Fitchburg, Wisconsin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fitchburg, Wisconsin
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Fitchburg City Hall
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Location of Fitchburg in Dane County, Wisconsin.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Wisconsin |
| County | Dane |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.16 sq mi (91.06 km2) |
| • Land | 34.92 sq mi (90.44 km2) |
| • Water | 0.24 sq mi (0.62 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 29,609 |
| • Density | 881.79/sq mi (340.46/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| Zipcode |
53711, 53719
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| Area code(s) | 608 |
| FIPS code | 55-25950 |
Fitchburg is a city in Wisconsin, United States. It is located in Dane County. In 2020, nearly 30,000 people lived there. Fitchburg is a suburb just south of Madison. It is part of the larger Madison area. The city has a mix of homes, businesses, and even some farms.
Contents
History of Fitchburg
Fitchburg became a city on April 26, 1983. Before that, it was a town. The Vroman brothers, who came from the Netherlands, were some of the first settlers. The area was first called Greenfield. But its name changed to Fitchburg. This was to avoid confusion with another town called Greenfield in Milwaukee County. Many Irish families also made Fitchburg their home.
Over time, the nearby city of Madison started to expand. Madison wanted to add parts of Fitchburg to its own city. To stop this, Fitchburg decided to become a city itself. This would help it keep its own land. The legal fight to become a city went all the way to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. The court decided that Fitchburg could become a city. This helped Fitchburg stay independent.
Some smaller communities, like Fitchburg Center and Oak Hall, are now part of Fitchburg.
Geography and Climate
Fitchburg covers about 35 square miles (91 square kilometers). Most of this area is land. Only a small part is water.
What is the Climate Like in Fitchburg?
Fitchburg has a climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, and winters are cold. The city gets rain throughout the year. Snowfall is common in winter.
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People of Fitchburg (Demographics)
Fitchburg has grown quite a bit over the years. Here's how its population has changed:
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1990 | 15,648 | — | |
| 2000 | 20,501 | 31.0% | |
| 2010 | 25,260 | 23.2% | |
| 2020 | 29,609 | 17.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2021, the average income for a household in Fitchburg was about $78,218. For families, it was about $105,506. The average income per person was $50,001. A small number of families and people lived below the poverty line. This included some children and a few older adults.
How Diverse is Fitchburg?
In 2010, there were 25,260 people living in Fitchburg. About 72% of the people were White. About 10% were African American. About 5% were Asian. And about 9% were from other racial backgrounds. People of Hispanic or Latino heritage made up about 17% of the population.
The average age in Fitchburg was about 33 years old. About 24% of residents were under 18. About 33% were between 25 and 44 years old. The city had slightly more males (51.6%) than females (48.4%).
Getting Around Fitchburg (Transportation)
Fitchburg has several ways to get around, from major roads to bike trails.
Major Roads in Fitchburg
Several important highways pass through Fitchburg. These roads connect the city to other places.
U.S. Highway 14
U.S. Highway 18
U.S. Highway 151
Railroads and Trails
In the past, trains used to run through Fitchburg. Now, some of those old train tracks have been turned into trails. These trails are great for biking and walking. For example, the Badger State Trail and Military Ridge State Trail use old railroad paths.
One train line is still active. The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad uses it. This line connects Fitchburg to towns like Oregon and Reedsburg.
Public Transportation
Fitchburg has a public bus system called Metro Transit. It helps people travel within the city and to Madison. Different bus routes serve various parts of Fitchburg. They connect to downtown Madison and other areas.
Soon, Fitchburg will have a new bus system. It's called Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). This system will have special bus lanes and faster service. It is expected to start by 2027.
Bike Trails
Fitchburg is a great place for biking. Several trails go through the city. These include the Badger State Trail, Ice Age Trail, Cannonball Trail, and SouthWest Commuter Trail. These trails connect Fitchburg to Madison's large network of bike paths.
Famous People from Fitchburg
Many interesting people have lived in Fitchburg. Here are a few of them:
- Jimmy P. Anderson - A member of the Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Ada Deer - A Native American advocate and scholar. She was also a government official.
- Alexander Gee Jr - A community leader in Madison.
- Frances Huntley-Cooper - A former Mayor of Fitchburg.
- Mahlon Mitchell - The President of the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin.
- Roscoe Mitchell - A talented saxophonist and composer.
See also
In Spanish: Fitchburg (Wisconsin) para niños
