Camp Randall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Camp Randall
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Camp Randall arch designed by Lew F. Porter
Location in Wisconsin Show map of Wisconsin Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	Camp Randall Memorial Park, Madison, Wisconsin
Area	5 acres (2.0 ha)
Built	1865
NRHP reference No.	71000036
Added to NRHP	June 7, 1971

Camp Randall is a historic place in Madison, Wisconsin. It's named after Alexander Randall, who was the governor of Wisconsin from 1858 to 1861.

During the American Civil War, it was a big training camp for the Union Army. Over 70,000 soldiers learned how to be soldiers here! It also had a hospital and a camp for prisoners of war.

Later, in 1893, the state bought the land. It became part of the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A special part of it became a park to remember the army camp. Another part is now Camp Randall Stadium, a famous football stadium built in 1917.

A Look Back: Camp Randall's Story

This camp was a very important training spot for the Union Army during the American Civil War. More than 70,000 new soldiers got their training here. For example, the 6th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, started here in 1861.

A Place for Healing and Prisoners

Besides training, Camp Randall also had a hospital for sick or injured soldiers. It also had a special area for Confederate soldiers who were captured. Sadly, 140 of these prisoners passed away at the camp. They are buried nearby at a place called Confederate Rest.

From Army Camp to University Land

In 1893, the state of Wisconsin bought the land where Camp Randall was. They gave it to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A part of the original 53½ acres was set aside. This area is now known as Camp Randall Park.

What You Can See at the Park Today

Today, Camp Randall Park has a special arch that remembers the past. You can also see two cannons from the Civil War. There's also a building that looks like the old prisoner stockade.

Camp Randall Park is also where Camp Randall Stadium is located. This stadium opened in 1917. It's the outdoor football stadium for the University of Wisconsin–Madison team.

Camp Randall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it's recognized as an important historic site.

Camp Randall during the American Civil War. This sketch was made in 1864.

Images for kids

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  The beautiful Memorial arch, built in 1912.

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  A Civil War cannon, still standing today.

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  Another Civil War cannon, with a plaque and flagpole.

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  A protected view of the prisoner of war stockade.