 James Doty: His determination
and devious tactics
made Madison the state's capital
Jay Rath - Wisconsin State Journal
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 Madison 150 Marker
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Born in New York and came to Wisconsin Territory in the 1830s. He quickly recognized the potential
of the Madison area and worked with investors to buy land and lay out infrastructure. After
organizing the Four Lakes Company they bought up 1361 acres covering most of the isthmus.
He named the city after the recently deceased 4th president James Madison. Eventually
the area for the public square would be donated.
Doty was instrumental in getting Madison approved as the state capital in 1836. To help his cause
of getting the site named he gave legislatures Buffalo Robes to keep warm during the cold meetings,
and choice lots that would become valuable.
Later he was elected governor (1841-1844) and served in Congress from 1849 to 1853, lobbying for railroads in Wisconsin.
In 1861, President Lincoln appointed him superintendent of Indian affairs in Utah Territory, where he died in 1865.
July 1, 1836 Doty's 1st plat for the "Town of Madison". On this plat E. Washington reserved as railroad tracks brought directly onto the capitol square
Novemebr 24, 1836 council endorses Madison's selection 7-6.
Novemebr 28, 1836 House of Representatives vote 15-11 to make Madison territorial capital.
Madison 150 Marker