In 1848, as Wisconsin achieved statehood, forward-thinking leaders recognized that the young state needed an institution of higher learning to serve its people. The University of Wisconsin–Madison was born from this vision, established in the state constitution and initially funded by a federal land grant. The university held its first classes in February 1849 with just 20 students, but those humble beginnings belied the extraordinary impact this institution would have on the world.
Over more than 175 years, UW–Madison has evolved from a small frontier college into a world-class public research university that attracts scholars from across the globe. The campus has grown to 939 acres nestled between two lakes in Madison, becoming not just an educational institution but a catalyst for discovery, innovation, and public service. Today, the university continues its land-grant mission, conducting groundbreaking research, educating future leaders, and extending knowledge to improve lives throughout Wisconsin and beyond.