Madison, the state capital, is located in
Dane County and it is the county seat. It lies west of
Milwaukee along Interstate 94.
James Duane Doty, a territorial judge and land speculator, came to the site in 1829, bought 1,200 acres and designed city streets on paper. In 1836, he persuaded the legislature to authorize his land and plans for the new capital. Doty named the city after James Madison, fourth U.S. president.
Madison, population 208,054, is home to the University of Wisconsin. Four lakes and 200 parks lie within city limits. Madison's average highs are 51.6 degrees in Spring, 80.8 in Summer, 59.2 in Autumn and 28.4 degrees in Winter. The average annual precipitation is 30.84 inches and the annual snowfall is 42 inches. Outdoor activities include ice sailing on the lakes in winter and boating in the summer. A comprehensive slate of cultural venues and events is offered, including the Madison Art Center and Madison Ballet.
Madison is part of the Madison, Wisconsin metro area.
