[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 4] [Senate] [Page 5547] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE CITY OF MADISON ON ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize and honor the city of Madison as it celebrates its 150th year. As a Wisconsinite, I take great pride in our State's Capital, which is well known for a unique mix of culture, education and natural beauty, as well as a vibrant civic and political life. In the first part of the 19th century, James Duane Doty, who would later serve as Wisconsin's territorial governor, became enamored with a piece of land in south central Wisconsin that was nestled on an isthmus between two lakes. Doty purchased the land and named it after the fourth President, James Madison. It was this land that would become home to Wisconsin's capitol, its university, and one of the State's thriving cultural centers. Doty had the territorial capital moved from Belmont to Madison in 1837. By the time the Village of Madison was incorporated as a city in 1856 there were nearly 7,000 residents. Madison boasts a strong tradition of diversity. Yankees from the Eastern States came first, followed soon by German, Irish and Norwegian immigrants. After the turn of the century, Madison also became home to a growing number Italian, Greek, African-American, and Jewish residents. The State constitution called for a university to be situated near the seat of government. In many ways, this provision could be credited with paving the way for ``the Wisconsin Idea'' that has made Wisconsin such a center for innovative public policy. Putting the capital and the university together has encouraged educators and researchers to play a central role in addressing social problems, and it has revolutionized the way that Wisconsin, and the nation, approach public policy issues. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is also a cornerstone of Madison's rich cultural life, offering a tremendous array of concerts, plays, lectures and other activities. And UW's students bring an energy to life in the city that is one of Madison's hallmarks. The State capitol is another defining Madison landmark, both the building itself, and how it has contributed to the city's character. Politics and public service have been a part of Madison from the very beginning, and they have made Madison home to some of the State's greatest moments, including the passage of historic progressive legislation at the turn of the last century under the leadership of then-Governor Robert M. La Follette. Madison has also achieved a wonderful system of parks and architectural beauty in its public spaces, which complement the natural beauty of the lakes' shorelines. These areas also serve as host to outdoor concerts and countless other activities during summer months. Having graduated from UW-Madison and served in the State senate, and as a resident of nearby Middleton, I am not only proud to represent the people of Madison, I am privileged to be a part of this community. I know Madison residents will continue to draw on their city's rich history and continue to enjoy the beautiful land that captivated James Doty so many years ago. I hope that my colleagues will join me in congratulating the city of Madison as it celebrates its sesquicentennial. ____________________