2021 Senate Joint Resolution 65
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: commemorating the 185th anniversary of the convening of Wisconsin's first territorial legislature.
Whereas, an act of Congress established the Wisconsin Territory in 1836, setting in motion the formation of a territorial government; and
Whereas, President Andrew Jackson appointed Henry Dodge as the territorial governor, responsible for conducting a census, calling elections, designating a temporary seat of government, and convening the legislature; and
Whereas, Governor Dodge honored the town of Belmont with selection as the first territorial capitol; and
Whereas, legislators traveled from across the Wisconsin Territory to convene the first territorial legislature, comprised of a council and a house of representatives, on October 25, 1836; and
Whereas, buildings commissioned by John Atchison housed meetings of the first territorial legislature and lodged councilors and representatives; and
Whereas, the first territorial legislature passed 42 acts, addressing topics of great importance; and
Whereas, these acts set up a judicial system, designated a permanent capitol in Madison, established a university, called for the completion of various infrastructure projects, and prescribed the internal workings of the newly formed government; and
Whereas, this first meeting of the territorial legislature marked the beginning of a rich tradition still in practice today wherein lawmakers gather to debate and deliberate on the pressing topics of the day; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the members of the Wisconsin Legislature do hereby recognize October 25, 2021, as the 185th anniversary of the meeting of Wisconsin's first territorial legislature, commend the work of early lawmakers instrumental to the deliberation and approval of the first territorial acts, and reaffirm Wisconsin's continued commitment to the legislative process in order to promote and provide for the public good; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this joint resolution to the clerk of the Town of Belmont, the clerk of Lafayette County, and the Wisconsin Historical Society.
