Governor Dodge wrote, “I do...order & direct that the Members elected from the several counties for Representatives & Council shall convene at Belmont, in the County of Iowa on the 25th day of October next ensuing, for the purpose of organizing the first Session of the Legislative Assembly of said Territory [of Wisconsin].”
With these words, Governor Dodge initiated a flurry of activity in the fledgling town of Belmont, Wisconsin. From October 25 to December 9, 1836 thirty-nine legislators convened in Belmont, passing forty-two acts dealing with such things as the organization of Territorial government, the operation of the judicial branch, internal improvements, incorporation of businesses, and division of counties.
After the session, the legislators left, many businesses closed, and buildings were sold to private citizens. Two of these buildings have survived the ravages of time - and of use as livestock barns - to the present day. Today, you can see the buildings, along with exhibits telling the dramatic story of Wisconsin’s beginnings, at First Capitol Historic Site.
First Capitol offers tours for groups by reservation from May through October. School groups are welcome and tours are designed with Wisconsin educational standards in mind. Please allow at least 3 weeks lead time. For further information, contact by telephone or e-mail).
First Capitol also offers an elementary level educational activity packet available for free download from the web site.