April 20, 1836 – The Territory of Wisconsin is established.

Yup, it’s a fact. Between April 20, 1836 and July 4, 1838, Iowa (see map above) was part of Badger country! And on October 25, 1836, Governor Henry Dodge – overseeing this new U.S. Territory from his office in the capital city of Belmont, Wisconsin – called the first Wisconsin Territorial Legislature to order. It was during those sessions when it was decided that the new capital city of Wisconsin Territory would be located in Madison. But alas, since Mad City had no facilities for such gatherings, a temporary capital was named – Burlington, Iowa!

A Day-by-Day Calendar of Historical Events In Iowa, William J. Petersen, State Historical Society of Iowa, 1946, p 39

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