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Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin

Prairie du Chien is a city in and the county seat of Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 5,506 at the 2020 census. Often called Wisconsin's second-oldest city, Prairie du Chien was established as a European settlement by French voyageurs in the late 17th century. Its settlement date of June 17, 1673, makes it the fourth colonial settlement by European settlers in the Midwestern United States, after Green Bay, Wisconsin, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and St. Ignace, Michigan. The city has many sites showing its rich history in the region.

Prairie du Chien is near the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, a strategic point along the Fox-Wisconsin Waterway that connects the Great Lakes with the Mississippi. This location offered early French missionaries and explorers their first access and entrance to the Mississippi River. Early French visitors to the site found it occupied by a group of Fox Indians led by a chief whose name Alim meant chien in French ('dog' in English). The French explorers named the location Prairie du Chien, French for 'dog's meadow'. Originally this name applied only to the plain upon which the settlement lay, but it was later applied to the city as well. The city of Prairie du Chien is between the town of Prairie du Chien and the town of Bridgeport.

History

The first known Europeans to reach Prairie du Chien were French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet, who arrived by canoe on June 17, 1673, discovering a route to the Mississippi River. Later travel between Canada and the Mississippi River continued to pass through Prairie du Chien, although routes via the Illinois River were also used. In 1685, the French explorer Nicolas Perrot established a trading post in the area as part of the large and lucrative French fur trade industry. After John Jacob Astor's machinations had closed the entire government fur trade factory system and the federal factory established in Prairie du Chien in 1815, the American Fur Company became established in the area and later built the Astor Fur Warehouse, an important building in the regional fur trade, which was centered in Prairie du Chien. Prairie du Chien's significance as a center of the fur trade did not diminish until the mid-19th century, when European demand declined, as did game stock.

In 1763, after Great Britain defeated France in the French and Indian War (part of the Seven Years' War), it took possession of the French territory in North America east of the Mississippi River, including Prairie du Chien. During the American Revolutionary War, the city was used as a meeting point for British troops and their Native American allies. After the American victory, the Treaty of Paris granted the area to the new United States of America, but the British and their Loyalists were slow to withdraw. Only after the War of 1812 did the city become fully American.

The U.S. was slow to present any authority over Prairie du Chien, but late in the War of 1812, when the government realized the importance of holding the site to prevent British attacks from Canada, it began construction of Fort Shelby in 1814. In July, British soldiers captured the fort during the Siege of Prairie du Chien. The British maintained control over the city until the war's end in 1815. Not wanting another invasion through Prairie du Chien, the Americans constructed Fort Crawford in 1816.

The fort was the site of the negotiations and signing of the Treaties of Prairie du Chien (1825 and 1830), by which the Fox and Sauk ceded much of their land to the U.S. Representing them along with the United Nations of the Chippewa, Odawa and Pottawatomie in the 1829 negotiations was Billy Caldwell, of Scots-Irish and Mohawk descent. He became involved with the Pottawatomie after moving as a young man to the U.S. from Canada.

In 1829, the army doctor William Beaumont carried out many experiments on digestion in the hospital at Fort Crawford. Beaumont's discoveries are still the basis of current knowledge of the human digestive process.

Colonel Zachary Taylor, who later became the 12th U.S. president, was the commanding officer at Fort Crawford during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Taylor oversaw the surrender of Black Hawk in Prairie du Chien. Lieutenant Jefferson Davis, who later became president of the Confederate States of America, was stationed at Fort Crawford at the same time. There, Davis met Taylor's daughter, Sarah "Knoxie" Taylor, whom he married in 1835.

Outside the fort's walls, early-19th-century life in Prairie du Chien was still dominated by the fur trade. Prairie du Chien's best-known traders during this time were Michel Brisbois, Joseph Rolette, Nathan Myrick, and Hercules L. Dousman. Dousman built a fortune in the fur trade, which, combined with income from investments in land, steamboats, and railroads, propelled him to become Wisconsin's first millionaire. He died in 1868, and his son, H. Louis Dousman, inherited much of his fortune. In 1870, Louis Dousman used his inheritance to construct a luxurious Victorian mansion at the site of the former Fort Shelby. When he died unexpectedly in 1886, his family renamed the home "Villa Louis" in his memory. The Dousman family continued to occupy the home until 1913. In 1952, the mansion became Wisconsin's first state-operated historic site.

After the fur trade declined in the mid-19th century, Prairie du Chien's attention shifted to agriculture and the railroad. Although the city was first connected to the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad in 1857, the width of the Mississippi River posed a challenge for further expansion of the railroad into Iowa. This problem was temporarily solved by disassembling the trains at Prairie du Chien and ferrying them across the river to be put back on the tracks on the other side. A better solution was found by Michael Spettel and John Lawler, who designed the permanent Pile-Pontoon Railroad Bridge to span the river in 1874. Lawler took most of the credit for this invention, and made a small fortune through its operation. The bridge remained in use until its removal in 1961.

Lawler later donated property to establish two Catholic boarding schools in Prairie du Chien, St. Mary's Institute (now Mount Mary College of Milwaukee) and Campion High School in the later part of the century. St. Mary's College remained in Prairie du Chien until 1928. Campion High School produced several notable alumni, including Vicente Fox, Congressman Leo Ryan, Governor Patrick Lucey, actors David Doyle, George Wendt, and Kevin McCarthy, and writer Garry Wills. It closed in 1975.

History of municipal government
Prairie du Chien was incorporated as the Borough of Prairie des Chiens on September 17, 1821, by the secretary of the Michigan Territory. It is the only municipality in Wisconsin other than Green Bay to have been known as a borough, rather than a city, town, or village. The borough existed for a few years before the government stopped operating in 1825.

In 1828, the Prairie du Chien area became a part of the Town of St. Anthony, which included all of Crawford County. (Crawford County itself included all of the western part of Michigan Territory.) In 1849, the Town of Prairie du Chien was created, consisting of most of present-day Crawford County. The city of Prairie du Chien was incorporated in 1872.

Geography
Prairie du Chien is in the Mississippi River Valley, upon a long triangular plain bounded on the west by the Mississippi River, on the south by the Wisconsin River, and on the east-northeast by a series of tall bluffs. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 6.47 sqmi, of which 5.84 sqmi is land and 0.63 sqmi is water. The city's area encompasses most of the plain upon which it sits, but portions of the plain extend outside city limits. Just north of the city limits, where the plain forms part of the Town of Prairie du Chien, is a small unincorporated settlement known locally as Frenchtown. The plain also extends outside the city southward into Bridgeport. Here the plain ends, becoming the wetlands of the Wisconsin River delta.

Both inside and outside the city limits, backwaters of the Mississippi River occasionally break across the far west side of the plain to form small islands. Most of these islands are too small and flood-prone to have ever been inhabited, but one just west of downtown Prairie du Chien formed the city's fourth ward until a 1965 flood prompted its residents' mandatory relocation to higher ground. During the relocation project, most buildings with no special historical significance were removed. Now called St. Feriole Island, the island serves as a 240 acre city park.

Climate
Prairie du Chien has recorded Wisconsin's highest temperatures for January, March, May, September, and November.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, the population was 5,506. The population density was 942.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,598 housing units at an average density of 444.6 /sqmi. Ethnically, the population was 2.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. When grouping both Hispanic and non-Hispanic people together by race, the city was 90.1% White, 4.3% Black or African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races.

The 2020 census population of the city included 514 people incarcerated in adult correctional facilities.

According to American Community Survey estimates for 2016-2020, the median income for a household in the city was $46,541, and the median income for a family was $64,315. Male full-time workers had a median income of $42,478 versus $35,313 for female workers. The per capita income was $25,407. About 10.5% of families and 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.7% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

There were 2,306 households, of which 18% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.1% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.3% were non-families. 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.12 and the average family size was 2.87. Of the population age 25 and over, 92.0% were high school graduates or higher and 15.8% had a bachelor's degree or higher.

The median age in the city was 45.6 years. 16.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.07% were from 25 to 44; 28.2% were from 45 to 64; and 22.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 54.4% male and 45.6% female.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 5,911 people, 2,386 households, and 1,367 families residing in the city. The population density was 1049.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,594 housing units at an average density of 460.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.6% White, 4.5% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 2,386 households, of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.7% were non-families. 37.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 41.4 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.3% were from 45 to 64; and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.4% male and 47.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,018 people, 2,376 households, and 1,473 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,075.9 people per square mile (415.7/km2). There were 2,564 housing units at an average density of 458.4 per square mile (177.1/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.06% White, 3.61% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 0.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,376 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 33.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,038, and the median income for a family was $43,444. Males had a median income of $29,595 versus $20,183 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,680. About 6.4% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.7% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

Aside from its somewhat larger-than-average tourist trade, Prairie du Chien's economy is similar to most other Midwestern cities of its size. Retail, service, and manufacturing jobs employ most of the city's residents. Major employers include 3M and Cabela's. State and local government are also major employers, as the city is the site of the Crawford County courthouse and offices, as well as a state penitentiary. Prairie du Chien has one of Wisconsin's busiest ports on the Mississippi River. Two railroads and a two-runway municipal airport make the city a transport and shipping hub for the area.

Arts and culture

Prairie du Chien has five National Historic Landmarks and nine sites on the National Register of Historic Places. The five landmarks were the first designated in the state.

It is close to Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin, and Effigy Mounds National Monument and Pikes Peak State Park in Iowa, sites of natural and manmade wonders. Its rich history and location by the Mississippi River make it a popular tourist destination. The Prairie Villa Rendezvous, a gathering to recreate the atmosphere of a 19th-century fur trading camp, has been held annually in the city every Father's Day weekend since 1975, attracting tens of thousands of visitors.

In 2001, Prairie du Chien gained brief national attention for its first annual New Year's Eve celebration, during which a carp from the Mississippi River was dropped from a crane over BlackHawk Avenue at midnight. The "Droppin' of the Carp" celebration has been held every New Year's Eve since.

Hunting and fishing have long been popular in the area. The opening of Cabela's fourth outlet store in the city in 1998 firmly established the city as a destination for sportsmen.

Parks and recreation
The annual 7-day, 500-mile supported bike tour of Wisconsin known as GRABAAWR begins in Eagle River and ends in Prairie du Chien.

St. Feriole Island has a long riverfront with a park, connected to a bike path that goes around the island. Shelters can be used for large events. Across from the Villa Louis is a large open field that was once used as a horse racing track. On the far end of the field are two large soccer fields. Pets are allowed to run in the large fields.

Education

The Prairie du Chien School District is a public school district headquartered in Prairie du Chien. It serves Prairie du Chien, the nearby town of Bridgeport, and the village of Eastman. The district comprises three schools, all in Prairie du Chien: The district's administrative offices are at B. A. Kennedy Elementary School.
 * B. A. Kennedy Elementary School (early childhood education – grade 1).
 * Bluff View Intermediate School (grades 2–8)
 * Prairie du Chien High School (grades 9–12)

Prairie Catholic School, a private K-8 school associated with St. Gabriel's and St. John's Catholic Churches, and Prairie Christian Academy, a private K-12 school associated with Bible Baptist Church, are also in Prairie du Chien.

Media
Prairie du Chien's twice weekly newspaper is the Courier Press, which also publishes a weekly shopping supplement distributed to area households and businesses. Other print media in the area include the Wisconsin-Iowa Shopping News, which is distributed to 19,297 homes and businesses weekly.

Crawford County is in the La Crosse/Eau Claire broadcast media market as monitored by ACNielsen. The local cable system also carries some channels from the Madison market, and some residents receive over-the-air broadcasts from stations in the Cedar Rapids/Waterloo/Dubuque market.

Prairie du Chien is home to WQPC, a 36,000-watt radio station broadcasting at 94.3FM. The station is near the banks of the Mississippi River on St. Feriole Island. It has a sister station, WPRE 980 AM. Other stations with strong reception in Prairie du Chien include WHHI 91.3FM, WGLR 97.7FM and KCTN 100.1FM.

Transportation

Bus service to La Crosse is provided three times daily by Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit.

Prairie du Chien is served by the Prairie du Chien Municipal Airport (KPDC).

Notable people

 * Matthew Antoine (b. 1985), bronze medalist in men's skeleton at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia
 * William Beaumont, Army doctor in 1820s, carried out experiments on human digestion system at Fort Crawford hospital
 * Barbara Bedford (1908–1981), silent film and Western actress
 * Nicholas Boilvin (1761–1827), 19th Century frontiersman
 * Pat Bowlen (1944–2019), owner of the Denver Broncos
 * Michel Brisbois (1759–1837), voyageur
 * Benjamin Bull, lawyer and Wisconsin State Senator
 * Walter Bradford Cannon (1871–1945), physiologist who first developed concepts of fight or flight and homeostasis
 * William D. Carroll, Wisconsin State Senator
 * Jefferson Davis, President of Confederate States of America, was stationed at Fort Crawford in the 1830s
 * Hercules Louis Dousman (1800–1868), real estate speculator and Wisconsin's first millionaire
 * Alexander Faribault, trading post operator and Minnesota territorial legislator
 * Johann Georg Hagen (1847–1930), Jesuit priest and astronomer.
 * Buel Hutchinson, lawyer and politician
 * Daniel Harris Johnson, state Representative
 * Edward I. Kidd, Wisconsin state legislator and businessman
 * Wiram Knowlton (1816–1863), Wisconsin Supreme Court judge
 * Daniel W. Lawler, mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota
 * Henry Leavenworth (1783–1834), U.S. army officer in War of 1812 and against Plains Indians
 * James Henry Lockwood (1793–1857), lawyer, merchant, fur trapper
 * Patrick Joseph Lucey (1918–2014), U.S. diplomat; 38th Governor of Wisconsin (1971–1977)
 * Frederic O. MacCartney (1864–1903), Unitarian minister and Massachusetts socialist state legislator
 * Thomas Mower McDougall (1845–1909), U.S. Army officer
 * John Muir (1838–1914), conservationist and founder of Sierra Club, employed at boarding house in Prairie du Chien before attending University of Wisconsin–Madison
 * John Powers, NFL player
 * Leo Ryan (1925–1978), U.S. Representative from California
 * Rodney J. Satter, state Representative
 * Paul Scherrman, Iowa state legislature
 * Daniel Bartlett Stevens, state Representative
 * Joseph M. Street (1782–1840), U.S. Army officer and U.S. Indian agent to the Winnebago, Sauk, and Fox tribes after the Black Hawk War
 * Jeremiah Burnham Tainter (1836–1920), engineer who invented Tainter gate
 * Ormsby B. Thomas, U.S. Representative
 * William Miller Wallace (1844–1924), U.S. Army general
 * Wapello (1787–1842), Native American chief of Fox tribe
 * George Wendt (b. 1948), actor who portrayed Norm Peterson in television series Cheers, attended Campion High School in Prairie du Chien
 * Brad Williams, memory specialist

title: Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin


text:
Wauzeka (town), Wisconsin

Wauzeka is a town in Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 711 at the 2010 census. The village of Wauzeka is located within the town. The unincorporated community of Boydtown is located partially in the town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.6 square miles (112.9 km2), of which, 42.2 square miles (109.4 km2) of it is land and 1.4 square miles (3.5 km2) of it (3.12%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 369 people, 140 households, and 110 families residing in the town. The population density was 8.7 people per square mile (3.4/km2). There were 174 housing units at an average density of 4.1 per square mile (1.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 100.00% White. 0.00% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 140 households, out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 121.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $28,500 versus $16,771 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,360. About 3.8% of families and 6.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.3% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Wauzeka (town), Wisconsin


text:
Wauzeka, Wisconsin

Wauzeka is a village in Crawford County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 628 at the 2020 census. The village is located within the Town of Wauzeka near the confluence of the Kickapoo River and Wisconsin River.

History
The village of Wauzeka was platted in 1856 by Hercules L. Dousman, with an addition in 1857 by local Mexican–American War veteran John McHarg. It was named after a Native American leader whose Ho-Chunk name, Waaziga, means Pine Tree. The village was connected to the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad in 1857 and possessed various sawmills in the nineteenth century to process pine lumber rafted down the Kickapoo River.

Geography
Wauzeka is located at 43.085°N, -90.88361°W (43.085232, −90.883614).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 4.84 sqmi, of which, 4.82 sqmi of it is land and 0.02 sqmi is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 census, the population was 628. The population density was 130.2 PD/sqmi. There were 305 housing units at an average density of 63.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.4% White, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.3% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 0.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census there were 711 people, 273 households, and 184 families living in the village. The population density was 147.5 PD/sqmi. There were 304 housing units at an average density of 63.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.8% White, 1.0% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 273 households, of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.6% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the village was 33 years. 28.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.5% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 9.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census there were 768 people, 271 households, and 188 families living in the village. The population density was 155.1 people per square mile (59.9/km2). There were 298 housing units at an average density of 60.2 per square mile (23.2/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 98.18% White, 1.43% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 0.26% from two or more races. 0.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 271 households, out of which 43.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.39.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 33.5% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,556, and the median income for a family was $46,000. Males had a median income of $29,737 versus $19,815 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,115. About 8.9% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Cyrus L. Lathrop, Wisconsin farmer and legislator, was born in Wauzeka.
 * Jeremiah O'Neil, Wisconsin judge and legislator, lived in Wauzeka.

title: Wauzeka, Wisconsin


text:
Black Earth (town), Wisconsin

The Town of Black Earth is located in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 510 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 17.3 square miles (44.8 km2), all of it land.

History
The Town of Black Earth was formed out of the Town of Springfield on August 2, 1848, as Farmersville. The town was renamed Black Earth on February 1, 1851. Much of the territory of the current towns of Berry and Mazomanie was originally part of Farmersville/Black Earth.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 449 people, 166 households, and 138 families living in the town. The population density was 26.0 people per square mile (10.0/km2). There were 172 housing units at an average density of 10.0 per square mile (3.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.44% White, 0.67% Black or African American, 0.45% Asian, and 0.45% from two or more races. 0.45% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 166 households, out of which 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.1% were married couples living together, 3.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.3% were non-families. 12.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 2.93.

The population was 25.2% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 31.4% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 118 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $61,364, and the median income for a family was $63,333. Males had a median income of $40,625 versus $29,722 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,351. None of the population or families were below the poverty line.

Notable people

 * John Adams, member of the Wisconsin State Assembly and the Wisconsin State Senate
 * S. Percy Hooker, member of the New York State Assembly

title: Black Earth (town), Wisconsin


text:
Black Earth, Wisconsin

Black Earth is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,338 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Black Earth. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
In 1851, the town board renamed the town Farmersville, but the name Black Earth was readopted in 1857.

In June 1984, the Barneveld Tornado ripped through part of Black Earth, damaging and destroying several buildings.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.86 sqmi, of which, 0.85 sqmi of it is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,338 people, 559 households, and 346 families living in the village. The population density was 1574.1 PD/sqmi. There were 582 housing units at an average density of 684.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.7% White, 0.3% African American, 0.4% Native American, 1.4% Asian, 0.1% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 559 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.1% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.

The median age in the village was 41.5 years. 22.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 29.4% were from 45 to 64; and 15.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,320 people, 514 households, and 358 families living in the village. The population density was 1,991.6 people per square mile (772.2/km2). There were 527 housing units at an average density of 795.1 per square mile (308.3/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 96.97% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.74% from two or more races. 1.21% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 514 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present And 30.2% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.9% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 31.3% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,548, and the median income for a family was $58,421. Males had a median income of $37,130 versus $28,828 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,363. About 1.4% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Black Earth, Wisconsin


text:
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin

Blue Mounds is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 950. The village is adjacent to the Town of Blue Mounds, and is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Blue Mounds was named by French missionaries for the blueish hue of three nearby mounds.

Geography
Blue Mounds is located 25 mi west of Madison in Dane County near its border with Iowa County. The village is near Brigham Park, the Cave of the Mounds, and Blue Mound State Park, the highest point in southern Wisconsin.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.91 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 855 people, 336 households, and 235 families living in the village. The population density was 939.6 PD/sqmi. There were 347 housing units at an average density of 381.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.8% White, 0.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.3% of the population.

There were 336 households, of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.1% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the village was 39.8 years. 27.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 34% were from 45 to 64; and 8.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 708 residents, 289 occupied housing units, and 201 families living in the village. The population density was 938.4 people per square mile (364.5/km2). There were 297 housing units at an average density of 393.6 per square mile (152.9/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 97.88% White, 0.42% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. 0.99% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 289 households, out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.4% were non-families. 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 39.3% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,568, and the median income for a family was $52,895. Males had a median income of $37,574 versus $25,188 for females. The per capita income for the village was $25,895. About 1.4% of families and 4.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 20.9% of those age 65 or over.

Recreation
The Military Ridge State Trail, a 39 mi bicycle trail built on a former railroad right-of-way, runs through the village of Blue Mounds.

Each year the village is the starting point for the Horribly Hilly Hundreds bike ride along area roads that ends in a long, tough climb to the top of Blue Mound State Park. Riders can choose either a 100K or 200K course. The ride is held the Saturday before Father's Day.

In 2010 and 2011 Blue Mounds was a food stop on the 100K route for the annual Centurion race, which started and ended in Middleton, Wisconsin, allowing racers to get food as they pedaled through the area.

The Festival of the Mounds, which takes place at Mounds View Park each fall, includes a chicken wing cook-off, softball tournament, chicken barbecue, and live bands.

The Step Into The Past Rendezvous, sponsored by the Blue Mounds Area Historical Society, has been held each September, but has been run by a private group in recent years, as the Blue Mounds Area Historical Society is in hiatus. The rendezvous includes tepees, wall tents, a period weapons display, demonstrations of spinning and tanning, a tomahawk throw, and a candy cannon for children.

Each winter nearby Blue Mound State Park holds a Candlelight Ski and Hike the first Saturday in January and February.

Attractions
Local tourist attractions include Blue Mound State Park; the Cave of the Mounds, a National Natural Landmark; Tyrol Basin Ski and Snowboard Area; and formerly included Little Norway, a living museum devoted to the region's Norwegian influence. The Blue Mounds Fort historical site is just south of the village but is not easily accessible.

Notable residents and natives

 * Billy Adams, Governor of Colorado
 * Ebenezer Brigham, first permanent white settler in Dane County
 * Gunnar Johansen, Danish born pianist and composer
 * Shelley Ryan, gardener and television host
 * Mike Wilkinson, professional basketball player

title: Blue Mounds, Wisconsin


text:
Blue Mounds (town), Wisconsin

Blue Mounds is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 899 at the 2020 census. The Village of Blue Mounds is located within the town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.0 square miles (85.5 km2), of which, 33.0 square miles (85.5 km2) of it is land and 0.03% is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 842 people, 291 households, and 247 families residing in the town. The population density was 25.5 people per square mile (9.8/km2). There were 300 housing units at an average density of 9.1 per square mile (3.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.34% White, 0.12% Black or African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.36% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 0.48% from two or more races. 0.48% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 291 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.0% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.8% were non-families. 10.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $61,429, and the median income for a family was $64,028. Males had a median income of $41,563 versus $29,205 for females. The per capita income for the town was $27,696. About 4.4% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Blue Mounds (town), Wisconsin


text:
Cottage Grove (town), Wisconsin

The Town of Cottage Grove is located in Dane County, Wisconsin. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 3,791. The Village of Cottage Grove is located partially in the town, but is governed independently. The unincorporated communities of Door Creek, Nora, and Vilas also are located in the town. The unincorporated communities of Hoffman Corners and Hope also are located partially in the town.

Geography
The town is located at 43.06222°N, -89.19528°W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 33.4 square miles (86.5 km2), all of it land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 3,791 people, 1,477 households, and 1,468 families residing in the town. The population density was 115.0 people per square mile (44.4/km2). There were 1,356 housing units at an average density of 40.6 per square mile (15.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.89% White, 0.39% Black or African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. 1.04% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,338 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.3% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.4% were non-families. 11.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.13.

The population was 28.8% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 104 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $71,007, and the median income for a family was $72,246. Males had a median income of $45,379 versus $30,509 for females. The per capita income for the town was $26,602. About 1.3% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Henry G. Klinefelter, Wisconsin State Representative and farmer, lived in the town
 * Albert M. Stondall, Wisconsin State Senator and businessman, was born in the town

title: Cottage Grove (town), Wisconsin


text:
Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

Cottage Grove is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. Its population was 7,303 at the 2020 census. A suburb of Madison, it shares a school district with Monona. The village is located partially within the survey township of Cottage Grove.

The village was named from a settler's cottage in a grove near the village site.

Geography
Cottage Grove is located at 43.08778°N, -89.2°W (43.088017, -89.200143).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.48 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, 6,192 people, 2,210 households, and 1,628 families were living in the village. The population density was 1779.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,289 housing units at an average density of 657.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.1% White, 2.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 2.2% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 3.0% of the population.

Of the 2,210 households, 47.1% had children under 18 living with them, 59.4% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.3% were not families. About 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.80. and the average family size was 3.26.

The median age in the village was 33.8 years. About 32.5% of residents were under 18; 5.7% were between 18 and 24; 32.4% were from 25 to 44; 21.7% were from 45 to 64; and 7.7% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, 4,059 people, 1,427 households, and 1,084 families were living in the village. The population density was 1,775.3 people per square mile (684.4/km2). The 1,453 housing units had an average density of 635.5 per square mile (245.0/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 95.71% White, 1.82% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.54% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Around 1.80% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

Of the 1,427 households, 47.3% had children under 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were not families. About 16.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.83, and the average family size was 3.20.

In the village, the age distribution was 32.1% under 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 42.1% from 25 to 44, 14.3% from 45 to 64, and 6.0% who were 65 or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.5 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $66,628, and for a family was $68,667. Males had a median income of $46,190 versus $30,391 for females. The per capita income for the village was $25,777. About 2.7% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under 18 and 12.6% of those 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Gabe Carimi (born 1988), All-American and NFL football player
 * William Robert Taylor, 12th governor of Wisconsin (1874-1876)
 * Jessie Vetter, USA Women's National Ice Hockey Team, 2010 Olympic Winter Games silver medalist

title: Cottage Grove, Wisconsin


text:
Cross Plains (town), Wisconsin

Cross Plains is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,419 at the 2000 census. The Village of Cross Plains is located partially within the town. The unincorporated community of Pine Bluff is located in the town.

Education
The Pine Bluff Observatory is in the town of Cross Plains.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.4 square miles (91.6 km$2$), of which, 35.3 square miles (91.5 km$2$) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km$2$) of it (0.08%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 1,419 people, 513 households, and 398 families in the town. The population density was 40.2 people per square mile (15.5/km$2$). There were 525 housing units at an average density of 14.9 per square mile (5.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.03% White, 0.56% Black or African American, 0.49% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 0.35% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 513 households 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.1% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 17.3% of households were one person and 6.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.17.

The age distribution was 28.6% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median household income was $66,055 and the median family income was $74,327. Males had a median income of $50,139 versus $31,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $30,163. None of the families and 1.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 2.5% of those over 64.

title: Cross Plains (town), Wisconsin


text:
Cross Plains, Wisconsin

Cross Plains is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 4,104 at the 2020 census. The village is located partially within the Town of Cross Plains. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Cross Plains was named by a settler for his home in Cross Plains, Tennessee. The village was incorporated in 1920.

Geography
Cross Plains is located at 43.11417°N, -89.64444°W (43.114407, -89.644503).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.76 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,538 people, 1,386 households, and 966 families living in the village. The population density was 2010.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,452 housing units at an average density of 825.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.1% White, 0.8% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

There were 1,386 households, of which 37.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 30.3% were non-families. 23.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.04.

The median age in the village was 36.8 years. 27.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.6% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 9.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,084 people, 1,199 households, and 851 families living in the village. The population density was 2,625.0 people per square mile (1,017.7/km2). There were 1,228 housing units at an average density of 1,045.2 per square mile (405.2/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 98.80% White, 0.23% Black or African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.03% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. 0.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,199 households, out of which 39.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.1% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 35.2% from 25 to 44, 20.7% from 45 to 64, and 8.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $56,629, and the median income for a family was $62,500. Males had a median income of $40,525 versus $29,632 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,894. About 1.0% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Cross Plains Public Schools belong to the Middleton-Cross Plains School District. There are six elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one alternative senior high school in the district.

Students attend either Middleton High School or Middleton Alternative Senior High School.

St. Francis Xavier School in Cross Plains, founded in 1857, educates students from grades K-8.

Notable people

 * Connie Grob, baseball player
 * Jeffrey S. Grob, Roman Catholic bishop
 * Matt Lepay, sports announcer
 * Matthew Anderson, member of Wisconsin State Assembly and Wisconsin State Senate

title: Cross Plains, Wisconsin


text:
Dane, Wisconsin

Dane is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,117 at the 2020 census. Located in the Town of Dane, the village is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
A post office called Dane was first established in 1844. The village was named for Nathan Dane, author of the Northwest Ordinance. The village was incorporated in April 1899. The community's St. Michael Catholic Church was struck by lightning and burned down in 1974, but has since been rebuilt.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.14 sqmi, of which, 1.13 sqmi of it is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

The major road is the community is Wisconsin Highway 113, which is the village's Main Street running in an east–west direction. The highway heads north to Lodi and south to Waunakee.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 995 people, 363 households, and 266 families living in the village. The population density was 880.5 PD/sqmi. There were 373 housing units at an average density of 330.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.7% White, 0.8% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 2.1% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.3% of the population.

There were 363 households, of which 43.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 7.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.7% were non-families. 17.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.14.

The median age in the village was 32.5 years. 29% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 32.5% were from 25 to 44; 22.4% were from 45 to 64; and 7.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 52.8% male and 47.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 799 people, 279 households, and 205 families living in the village. The population density was 705.6 people per square mile (273.0/km2). There were 288 housing units at an average density of 254.3 per square mile (98.4/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 94.87% White, 0.38% Black or African American, 0.13% Native American, 2.38% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 1.75% from two or more races. 1.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 279 households, out of which 43.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 16.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.5% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 36.9% from 25 to 44, 14.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,667, and the median income for a family was $56,250. Males had a median income of $34,792 versus $26,125 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,533. About 3.8% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.

Railroad
Wisconsin and Southern railroad runs through town en route to Reedsburg.

Notable people

 * Alfred Kunz, Catholic priest at St. Michael's Catholic Church (1967-1998)

title: Dane, Wisconsin


text:
Dane (town), Wisconsin

Dane is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 968 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Lutheran Hill is located partially in the town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 35.1 square miles (90.9 km$2$), of which, 35.1 square miles (90.9 km$2$) is land and 0.03% is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 968 people, 335 households, and 271 families in the town. The population density was 27.6 people per square mile (10.6/km$2$). There were 339 housing units at an average density of 9.7 per square mile (3.7/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.76% White, 0.21% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.31% from two or more races. 0.52% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 335 households 39.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.3% were married couples living together, 2.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.1% were non-families. 12.2% of households were one person and 6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.2.

The age distribution was 29.1% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% 65 or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 106 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.4 males.

The median household income was $61,250 and the median family income was $64,423. Males had a median income of $36,016 versus $32,679 for females. The per capita income for the town was $25,562. About 2.9% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 3.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Louis K. Luse, Wisconsin State Representative and lawyer, born in the town

title: Dane (town), Wisconsin


text:
Deerfield (town), Dane County, Wisconsin

Deerfield is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,470 at the 2000 census. The City of Deerfield is located within the town. The unincorporated communities of London and Old Deerfield are located in the town.

History
The town was named for the great number of deer in the surrounding fields.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 34.5 square miles (89.3 km2), of which, 34.3 square miles (88.9 km2) of it is land and 0.2 square miles (0.4 km2) of it (0.44%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,470 people, 486 households, and 404 families residing in the town. The population density was 42.8 people per square mile (16.5/km2). There were 503 housing units at an average density of 14.7 per square mile (5.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 93.47% White, 3.74% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.82% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 1.50% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 486 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.5% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 12.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 33.6% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 120.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 133.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $63,125, and the median income for a family was $66,359. Males had a median income of $41,786 versus $32,404 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,763. About 1.0% of families and 2.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Nels Holman, Wisconsin State Representative, businessman, and newspaper, was born in the town; Holman served as chairman of the Deerfield Town Board


text:
Deerfield, Wisconsin

Deerfield is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin. The population was 2,319 at the time of the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Deerfield. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area. Towns and villages near Deerfield include Marshall, Medina, London, Lake Mills, Cambridge, and Cottage Grove, Wisconsin.

History
A post office called Deerfield has been in operation since 1846. The village took its name from the Town of Deerfield.

Geography
Deerfield is located at 43.05222°N, -89.07556°W (43.052305, -89.075679).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.22 sqmi, all of it land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,319 people, 884 households, and 628 families living in the village. The population density was 1044.6 PD/sqmi. There were 911 housing units at an average density of 410.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.6% White, 1.0% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.

There were 884 households, of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 9.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 29.0% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.06.

The median age in the village was 34.4 years. 27.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 33.1% were from 25 to 44; 25.4% were from 45 to 64; and 7.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.7% male and 49.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,971 people, 726 households, and 527 families living in the village. The population density was 1,732.6 people per square mile (667.6/km2). There were 749 housing units at an average density of 658.4 per square mile (253.7/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 94.32% White, 1.62% Black or African American, 0.66% Native American, 1.12% Asian, 1.27% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. 2.18% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 726 households, out of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.9% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 21.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 35.0% from 25 to 44, 17.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $50,439, and the median income for a family was $55,278. Males had a median income of $38,250 versus $27,115 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,209. About 0.9% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Eleanor Fitzgerald — editor and theater professional
 * Christopher Legreid — Wisconsin state representative, blacksmith, and barber
 * Earl Mullen — Wisconsin state representative and barber
 * Frank J. Shakespeare (1925–2022) — diplomat and media executive; resident of Deerfield at the time of his death

title: Deerfield, Wisconsin


text:
Madison (town), Wisconsin

The Town of Madison was located in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The town ceased to exist on October 31, 2022. Its final population was 6,236 at the 2020 United States census. The majority of the town's territory was situated along the Madison Beltline Highway, comprising several neighborhoods situated between the south side of the city of Madison, and the north side of the city of Fitchburg. The town also had territory on the north side of Madison near the border with Maple Bluff, as well as a few lots on the west side of Madison near Whitney Way. The Dane County Expo Center and Alliant Energy Center were situated within the Town of Madison. Despite its status as an unincorporated community, the Town of Madison provided a variety of services to its residents which typically would only be found in incorporated cities and villages, including trash and recycling services, police, fire and emergency medical services; sewer and water utilities; and three public parks.

History
The original Town of Madison encompassed approximately 36 sqmi, and was organized on February 2, 1846. In 1856 the Wisconsin Legislature chartered the city of Madison, leaving the remainder as the town. Most of this land was gradually incorporated into various municipalities, especially the City of Madison, leaving the town as a collection of discontinuous areas subject to annexation. For example, the Burr Oaks neighborhood had an area in the Town of Madison and an area in the City of Madison, connected by Cypress Way. That was the same case with part of the Capitol View Heights neighborhood, connected by Sundstrom and Nygard Streets.

In the wake of continued controversy and an effort in the state legislature to simply abolish the town, an agreement was reached in 2003 to provide for the incorporation of the remaining portions of the town (by then down to less than 3.9 sqmi, including bodies of water) into the city of Madison and the city of Fitchburg on October 31, 2022. The dissolution took place on schedule.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town had a total area of 1.5 sqmi, of which 1.4 sqmi was land and 0.01 sqmi (0.67%) was water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,279 people, 2,852 households, and 1,212 families residing in the town. The population density was 4,234.1 people per square mile (1,669.5/km2). There were 3,069 housing units at an average density of 2,069.5 per square mile (799/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 54.6% White, 20.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 5.9% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 13.7% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. 28.0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,852 households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 22.6% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 57.5% were non-families. 41.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 16.8% from 18 to 25, 36.8% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 4.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.8 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $29,766, and the median income for a family was $37,344. Males had a median income of $31,450 versus $25,795 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,566. About 22.0% of families and 25.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.2% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Madison (town), Wisconsin


text:
Mazomanie (town), Wisconsin

Mazomanie is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin. The population was 1,185 at the time of the 2000 census. The Village of Mazomanie is located within the town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 31.0 square miles (80.3 km$2$), of which, 30.2 square miles (78.1 km$2$) of it is land and 0.8 square miles (2.2 km$2$) of it (2.71%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 1,185 people, 437 households, and 340 families living in the town. The population density was 39.3 people per square mile (15.2/km$2$). There were 466 housing units at an average density of 15.4 per square mile (6.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 97.47% White, 0.08% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 1.52% from other races, and 0.68% from two or more races. 2.19% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 437 households 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.0% were non-families. 16.0% of households were one person and 5.3% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.06.

The age distribution was 27.1% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 26.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.4 males.

The median household income was $60,298 and the median family income was $65,125. Males had a median income of $37,150 versus $27,697 for females. The per capita income for the town was $24,001. About 1.1% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Attractions

 * Mazo Beach

title: Mazomanie (town), Wisconsin


text:
Mazomanie, Wisconsin

Mazomanie is a village in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 1,652 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Mazomanie. It is part of the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Mazomanie is located at 43.17444°N, -89.79472°W.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.86 sqmi, of which, 1.83 sqmi of it is land and 0.03 sqmi is water.

Etymology
The land on which rests the town of Mazomanie fell within the hunting grounds of the Hočąk, or Winnebago, Indian nation. About a decade after the Winnebago cession of 1832, there were only a small number of white settlers in the area. The village received its name; many years later, Edward Brodhead explained its derivation: “He (Mazomanie) was an Indian chief in our state and was well known to the old gentleman, H.L. Dousman, who said the Indians pronounced it as though it was spelled Man-zo-ma-nie and the English of it is Iron Horse, which I adopted for the name of a railroad town and also for the name of my horse.” This distinguished chief was Mą́zamąnį́ga, "Iron Walker."

The Hočągara, who have persisted in the area despite many attempts to eject them, call this town Mą́zamąnį́, dropping the suffix -ga (a definite article used to indicate a person's name). The first syllable of this name is pronounced as Brodhead indicated ('man') since the /ą/ is nasalized. The first element of the name is mąs, "iron, metal, ax," which before a consonant may be softened to mąza- or mąze-, although the free standing form mąz is also known. This is seen in the variant forms mązara, mązera, "the ax." In like fashion, in the same sources, we find the names Mązawįga or Mązewįga, "Iron Woman." This accounts for the variant name of the chief recorded by Col. John Kinsey as Mau-zay-mau-nee-kaw [Mązemąnįka]. The second part of the name is formed by the word mąnį́, which means "to walk, he walks" — thus "Iron Walker."

The double meaning of this name has long been appreciated: “The proprietors [of the railroad] have christened it Mazo-Manie, The-Iron-that-Walks, after a somewhat noted Indian chief; and as it is the offspring of an iron way, the name is not inappropriate.” The actual village of Iron Walker was located near Watertown, about 45 miles to the east. Dodsworth, however, adduces considerations that greatly complicate the eponymy of the present day Mazomanie. The town for some time was known as "Mazo Manie," and recalls in its spelling the name of a pair of Wahpeton Dakota chiefs of that era named Maz-zo-ma-nee. The Dakota (Sioux) language is akin to Winnebago, and it may be immediately appreciated that these names are exactly cognate to one another. Both of the Dakota chiefs were known to H.L. Dousman, the aforementioned source of Brodhead's information about the Indian names. He also knew the Hočąk chief, having been caught up in the incident that led to that chief's notoriety.

It transpired that in October 1836, Iron Walker had shot dead the well-known interpreter Pierre Poquette in an affair of honor. He was initially convicted of murder, but in a second trial was acquitted. Dousman acted as guardian of Poquette's orphaned children and petitioned to secure for them a pension. Dodsworth concludes that the town was intended to have been named for the Dakota chief. However, the proper rendering of the Dakota name is Máza-máni, lacking the nasalized letter to which Brodhead referred. Furthermore, neither of them was "an Indian chief in our state [Wisconsin]," but were from Minnesota. The real attraction of the spelling and pronunciation now in effect is made clear in a newspaper article of the time: “We are daily asked how to pronounce this beautiful looking name. We have heard various ways, but none that sounded so naturally and well as by accenting the second syllable, thus Ma-zom-anie, the accent as in Menominee. That makes a very pretty thing of it. It is the station on the Mil. & Mis. R. R. 22 miles west of here.” The /o/ in the name is a pure artifact of introducing the Indian name into English, and is found in neither Dakota nor Winnebago. The present rendering of the town's name owes to euphony and spelling conventions, none of which invalidates Brodhead's attribution of the name to the gunslinging chief of the Hočągara.

History
What precipitated the birth of the town was the advent of the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad in 1855, which passed through the region to connect Milwaukee with La Crosse. The superintendent of the railroad was Edward Brodhead.

By the nation's centennial, Mazomanie had grown to 1,100 people, making it the second largest community in Dane County. Since that time, the village has gained only 350 people, but its small size and slow growth has preserved its nineteenth century character. The village has thirty-four commercial buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, the best known among these the Mazomanie Railroad Depot which has, with minor changes, remained as it was when it was built in 1857.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,652 people, 689 households, and 463 families residing in the village. The population density was 902.7 PD/sqmi. There were 734 housing units at an average density of 401.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.6% White, 1.7% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 1.5% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 689 households, of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.8% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the village was 37.3 years. 25.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.8% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,485 people, 594 households, and 427 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,088.6 people per square mile (421.6/km2). There were 618 housing units at an average density of 453.0 per square mile (175.4/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 96.36% White, 0.88% Black or African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 1.14% from other races, and 1.08% from two or more races. 1.95% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 594 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.1% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,191, and the median income for a family was $56,442. Males had a median income of $35,156 versus $28,424 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,634. About 2.5% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.5% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Mazomanie has one elementary school: Mazomanie Elementary School, with about 200 students. The high school and middle school are located in a single building, the Wisconsin Heights High School, which enrolls about 380 students. The middle school and high school serves students from Mazomanie, Black Earth and other communities in the area.

Awards

 * Voted one of "America's Coolest Small Towns" by Budget Travel magazine in 2008.

Notable natives and residents

 * James R. Brandon, a professor of the performing arts in Asia, while specializing in Japanese Kabuki and Indian classical drama at the University of Hawaii
 * Esther Coopersmith, American diplomat, philanthropist, political lobbyist, and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador
 * Skylar Grey (formerly known as Holly Brook), singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer
 * Lorenzo D. Harvey, Superintendent of Public Instruction of Wisconsin
 * Angus R. McDonald (1832-1879), Scottish-American immigrant from the Isle of Eigg with a long and proud warrior pedigree, early pioneer settler of Mazomanie, and who served as a 1st Lieutenant, and eventual Captain, in the 11th Wisconsin Regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War, after which he was widely known as "The Hero of Fort Blakeley.
 * Henry Powell, Wisconsin State Representative
 * Robert Joseph Wells, Minnesota State Representative
 * Leonard G. Wolf, United States House of Representatives from Iowa

title: Mazomanie, Wisconsin


text:
Middleton (town), Wisconsin

The Town of Middleton is located in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The Town of Middleton borders the cities of Middleton and Madison on the east. The population was 6,792 at the 2020 census. The unincorporated community of West Middleton is located in the town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 17.7 square miles (45.8 km2), all of it land.

Adjacent municipalities

 * City of Middleton, Wisconsin (east-northeast)
 * City of Madison (east)
 * Town of Springfield (north)
 * Town of Cross Plains (west)
 * Town of Verona (south)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,594 people, 1,572 households, and 1,317 families residing in the town. The population density was 259.8 people per square mile (100.3/km2). There were 1,610 housing units at an average density of 91.0 per square mile (35.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.78% White, 0.37% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. 0.70% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,572 households, out of which 44.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.3% were married couples living together, 4.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.2% were non-families. 11.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.17.

The population was 29.9% under the age of 18, 4.8% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $93,008, and the median income for a family was $103,940. Males had a median income of $65,750 versus $36,282 for females. The per capita income for the town was $46,214. About 0.3% of families and 0.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.6% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Richard J Oberle, Currently serving the longest amount of time on the board in seat #1 Town of Middleton in Wisconsin
 * George Reinke, first elected County Executive of Dane County
 * Jim Troupis, indicted for 2020 fake presidential elector conspiracy in Wisconsin; former Dane County circuit judge

title: Middleton (town), Wisconsin


text:
Middleton, Wisconsin

Middleton is a city in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 21,827 at the 2020 census. A suburb northwest of Madison, it is part of the Madison metropolitan area. Middleton's motto is "The Good Neighbor City."

History
The first settlers were mostly of English descent, and they came to Middleton in the 1840s. It was called Peatville for the large quantities of peat extracted from its soil. The village was renamed Middleton when it was separated from the town of Madison in 1848. Many German settlers arrived to Middleton in the 1850s, and after the year 1880, the population was largely of German descent. The first Lutheran Church was founded in the area in 1852.

Middleton incorporated as a village in 1905 and it became a city in 1963. At the suggestion of its first postmaster, Harry Barnes, it was named after a community in Vermont.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.12 sqmi, of which 8.98 sqmi is land and 0.14 sqmi is water. Middleton is located about 6 miles West/Northwest of Madison, the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin.

Climate
Severe flooding occurred in August 2018, including along Pheasant Branch Creek.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 21,827 people and 10,104 households. The racial makeup of the city was 86.1% White, 5.3% African American, 1.5% Native American, 8.4% Asian, 0.1% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 6.3% from Some Other Race alone or in combination with one or more other races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 6.8% of the population.

There were 10,104 households, of which 41.5% were married couples living together, 7.7% were cohabiting couples, 30.0% had a female householder with no spouse present, 20.8% had a male householder with no spouse present. 26.0% of households had individuals under the age of 18 and 27.1% had individuals 65 years of age or older.

The median age in the city was 39.5 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 19; 34.76% were between the ages of 20 and 44; 24.2% were from 45 to 64; and 18.3% were 65 years of age or older. The sex breakdown of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 17,442 people, 8,037 households, and 4,453 families residing in the city. The population density was 1942.3 PD/sqmi. There were 8,565 housing units at an average density of 953.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.1% White, 3.5% African American, 0.3% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 2.3% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.6% of the population.

There were 8,037 households, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.6% were non-families. 36.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the city was 39.1 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.1% were from 25 to 44; 29.3% were from 45 to 64; and 12.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census in 2000, there were 15,770 people living in Middleton, although in 2006 that number was estimated to be as high as 16,595. The population density was 1,953.2 people per square mile (754.5/km2). There were 7,397 housing units at an average density of 916.2 per square mile (353.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 92.08% White, 1.97% Black or African American, 0.45% Native American, 2.66% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.27% from other races, and 1.54% from two or more races. 2.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

According to the census, there were 7,095 households in Middleton, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.9% were non-families. 34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age of the population of Middleton is fairly diverse. The census states that 22.7% of the citizens there were under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,786, and the median income for a family was $71,514. Males had a median income of $41,070 versus $30,928 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,464. About 3.1% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

Business

The largest industry sector in Middleton is manufacturing. Other major job sectors are retail trade, technology, educational services, health care, management of companies, finance and accommodations. In 2019, 17% of workers were employed in the manufacturing sector with 3,037 jobs. As of 2016, over 65% of Middleton residents have associate, bachelors or advanced degrees and 44.7% of residents are employed in positions which earn more than $75,000 per year. Over 2,000 companies are located in Middleton, including American Girl's corporate headquarters and one of Electronic Theater Controls' worldwide offices.

Tourism and shopping

Greenway Station is a shopping mall opened in 2003. Downtown Middleton has several shops and restaurants. During the 1960s and early 1970s, the Nitty Gritty restaurant in Middleton featured live blues music, and featured B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Charlie Musselwhite, and Cheap Trick. In 1985, the Nitty Gritty was re-branded as a birthday destination, and as of 2018, over 725,000 birthdays have been celebrated there.

Top employers
As of 2019 the top employers in the city are:

Attractions

Middleton is the home of the National Mustard Museum. It is often featured in lists of unusual museums in the United States. It was originally located in the nearby town of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, but moved to Middleton. The museum and its curator were featured on National Public Radio's Morning Edition broadcast of July 29, 2010, and Weekend Edition Saturday on February 18, 1995 (when it was located in Mount Horeb). Middleton's second museum, Middleton Historical Museum (also known as Rowley House) offers information and donations by early settlers. Middleton Train Depot was built in 1856. It was an active passenger station until 1960 and a freight depot until 1975. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a visitor's center.

Wisconsin Trade Center is a commercial office building made of blue glass windows and it is the tallest building in Middleton. Middleton has a garden and landscaping center called Orchids Garden Centre & Nursery.

Capital Brewery was founded in 1984 to brew German-style lager beer and has since branched to American-style ales and barrel-aged beers. Capital Brewery has won over 240 awards. The Capital Brewery Bier Garten is open from April to October and it often offers live music and food vendors. Hidden Cave Cidery, opened in 2021, is a local cidery that makes cider of Wisconsin apples.

Events

Middleton has an annual Middleton Good Neighbor Festival held on the last weekend of August at Firemen's Park in Middleton. The festival has been held since 1964, and "The Good Neighbor Award" has been awarded to a Middleton resident since 1980. The award is given to individuals who have made a difference in the community, and embody what it means to be a Good Neighbor. The three-day festival has free live music, carnival rides, family activities, entertainment, food, parades and other activities.

Downtown Middleton Summer Fun series is typically held from July to August, and it features free music and entertainment on every Thursday. In 2021, the event included arts and crafts table for children, picnic tables, hula hoops, free beginner harmonica lessons and other activities.

Sunflower Days is typically a 10-day event Pope Farm Conservancy held between July and August which features 9.5 acres of sunflowers. The event was attended by 90,000 people in 2017. There is no parking at Pope Farm Conservancy and the Sunflower Shuttle runs every 30 minutes.

National Mustard Day is an outdoor food festival held annually on the first Saturday of August in downtown Middleton. The event features live music, face painting, games and entertainment, food and free mustard samplings. National Mustard Museum has hosted and sponsored the event since 1991.

Haunted Hustle is a Halloween-themed marathon held in October. Other events in Middleton include Wine Walk, Greenway Station Farmers' Market and Prairie Chase Run/Walk. Middleton-Cross Plains Area Performing Arts Center hosts plays and dances.

Art
Middleton is dedicated to providing and encouraging outdoor public art, including sculptures, murals and stained glass. Visit Middleton's website offers a Middleton's Outdoor Public Art Trail map. Middleton Arts Committee and the Middleton Community Development Authority sponsors and supports art in Middleton.

Parks and recreation
The Pheasant Branch Creek Conservancy is a nature preserve of green space and wetland with prairie hills, natural springs, and Native American burial mounds. The creek drains on the east into Lake Mendota, and a hiking trail follows beside it through a forest, passing beside Parisi Park. The Pope Farm Conservancy, opened to visitors in 2006, is a park and a nature area with walking trails, wildlife, sunflower fields, prairie and savanna restoration areas.

Lake Mendota is a popular attraction among tourists and residents as it offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and other aquatic pursuits. Middleton has a skate park, Quarry Skate Park and board and boats rental company, Marshall Boats. Lake Mendota County Park offers a campground, picnic area, volleyball courts, and swimming.

Middleton has a golf course, Pleasant View Golf Course, located near Lake Mendota. Skiing, biking and hiking trails are also available in the area. Pleasant View Golf Course has been named the "Best Golf Course in Madison Area" four times (2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020) by Madison magazine. Walter. R. Bauman Aquatic Center is an outdoor facility that offers pools, waterslides, playground and water equipment.

Education

Middleton belongs to the Middleton-Cross Plains School District. There are seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and one alternative senior high school in the district. Recently, students in Blackhawk Middleton have been moved from Glacier Creek to Kromrey.

Students attend either Middleton High School or Clark Street Community School. In 2021, in a report by U.S. News & World Report, Middleton High School was named as the best high school in Dane County and it was also named 11th best high school out of around 540 in the state of Wisconsin. The report indicated that the graduation rate at Middleton High School was 96%, and more than half of students took at least one Advanced Placement exam.

Elementary schools

 * Elm Lawn Elementary School
 * Park Elementary School
 * Pope Farm Elementary School
 * Northside Elementary School
 * Sauk Trail Elementary School
 * Sunset Ridge Elementary School
 * West Middleton Elementary School

Middle schools

 * Glacier Creek Middle School
 * Kromrey Middle School

High schools

 * Middleton High School
 * Clark Street Community School

Media
Middleton is served by Madison TV, radio, print, and other media. The Middleton Times-Tribune is a weekly community newspaper. The Middleton Review is a free community newspaper that serves the city. Middleton also serves as the community of license for several Madison based stations including country music outlet 106.3 WWQM and DTV America television station WZCK channel 8 which is dual licensed to Middleton and Madison. 97.3 W247CI an FM translator of Catholic station WHFA also broadcasts from the city on a transmitter above the Wisconsin Trade Center.

Transportation
Middleton Municipal Airport (C29) serves Middleton and the surrounding communities with general aviation. Commercial airline service is provided via Dane County Regional Airport in neighboring Madison.

Metro Transit serves Middleton via routes R and F with service to Downtown Madison and the Junction Road park and ride.

The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad passes through Middleton providing freight rail service on its Prairie Subdivision.

Middleton is served by US Route 12 and US Route 14 including the terminus of the West Beltline Highway.

Municipal services
The City of Middleton is served by the Middleton Police Department. The Middleton Fire Department provides fire protection services to a district consisting of the city of Middleton, as well as the neighboring Town of Middleton and portions of the towns of Springfield and Westport. The Middleton Emergency Medical Services department provides paramedic level services to the City of Middleton and the neighboring townships of Middleton and Springfield. The Middleton Public Library offers books, films, music, meeting and study spaces, Wi-Fi and programs.

Notable people

 * Matt Blanchard, NFL Quarterback
 * Gary Close, basketball coach
 * Casey Cramer, football player
 * Tracey DeKeyser, ice hockey coach
 * Jon Erpenbach, Wisconsin State Senator
 * Russ Feingold, Former United States Senator from Wisconsin
 * Frank Gault, Wisconsin State Representative
 * Ryan Groy, football player
 * Pauline Kruger Hamilton, photographer
 * Aaron Hohlbein, MLS player
 * Ed Janus, journalist
 * Jill Karofsky, Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court
 * Jerry Kleczka, politician
 * Paul Kowert, double bassist
 * Josh Lambo, football player
 * Joe Parisi, Dane County executive
 * Bob Skoronski, professional football player
 * Rose Schuster Taylor, writer and naturalist at Yosemite
 * Otto F. Toepfer, Wisconsin State Representative
 * Al Toon, football player
 * Nick Toon, football player
 * Edo de Waart, conductor and music director

title: Middleton, Wisconsin


text:
Oregon (town), Wisconsin

The Town of Oregon is a town in Dane County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 3,148 at the 2000 census. The village of Oregon is located adjacent to the town and most of its area previously belonged to the town.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 32.3 square miles (83.6 km$2$), of which, 32.2 square miles (83.3 km$2$) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km$2$) of it (0.40%) is water.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 3,148 people, 1,063 households, and 927 families living in the town. The population density was 97.9 people per square mile (37.8/km$2$). There were 1,077 housing units at an average density of 33.5 per square mile (12.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the town was 98.28% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.41% Asian, and 0.89% from two or more races. 0.51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Of the 1,063 households 47.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.4% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.7% were non-families. 8.6% of households were one person and 2.0% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.16.

The age distribution was 31.2% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 5.7% 65 or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

The median household income was $72,250 and the median family income was $76,759. Males had a median income of $50,250 versus $36,150 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,218. About 0.6% of families and 0.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of 18 or 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Phineas Baldwin, politician
 * Edward W. Dwight, politician, lived in the town
 * Arthur H. Sholts, politician, lived in the town

Railroads
An abandoned Chicago and North Western railroad goes through the Town of Oregon.

title: Oregon (town), Wisconsin