Turn back time ⌛

This day in history: Madison Capitol fire of 1904

The capitol was lost in the billows of smoke. | Photo via WI Historical Society, 1906

February 27, 1904, at 2:30 a.m.: A gas burner tucked away in a closet of the Capitol building sets fire to the woodworking, which quickly spreads.

This was the beginning of the 1904 Wisconsin State Capitol Fire. When Governor Robert La Follette — aka Fighting Bob — got wind of the news, he quickly sprang to action and proved his nickname worthy. Gov. La Follette assisted the firefighters and even went as far as to run through the burning building in order to save important documents.

After 18 hours, with the help of two firefighting companies from Milwaukee, the fire was put out. It caused ~$1 million in damages and destroyed records from the Civil War and Spanish American War.

Since all state offices were housed in the Capitol building, other major cities were hopeful that this fire would be an opportunity for them to take over the role of Wisconsin’s capital city. Thankfully, Fighting Bob not only fought fires but also fought off State Sen. Charles Cassius Rogers’ bill that called for Milwaukee to become the capital city in lieu of the fire.

The reconstruction of the Capitol lasted from 1906-1917. The final product is the same building standing today.

reconstruction of state capitol — 13 years after the fire, the capitol that we know + love today was completed. | Photo via WI Historical Society, 3482

Old Abe

Thankfully, no lives were lost to the inferno, but one taxidermied bald eagle did not make it out. Old Abe was rescued from a fallen tree by Chief Big Sky of the Lake Superior Ojibwe. In 1861, the bird was traded to a man in Eau Claire who eventually found it to be too much work. Old Abe was sold to the Eau Claire Badgers militia company — which later became the Eighth Wisconsin Infantry — for $2.50.

When Abraham Lincoln rallied troops to fight in the Civil War, Old Abe traveled south, saw nearly 40 battles, and became an inspirational symbol in the process. “I heard [Confederate] prisoners say they would have given more to capture the eagle of the Eighth Wisconsin [Infantry], than to take a whole brigade of men” said Colonel Rufus Dawes.

Old Abe died in March 1881 and was an enduring symbol of our state’s Civil War history.

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Today, Feb. 27

Mad Can Food Drive | Monday, Feb. 27 | Various locations | Free | It’s your last chance to contribute to this food drive before it wraps up at the end of the month.
Seed Packaging | Monday, Feb. 27 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd., Madison | Free | Volunteer with the public library system to prepare the new free seed library.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

Sylvee After Party w/ The Grasshoppers | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 11:45 p.m. | High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington Ave., Madison | $10 | End your night right enjoying this local rock band.
Black Leaders in Clean Energy | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 4:30-5:45 p.m. | Virtual + Wisconsin Energy Institute, 1552 University Ave., Madison | Free | Hear from distinguished panelists as they share their experiences, successes, challenges, and advice for younger people.

Wednesday, March 1

Launch into Leadership | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Virtual | $269 | Have you gotten a promotion recently? This course will start you in the right direction with fundamental leadership skills and ideas.
Poetry + Cultural Organizing with Porsha Olayiwola and Crystal Valentine | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 6-7:30 p.m. | A Room of One’s Own, 2717 Atwood Ave., Madison | Free | Join these poets for an evening of literary discussions. FYI - register to guarantee a space, and masks are required.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

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Weather

41º | Rain | 100% chance of rain

Opening

The Madison Public Market is estimated to open in early 2025. Thanks to a $1.5 million donation from CUNA Mutual Group, the public market has reached its funding goal of $3 million. Construction will start in late 2023 at the corner of East Johnson and First Streets. (Cap Times)

Edu

Madison Metropolitan School District students must have a 90% attendance rate in order to get an automatic invitation to attend summer school this year. The district hopes that high attendance will foster a better learning experience, especially during the short summer term. (Cap Times)

Health

UW Health and SSM Health will be joining forces on the orthopedic surgery front. Since SSM recently lost 11 surgeons who started their own practice, UW is providing surgeons for SSM’s Madison and Janesville locations. (Madison.com)

Cause

The River Food Pantry is using its recent $111,000 donation from the Dane County Executive’s Office to support those who will be losing FoodShare’s boosted pandemic funds come March. Essential hygiene products and healthy food options will be the food pantry’s first priority. (WKOW)

Finance

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Happy Monday, 608. Let’s start the week off with a little guessing game.

His career has been a smashing success.
While born about an hour west, this mystery man was based in Madison for most of his career.
He made a smart choice when picking the location for his business.
Far from trashy, he has an esteemed legacy.
He is known for his alternative approach to life.
This summer, he’ll be paying a visit to the 608 with some friends.
For the last clue, well, Nevermind.

Do you think you know who this is? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see the answer tomorrow morning.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Ally.

Editor’s pick: Sunday’s “nice” weather was a glimmer of hope that there’s light at the end of the long, dark, and cold tunnel that this winter has been. I think my first stop will be Allen Centennial Garden when the weather warms up + those flowers start bloomin’.

Missed our last newsletter? We took a peek at a few Madison homes for sale.

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Editorial: Ally Geiger, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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