North Hall (University of Wisconsin), Madison

North Hall, University of Wisconsin was the first structure on the University of Wisconsin campus. Located on Bascom Hill, it was built in 1851 at a cost of $19,000. John Muir resided in North Hall when he was a student at the university from 1860 to 1863. It currently houses the offices of the political science faculty at the university. Muir knoll, across the street, was home to the first American university ski tournament in 1920.

As the initial design was as a dormitory, the building was originally divided into twenty-four suites with a study room and one or two bedrooms. Classrooms were built on the fourth floor. In 1884, a fire destroyed Science Hall, which housed many of the classes on campus, so North Hall was re-purposed to hold classes and offices on all floors. The exterior has retained its original appearance. The interior has been largely remodeled, although original staircases are in place and some rooms maintain their original arrangements.