Take a Country Journey to Wisconsin's First Capitol, Opening for the Season on May 25

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BELMONT, Wis. –  First Capitol, a Wisconsin Historical Society site, will open to the public on weekends beginning Saturday, May 25. Explore the modest white wooden buildings where in 1836 Wisconsin’s first laws were written in just 46 days.

Located near the picturesque hamlet of Belmont in Lafayette County, these restored historic structures mark the era of the state’s beginning foundations. From planning roads and railroads to establishing the judicial system and naming Madison as the capital city, First Capitol offers guests engaging exhibits to explore and discover the history of Wisconsin.

First Capitol consists of two buildings, the Council House and the Court House. In 1836, the Council House was the place where the legislative sessions took place. The Court House housed the 120 lawmakers responsible for writing the laws. Following the conclusion of these early sessions, both buildings served as private homes. The Council House was moved and returned to the site in 1924 and the Court House, where Chief Justice Charles “The Court” Dunn, lived with his family until 1872, was restored in 1956.

First Capitol became a Wisconsin Historical Society site in 1994. The site will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Sept. 1. Admission is free, but a suggested $2 donation per person helps collect, preserve and share the site’s history.

For further information, visit firstcapitol.wisconsinhistory.org or click here

About First Capitol

First Capitol is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. Located near the picturesque hamlet of Belmont, Wisconsin, it is the place where the first territorial Legislature established Wisconsin’s territorial government. These lawmakers huddled in the cold during the fall and winter of 1836 and built the framework that would evolve into the state of Wisconsin twelve years later. During this time, they put 42 laws on the books, established a judicial system, called for roads and railroads and most significantly, established Madison as the permanent capital city. For hours and information visit firstcapitol.org or call (608) 987-2122. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive free admission to this site during regular operating hours.

About the Wisconsin Historical Society

The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, receives grants and private contributions benefitting the Wisconsin Historical Society and administers the membership program. For more information, visit www.wisconsinhistory.org.