Preserve America Community:
Fort Madison, Iowa
Named after a military post established during the term of President James Madison, Fort Madison, Iowa (population 11,000) was founded in 1838. Tucked between the banks of the Mississippi River and a set of bluffs, Fort Madison is home to a territorial penitentiary that was founded in 1839 and is still operational today. The Lee County Courthouse, built in 1841 and Iowa’s oldest courthouse in continuous use, is also located in Fort Madison.
While Fort Madison was originally developed as a river trading post, the town eventually became largely reliant on railroads and the manufacturing industry. These railroads still have a notable presence in Fort Madison, with nearly 100 freight trains passing through daily.
Highlights of Fort Madison include Old Fort Madison, a reconstruction of the frontier outpost used in the War of 1812. The site features tours and historical interpretation throughout the summer. A driving tour describing the town’s numerous Victorian homes is available. Fort Madison also has a community-supported museum that features many artifacts and exhibits from the original frontier outpost and the area’s participation in the Civil War.
In the late 1980’s, Fort Madison was designated a Certified Local Government (CLG) and has since received five grants from the State of Iowa in order to further its preservation efforts. Most recently, Fort Madison was given a grant by the Iowa Department of Transportation to improve the rail passenger platforms of a historic downtown train depot. The city is now working to return the depot to a fully functional and active arrival/departure station for Amtrak while still maintaining its traditional appearance.For more information
Fort Madison Visitors Guide: www.visitfortmadison.com
Old Fort Madison: www.oldfortmadison.comPosted June 26, 2007