Travel Back in Time to Madison

It can be hard to decide what is the Main Street in some cities. In Madison, is it East Washington? Park? Regent Street? Well, we’re making the (pretty common) case for State Street today. Now, largely a pedestrian thoroughfare, State Street connects two important engines together, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the State Capitol. It has always been an important social and cultural artery in the city and remains so still today.

Two men ride horses across the streetcar tracks at the west end of State Street, a short distance from a streetcar. The street is tree-lined and the State Capitol is visible in the distance. May 1896.
Two men ride horses across the streetcar tracks at the west end of State Street, a short distance from a streetcar. The street is tree-lined and the State Capitol is visible in the distance. May 1896.
It's a bit wild to think of houses on State Street. Here's one at at 522 State Street, with a bicycle resting on the front steps. ca. 1908.
It’s a bit wild to think of houses on State Street. Here’s one at 522 State Street, with a bicycle resting on the front steps. ca. 1908.
But here's another house on State -- this one from ca. 1983. Photograph shows a house party in front of the last house on State Street that was later turned into a Hardee's.
But here’s another house on State — this one from ca. 1983. Photograph shows a house party in front of the last house on State Street that was later turned into a Hardee’s.
A view of State Street west to the University of Wisconsin from the "new State Capitol," completed in 1917.
A view of State Street west to the University of Wisconsin from the “new State Capitol,” completed in 1917.
State Street from the Capitol at night. ca. 1949
State Street from the Capitol at night. ca. 1949.
Madison, State street with Capitol building in background, 1964.
Madison, State street with Capitol building in background, 1964.