University of Wisconsin–Madison founded (1848–1849)

The University of Wisconsin–Madison was formally established in 1848 following Wisconsin's statehood. Although a territorial law in 1838 incorporated a university, the governing board achieved nothing until the state constitution mandated a state university. Governor Nelson Dewey signed the act creating the university on July 26, 1848, in Madison.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The university's official beginnings occurred when the Wisconsin Territorial Legislature passed a law in 1838 incorporating a "University of the Territory of Wisconsin" and appointing a board of visitors. However, this predecessor to the board of regents accomplished nothing before Wisconsin became a state in 1848. The Wisconsin Constitution subsequently provided for the establishment of a state university at or near the seat of government.

Legislative Action. Following statehood, the Wisconsin Constitution directed the state legislature to govern the university through a board of regents and administer it via a chancellor. On July 26, 1848, Nelson Dewey, Wisconsin's first governor, signed the act that formally created the University of Wisconsin. This action established the institution as the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System.

Early Operations. John H. Lathrop became the university's first chancellor in the fall of 1849. John W. Sterling served as the university's first professor, in mathematics. The first class of 17 students met at the Madison Female Academy on February 5, 1849.

People involved

Sources

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