Why is there a Christmas tree at The Gateway Garden?

Because .....

Williamson Street was once a pathway used by the Ho-Chunk.  In the early years of settlement, Williamson Street became a narrow road, with businesses located on the lake side in Machinery Row, and homes and commercial buildings on the other. In the 1940's, the houses and commercial buildings were torn down to widen the street and create the westbound lanes we drive on today. One of the houses destroyed was the imposing brick home of the Reiner family.

Immigrants from Germany and Switzerland, the Reiner family settled in Madison in the 1850's, and built a home and blacksmith business on the 600 block of Willy Street. In 1855, they erected what is believed to be the first Christmas tree in Madison and perhaps the U.S.  Their home and business were demolished when the street was widened almost a hundred years later.

The Reiner family donated a conifer at The Gateway Garden years ago to commemorate the first Christmas tree.  It was removed during the redesign of The Gateway Garden, and a new tree planted in a nearby location.  Unfortunately, that tree, plus its replacement, died.  The current tree was planted in June 2021.  A Virginia Juniper 'Canaertii' was selected because it is native to Wisconsin and is believed to be the type of evergreen that the Reiners would have erected as their first Christmas tree.  It is lit by the family every holiday season - please come by to enjoy!