Dane County, Wisconsin

Dane County, Wisconsin
source
County	Dane County
State	Wisconsin
Founded	1836
Seat	Madison, Wisconsin
Largest city	Madison, Wisconsin
Area total sq mi	1,238
Population as of	2020
Population total	561,504

Dane County, Wisconsin is a county located in the south-central part of Wisconsin, bordered by Columbia County, Wisconsin to the north, Green County, Wisconsin to the south, Iowa County, Wisconsin to the west, and Jefferson County, Wisconsin to the east. The county is home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, one of the largest universities in the University of Wisconsin System, and is situated near Lake Monona and Lake Mendota. The county seat, Madison, Wisconsin, is also the capital of Wisconsin and is located near the Yahara River. The county is part of the Madison, Wisconsin Metropolitan Statistical Area and is close to Dodge County, Wisconsin and Rock County, Wisconsin.

Geography

Dane County, Wisconsin is situated in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin, characterized by unique geological features such as bluffs and valleys. The county is drained by several rivers, including the Yahara River, which flows into Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, and the Sugar River, which flows into the Pecatonica River. The county is also home to several parks and natural areas, including Governor Nelson State Park, Lake Kegonsa State Park, and the University of Wisconsin Arboretum. The Ice Age Trail also passes through the county, near Cross Plains, Wisconsin and Verona, Wisconsin. The county's geography is similar to that of neighboring Sauk County, Wisconsin and Grant County, Wisconsin.

History

The area that is now Dane County, Wisconsin was originally inhabited by the Ho-Chunk and Menominee Native American tribes. The county was established in 1836 and was named after Nathan Dane, a Massachusetts lawyer who helped to establish the Northwest Territory. The county was settled primarily by European Americans from New York and New England, who were attracted by the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county played an important role in the American Civil War, with many residents serving in the Union Army and the 20th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The county is also home to the Wisconsin Historical Society and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Geology Museum.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Dane County, Wisconsin was 561,504, with a population density of 454 people per square mile. The county is home to a diverse population, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The county has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with many attending University of Wisconsin–Madison, Edgewood College, and Madison Area Technical College. The county is also home to a large number of Hmong Americans, who settled in the area in the 1970s and 1980s. The county's demographics are similar to those of neighboring Dane County, Wisconsin and Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

Government

Dane County, Wisconsin is governed by a County board of supervisors, who are elected by the residents of the county. The county is also home to the Dane County Sheriff's Office and the Madison Police Department. The county has a number of townships, including Town of Madison and Town of Middleton. The county is part of Wisconsin's 2nd congressional district and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Mark Pocan. The county is also home to the Wisconsin State Capitol and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Law School.

Economy

The economy of Dane County, Wisconsin is diverse, with a mix of Agriculture, Manufacturing, and services. The county is home to a number of major employers, including University of Wisconsin–Madison, Epic Systems, and American Family Insurance. The county is also a major center for Biotechnology and Information technology, with a number of companies located in the University Research Park. The county is part of the Madison Region Economic Partnership and is home to the Dane County Regional Airport. The county's economy is similar to that of neighboring Rock County, Wisconsin and Walworth County, Wisconsin.

Education

Dane County, Wisconsin is home to a number of educational institutions, including University of Wisconsin–Madison, Edgewood College, and Madison Area Technical College. The county is also served by the Madison Metropolitan School District and the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. The county has a number of libraries, including the Madison Public Library and the University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries. The county is also home to the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery and the Morgridge Institute for Research. The county's education system is similar to that of neighboring Sauk County, Wisconsin and Iowa County, Wisconsin. Category:Wisconsin counties