University Hill 1837

The first non-native burials in Madison were here, on what would become known as Bascom Hill, in the 1830s.

When building the terrace around the Lincoln Statue workers came across two bodies that were never moved. Markers were put into the terrace with their initials and the year of death. The bodies are still there.

William Nelson:
Died of disease in 1837.

Samuel Warren:
A Capital worker who was
struck by lightning in 1838.

At least two others, Tabitha Burgoyne Bird, mother of A.A. Bird, and her son Zenas Henry were buried here. They were moved to Sun Prairie.