Colonel Michael Frank

Father of Wisconsin Public Schools

On Feb. 24, 1845, as Territorial Legislator, he secured enactment of law authorizing free public education in Southport only. As a result first free school in the Union outside of New England opened in Southport, now Kenosha, June 18, 1845. This school and his continued efforts led to adoption of provision for free schools in the Wisconsin constitution.

[Erected] June 18, 1945