The First Earth Day in Madison, Wisconsin
- Date Range
- April 22, 1970 – 1970
- Title
- The First Earth Day in Madison, Wisconsin
- What occurred
- On April 22nd of 1970, an estimated 20 million people from across the United States participated in demonstrations for the first Earth Day. Championed by Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin senator, Earth Day was a celebration that consisted of activities such as teach-ins and protests. In Madison, WI, many students of UW-Madison spent the day marched up and down the streets surrounding the Wisconsin State Capitol. Prior to Earth Day, the mayor, backed by city police, had revoked the permit for the coordinated parade/protest Madisonians had arranged. However, a group of passionate students marched on, confronted with riot-equipped policemen. Eventually, only a group of 30 protestors made it to the capitol, ending their demonstration by picking up litter on the capitol lawn.
- Location
- 2 E. Main Street, Madison WI 53702
- Image Citation
- https://mejo.us/earth-day-part-i-earth-day-1970-in-madison-wisconsin/
- Student name(s)
- Hailey Stoltenberg