Bascom Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bascom Hill Historic District
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Bascom Hall atop Bascom Hill
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| Location | Bounded by Observatory Dr., University Ave., and N. Park, Langdon, and State Sts. Madison, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000065 |
| Added to NRHP | September 12, 1974 |
Bascom Hill is a really important spot at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It's like the main gathering area, right in the middle of campus. It sits at one end of State Street, across from the Wisconsin State Capitol building. The hill is named after John Bascom, who used to be the university's president.
Bascom Hill is actually a drumlin, which is a small, oval-shaped hill made from rocks and dirt left behind by glaciers about 18,000 years ago. At the very top of the hill is Bascom Hall, the main building where the university's leaders work. Near the main entrance to Bascom Hall, you'll find a statue of President Abraham Lincoln.
The first university building, North Hall, was built on Bascom Hill in 1851. It's still used today by the Political Science department. The second building, South Hall, was built in 1855. It now holds the offices for the University of Wisconsin College of Letters and Science. The first buildings were designed by an architect named John F. Rague.
Contents
Exploring Bascom Hill's Buildings
Bascom Hill is home to many historic and important buildings. Each one has its own story and purpose.
Buildings on the South Side
- South Hall (built in 1855): This was the second building constructed on Bascom Hill. Today, it houses offices for the College of Letters and Science.
- University of Wisconsin Law School: This building is where students study to become lawyers.
- Music Hall (built in 1879): This building used to be called the Assembly Hall and Library. Now, it's a place for music performances and classes.
Buildings on the North Side
- John Muir Park (created in 1964): This park is named after the famous naturalist John Muir, who studied at the university. It's a nice green space on the hill.
- North Hall (built in 1851): This was the very first building built on Bascom Hill. It's still in use today by the Political Science department.
- Education Building: This building is where students learn to become teachers and study education.
- Science Hall (built in 1888): This impressive building is home to many science departments and labs.
Images for kids
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North Hall
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Bascom Hall with the new entry and dome, between 1895 and 1916
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Bascom Hall on fire in 1916
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Music Hall
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Science Hall in 2014
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1893 engraving of the old Law building
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Armory and Gymnasium, a.k.a. the Red Gym
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Library shared by university and State Historical Society, around 1920
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Historical Society reading room, 2010
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Old Education
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Birge in 2001
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Memorial Union at right, Historical Society at left
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Carillon tower
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