Madison was a virgin wilderness in 1836 when the territorial legislature selected the spot for the capital and the state university. Today, this "City of Four Lakes," located on an isthmus between Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, is a recreational, cultural, and manufacturing center. Both the university and state government play important roles in the community.

Madison has a rich architectural heritage left by Frank Lloyd Wright and the Prairie School movement. There are a number of Wright buildings here; many are private homes and not open to the public but may be viewed from the outside.