<P> The University of Wisconsin -- Madison ( also known as University of Wisconsin , Wisconsin , UW , or regionally as UW -- Madison , or simply Madison ) is a public research university in Madison , Wisconsin , United States . Founded when Wisconsin achieved statehood in 1848 , UW -- Madison is the official state university of Wisconsin , and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System . It was the first public university established in Wisconsin and remains the oldest and largest public university in the state . It became a land - grant institution in 1866 . The 933 - acre ( 378 ha ) main campus includes four National Historic Landmarks . </P>
where is the university of wisconsin madison located
Madison , Wisconsin , United States