Boarding houses and jails, deemed unsatisfactory for the County's "unfortunates", prompted establishment of the Dane County Poor Farm on this site in 1854. A two-story brick structure housed all the disadvantaged until 1883 when an asylum for the mentally ill was built a short distance to the north.

Both facilities added buildings and improvements as resident numbers and requirements increased, including a "Leper House" for infectious diseases, four miles south of the Farm. By 1900 the original 140 acres had increased to 624, providing farm products for the complex. The dairy operation was phased out during the 1960s.

From the original capacity of 80, the hospital/home population grew to nearly 600 by the 1970s. Many residents who died here were buried in the cemetery west of the hospital. The Badger Prairie Health Care Center now offers treatment for 140 county residents with special needs.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Verona, WI  |  Dane County  |  53593  |  Wisconsin  |  United States of America

John Mann House
Illinois Central Depot
Dogtown - Fish Hatchery School
Paoli
Middleton's Beginning
Dogtown - Fish Hatchery School
Swan Pond
Nakoma
Lake Harriet School
University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.