If you’ve ever gasped for air while trudging up the incline of State Street, you know the drill. You're heading toward the most recognizable building in Wisconsin. UW Madison Bascom Hall isn't just an administrative building; it’s the literal and metaphorical high point of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But honestly, most people just see it as a backdrop for graduation photos or a place to avoid during a snowy February morning.
That’s a mistake.
There is a weird, chaotic energy to the Hill. It’s where protests start, where the "Sifting and Winnowing" plaque sits as a silent guardian of free speech, and where a very famous statue of Abraham Lincoln watches over students who are probably just trying to find a bathroom. Bascom Hall is the soul of the campus. It has survived fires, internal political wars, and the sheer weight of thousands of students sliding down the hill on cafeteria trays every winter.
The Fire That Changed Everything
Most people don't realize that the Bascom Hall you see today is a bit of a "Frankenstein" project. It didn't always look like this. Back in 1916, a massive fire ripped through the building. It started in the dome. Yes, Bascom used to have a massive, regal dome that made it look a lot more like a state capitol building than an academic hall.
The dome was never replaced.
Why? Money, mostly. But also a change in architectural taste. When you look at the roofline now, it’s flat and a bit blunt. It’s a permanent scar from a cold October morning over a century ago. Imagine the chaos of 1916 Madison—students rushing to save books, the smell of smoke drifting across Lake Mendota, and the realization that the crown jewel of the university was melting. It changed the silhouette of the city forever.
Why the Architecture Matters
The building was designed by William Tinsley and completed around 1859. It’s "High Victorian" but with a heavy dose of Neoclassical influence. You’ve got the massive columns that make you feel small, which was exactly the point. In the 19th century, universities wanted to look like they had been there for a thousand years, even if they were just clearing brush a decade earlier.
The Lincoln Statue and the "Good Luck" Myth
You can’t talk about UW Madison Bascom Hall without talking about Abe. The bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting at the top of the hill is the most photographed spot in Dane County. It was a gift from Richard Lloyd Jones, and it’s a replica of the one in Hodgenville, Kentucky.
Here is the thing: students rub his toe for good luck before exams.
It’s gross. If you look closely, the toe is polished to a bright, shiny gold from decades of sweaty palms and frantic prayers for a passing grade in Organic Chemistry. But there’s a darker side to the statue’s history. It was installed in 1909, and over the years, it has been a focal point for intense debate regarding Lincoln’s complicated legacy with Native American tribes in the region. It isn't just a statue; it’s a site of active, ongoing historical reckoning.
"The university is a place where we should be constantly questioning our icons," says many a local historian. Bascom Hill serves as the primary stage for that questioning.
Sifting and Winnowing: The Heart of the Mission
On the front of the building, there is a class of 1910 plaque. It contains the most famous words in the history of the university. It talks about "continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found."
This wasn't just a flowery quote. It was a defiant response to an attempt by the Board of Regents to fire a professor for his pro-labor views. It’s the foundational document of academic freedom in the United States. When you walk past it, you’re walking past the reason why UW-Madison is allowed to be "weird" and politically active.
The Logistics of the Hill
Let’s get practical for a second. If you are visiting, do not try to park near Bascom. You won't find a spot. You'll end up in a parking garage three blocks away, paying $15.
- The View: Stand at the top of the steps and look straight down State Street. You can see the Wisconsin State Capitol dome perfectly framed. It’s one of the best urban views in the Midwest.
- The Tunnels: Yes, there are steam tunnels under the hill. No, you can’t go in them. They are dangerous, hot, and the university police will catch you.
- The Flamingos: In 1979, the Pail and Shovel Party famously put 1,008 plastic pink flamingos on Bascom Hill. It is now an official city landmark event.
The Gradients of Pain
The hill is steep. It’s a 12% grade in some spots. If you’re a freshman, you’ll hate it by October. By senior year, your calves will be made of steel. There is a specific "Bascom Lean" that locals develop—a way of walking tilted forward just enough to fight gravity without looking like you're struggling.
Behind the Scenes: What’s Inside?
Inside UW Madison Bascom Hall, things are a lot less romantic. It’s mostly offices. This is where the Chancellor sits. It’s where the high-level bureaucracy happens.
If you go inside, the hallways are narrow and smell vaguely of old paper and floor wax. It feels like a high school from the 1950s that got an expensive facelift. But the views from the upper-floor offices are incredible. You can see the sailboats on Lake Mendota and the sprawl of the Terrace.
It’s also surprisingly quiet. Outside, there might be a thousand people screaming at a rally or a drum circle, but inside those thick stone walls, it’s silent.
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Common Misconceptions
People think Bascom is the oldest building on campus. It’s not. North Hall is actually the oldest (1851). Bascom is just the loudest.
Another weird one? People think there are bodies buried under the hill.
Technically... they aren't entirely wrong. During a 1918 construction project near the Lincoln statue, workers found the remains of two men, William Nelson and Samuel Parkin, who were buried there back when the hill was a pioneer cemetery. They moved the bodies, but the "spooky" reputation stuck.
Survival Guide for Visiting Bascom Hall
If you’re planning to trek up the hill, don’t do it in flip-flops. You’ll regret it. Here is how to actually enjoy the experience without ending up in the campus infirmary.
Timing is everything. Go at sunset. The light hits the red brick of the building and the white stone of the Capitol in a way that feels like a movie set. Avoid the "passing period" between classes. You will be trampled by 40,000 students moving at light speed.
Check the grass.
The lawn is for sitting. It’s one of the few places on campus where you can just lie down and nobody judges you. Just watch out for the occasional frisbee.
Engagement and Protest.
Bascom is the protest hub. If there is a major world event, there will be signs on this hill. It is the university's "front porch." If you see a crowd, don't be afraid to listen. It’s part of the education.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Start at the Bottom: Begin at the corner of State and Park Street. Take the "scenic route" up the left-hand sidewalk.
- Read the Plaque: Stop at the "Sifting and Winnowing" plaque. Actually read it. It’s 40 words that defined American education.
- Sit with Abe: Climb the steps to the Lincoln statue. Take the photo, but then turn around and look at the Capitol.
- Explore the Flanks: Walk around to the back of the building (the north side) to see the Birge Hall fountains and the secret garden areas that most tourists miss.
- Hydrate: There is a water fountain inside the main entrance on the right. Use it. That hill is no joke.
Bascom Hall isn't just a destination; it’s a rite of passage. Whether you’re a prospective student or a curious traveler, the hill demands respect. It’s a place where history isn't just stored in books, but is baked into the very stones of the path. Wear good shoes, bring a camera, and be prepared to feel the "Wisconsin Idea" in action as you catch your breath at the summit.