Hiram Smith Hall and Annex

Hiram Smith Hall and Annex is a red brick university building featuring a complex roof design, asymmetric facade, and a tower with prominent chimneys at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The main structure and its later addition create a large complex used for teaching and research in agricultural sciences.

The building was constructed in 1891 as the first permanent dairy school in the western hemisphere, marking a turning point in agricultural education. An annex was added in 1909 to accommodate expanding educational needs.

The building reflects how agricultural education evolved in Wisconsin, shifting from early dairy training to modern farming science over time. Visitors can observe how the spaces were designed for hands-on learning.

The building sits on Observatory Drive and is easily accessible from the campus, with multiple entrances for visitors. Since it remains an active teaching facility, guided tours or open house days provide the best opportunities to see inside.

The building earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 for its Queen Anne architectural style, which was uncommon for university buildings of that period. This honor acknowledged both its distinctive design and its pioneering role in practical agricultural education.

Location: Madison

Architectural style: Queen Anne style architecture in the United States

GPS coordinates: 43.07583,-89.41167

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:44