About this record
While today Madison often wins accolades for its quality of life, in 1850, the capital was quite a bit different--cows roamed the streets, entertainment was scarce, and the inhabitants were "bearish" and "rough." Lawyers traveling to the city to argue cases reported arriving "half dead with bruises and knocks" from the rough roads. This article looks at Madison life in 1850.Citation
"Lawyer's Letter Casts Light on Madison of 1850." Wisconsin Historical Society.