Debunking UW-Madison's Urban Legends

By Nikki Francois on September 25, 2013

We’ve all heard that UW-Madison urban legend about Sally receiving free tuition because a car hit her while she was walking. Ever wonder if it was true? Here’s the truth about that story and many other examples of UW-Madison’s top myths, hauntings, and urban legends.

1. You would receive free tuition  from UW-Madison after getting hit by a car. 

STATUS: False.

This is a popular campus tale that is told across the United States. Unfortunately, from what I can gather, it’s not true. So, please, don’t run in front of a bus to try and save some money.

2. UW-Madison is built on a Native American burial ground.

STATUS: True.

In fact, UW-Madison was built on over 39 Native American burial grounds, known as effigy mounds, according to Daniel Einstein of Campus Natural Areas. We have more burials grounds on our campus than any other college in the nation. Some can be seen at Picnic Point, while others have buildings such as Bascom built on top of them. Effigy mounds are usually shaped like an animal, such as an eagle or a bear. People believe we have disturbed these souls, thus one reason why people believe this campus is haunted.

3. Science Hall is haunted. 

STATUS: Well, maybe.

To begin with, it’s Hogwarts-like facade and long, dark hallways make the building perfect for ghost stories. These stories are derived from that fact that during its construction, a man was killed and several were injured. Thus, people believe that his ghost haunts the building.

In addition, Science Hall used to house the Anatomy Department according to the UW Alumni Association. Therefore, it housed many cadavers back in the day. However, people forgot to take them out, so students found random body parts in the building up until 1978. Talk about creepy – but probably not haunted.

4. An axe murderer attacked a woman in Memorial’s stacks. 

STATUS: True.

In 1979, a man dubbed the “Library Stalker” attacked a woman with an axe in Memorial Library, according to Ask Abe of the Wisconsin Alumni Association. The woman survived the attack with a deep cut. Eugene De Voe was sentenced five years in prison. Wonder why you have to show your ID when you enter Memorial Library? It’s because of him. Thank goodness, because those stacks are quite scary when you’re there alone.

5. UW-Madison has a secret society. 

STATUS: Well, it did.

The Iron Cross Society, founded in 1902, used to be secret and members were selected exclusively. Now, it’s more widely known on campus, and it even has its own website. Members are still selected by nomination of juniors and seniors on campus who show leadership and outstanding academic work. A notable alumnus is former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold.

6. There are two bodies buried under Abe on top of Bascom Hill. 

STATUS: True.

Two men, who died in the 1830′s, are buried on top of Bascom Hill near ol’ Abe, according to the UW Alumni Association. The bodies of William Nelson and Samuel Warren were discovered in 1909 when Abe was installed. If you go to the statue, you can see two small plaques behind Abe.

7. Someone died while performing in The Wisconsin Union Theater.

STATUS: True.

In 1950, the Minneapolis Symphony was performing when one of its members, Samuel Segal, collapsed and died on stage, according to the UW Alumni Association. People have claimed to see his ghost after this incident on multiple occasions. Before the construction on the theater last year, staff kept a candle lit in his spirit’s honor during performances. I’m wondering if the ghost will come back when the theater is rebuilt.

8. There’s an underground system of tunnels where a man lives. 

STATUS: Kind of true.

Yes, there’s an elaborate underground system of tunnels under the UW Campus.  No, they don’t house people. They are for steam and heat. A lot of them are actually large enough to walk through. I’m calling them the empty catacombs of Madison. Many students try to figure out ways to solve the mysteries of the tunnels. You can read about  experiences in the tunnels on this Reddit thread, it’s  very interesting.

A man dubbed “Tunnel Bob” can sometimes be spotted in the tunnels, according to John Harrod, university physical plant manager. I’m pretty sure I heard him walk under me the other day as I walked over a vent on West Johnson.

9.Camp Randall is haunted. 

STATUS: Could be.

Camp Randall used to be the site of a Civil War training ground and a camp for Confederate prisoners, according to the Alumni Association. Many  prisoners died there, so people believe Camp Randall is haunted by their ghosts.

Another fun fact of the day: a firing range used to be under Camp Randall  until just 2004.

 

I’m sure there are many more Wisconsin legends to be debunked, and many more places that are haunted on campus. Friends of mine are convinced their dorm is haunted, so the hauntings may be ongoing.

 

Have a story to share?  Tell me in a comment or email me at nfrancois@wisc.edu.

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