[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 43 (Thursday, April 6, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S3208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S3208]]
         HONORING THE CITY OF MADISON ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and 
honor the city of Madison as it celebrates its 150th year. As a 
Wisconsinite, I take great pride in our State's Capital, which is well 
known for a unique mix of culture, education and natural beauty, as 
well as a vibrant civic and political life.
  In the first part of the 19th century, James Duane Doty, who would 
later serve as Wisconsin's territorial governor, became enamored with a 
piece of land in south central Wisconsin that was nestled on an isthmus 
between two lakes. Doty purchased the land and named it after the 
fourth President, James Madison. It was this land that would become 
home to Wisconsin's capitol, its university, and one of the State's 
thriving cultural centers.
  Doty had the territorial capital moved from Belmont to Madison in 
1837. By the time the Village of Madison was incorporated as a city in 
1856 there were nearly 7,000 residents.
  Madison boasts a strong tradition of diversity. Yankees from the 
Eastern States came first, followed soon by German, Irish and Norwegian 
immigrants. After the turn of the century, Madison also became home to 
a growing number Italian, Greek, African-American, and Jewish 
residents.
  The State constitution called for a university to be situated near 
the seat of government. In many ways, this provision could be credited 
with paving the way for ``the Wisconsin Idea'' that has made Wisconsin 
such a center for innovative public policy. Putting the capital and the 
university together has encouraged educators and researchers to play a 
central role in addressing social problems, and it has revolutionized 
the way that Wisconsin, and the nation, approach public policy issues.
  The University of Wisconsin-Madison is also a cornerstone of 
Madison's rich cultural life, offering a tremendous array of concerts, 
plays, lectures and other activities. And UW's students bring an energy 
to life in the city that is one of Madison's hallmarks.
  The State capitol is another defining Madison landmark, both the 
building itself, and how it has contributed to the city's character. 
Politics and public service have been a part of Madison from the very 
beginning, and they have made Madison home to some of the State's 
greatest moments, including the passage of historic progressive 
legislation at the turn of the last century under the leadership of 
then-Governor Robert M. La Follette.
  Madison has also achieved a wonderful system of parks and 
architectural beauty in its public spaces, which complement the natural 
beauty of the lakes' shorelines. These areas also serve as host to 
outdoor concerts and countless other activities during summer months.
  Having graduated from UW-Madison and served in the State senate, and 
as a resident of nearby Middleton, I am not only proud to represent the 
people of Madison, I am privileged to be a part of this community. I 
know Madison residents will continue to draw on their city's rich 
history and continue to enjoy the beautiful land that captivated James 
Doty so many years ago. I hope that my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating the city of Madison as it celebrates its 
sesquicentennial.

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