and the youth outnumber those who are above 65 years. Individuals above 65 years make up about 9.6% of the population while those under the age of 18 make up about 17.5% of the population.

Education System In Madison

Madison is one of the leading cities in education throughout the US and one that has produced the highest number of individuals with PhDs. The city has about 46 schools located within the Madison Metropolitan School District. There are five public schools in the city and several private schools run by churches or individuals. Also found in the city are higher institutions of learning such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison Edgewood College and the Madison Media, Institute.

•By Joseph Kiprop

•culled from www.worldatlas.com