Charting the course of Sun Prairie's history

May 26, 1837

The Birds embark on a journey

After being elected as one of three commissioners responsible for the building of a new capitol for the Territory of Wisconsin, Augustus Bird, his brother Charles and a cohort of 45 men travel from Milwaukee to Madison.

June 5, 1837

Where the sun meets the prairie

After a nine-day journey filled with nothing but clouds, storms and rain, the sun finally shines upon the men.

In search of a place to rest, the travelers stumble across the borders of a stretch of beautiful land — just two miles east from where Sun Prairie is currently located — and a halo of sunshine radiates on the prairie ahead of them. In a moment of relief and joy, the men carve the name "Sun Prairie" into a nearby oak tree.

1839

Settling into Sun Prairie

Just two years later, Charles returns to Sun Prairie to build a home for his family, becoming the town's first white settler.

For centuries, Sun Prairie was a mainly agricultural town.

Feb. 2, 1846

The town of Sun Prairie is created

1859

Residents ride the rails to prosperity

The construction of a railroad from Milwaukee to the Baraboo valley causes a stir in the residents of Sun Prairie in 1859. The proposed path of the railroad would just narrowly miss the village, cutting the community off from the promise of trade and economic growth that would come with a new railroad.

Residents begin to form committees, where they draft legislation for the route of the Milwaukee and Baraboo Valley Railroad to be changed. The bill passes, marking a major victory for Sun Prairie and launching the community into a period of growth. Following the completion of the railroad, Sun Prairie flourishes economically.

1868

Village of Sun Prairie is incorporated

An act by the Wisconsin Legislature incorporates the Village of Sun Prairie in 1868.

The village's first local government is then formed, including Sun Prairie president Col. William Angell and his three trustees.

Sun Prairie's Main Street circa 1875

Today, Main Street is part of Sun Prairie's historic downtown district.

1956

On the road

In 1956, the new four-lane Highway 151 is constructed, connecting Sun Prairie to Madison.

1958

Sun Prairie is incorporated as a city

Sun Prairie had a population of 2,263 people in 1950, according to the U.S. Census. Just 10 years later, its population rose to 4,000.

Today

A thriving city

Sun Prairie is considered one of the fastest-growing cities in Wisconsin.

Sun Prairie has come a long way since the days of its early settlers.

Today, nearly 34,000 people live in the city of Sun Prairie. It has quickly grown into a suburb of Madison and is continuing to expand rapidly. In 2030, its population is expected to surpass 40,000.

Appreciate