Madison is the capital city of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the second-most populous city in the state with a population of 269,840 at the 2020 census, while the Madison metropolitan area has an estimated 708,000 residents. Centrally located on an isthmus between Lakes Mendota and Monona, the vicinity also encompass Lakes Wingra, Kegonsa and Waubesa. Madison was founded in 1836 and is named after American Founding Father and President James Madison. It is the county seat of Dane County.