At that time, this vast area was sparsely settled, with a total population of about 22,000. In 1836, Milwaukee had under 2,000 people. Madison was only wooded hills and swamps between the four lakes, which had just been bought by James Doty and some other real estate speculators with an eye toward founding a city there.
The text describes a sparsely populated area with a small population in the past. By 1836, Milwaukee had a very low population compared to its current size. Madison was initially a forested region that was purchased by James Doty and other investors for the purpose of establishing a city there.