WASHINGTON –As an especially lively reflection of American history and architecture from the early 19^th century through the dawn of World War II, Madison, Indiana, brings the nation's heritage to life. The National Park Service’s new Madison, Indiana –  Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary features the Madison Historic District and highlights 40 historic places and neighborhoods within the district as well as important and interesting destinations to see close by.  Loaded with information, images, maps, and essays, the itinerary is available at:  http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/madison.

“The Madison itinerary is especially timely because the 2013 National Preservation Conference is being held later this year in Indiana,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “Madison is a showcase of the many values of historic preservation, and the itinerary vividly demonstrates its appeal to residents and visitors alike.”

Located in southern Indiana, historic Madison is home to a rare collection of hundreds of antebellum buildings, with continuing examples of American architecture through the New Deal Era. The Madison Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior in 2006.

In addition to the itinerary stops, Madison boasts hundreds more historic buildings and sites to see. Founded in 1809 as a modest Midwestern settlement on the north bank of the Ohio River, Madison soon grew into a bustling port and one of Indiana’s wealthiest towns during the 1820s and 1830s. It was also a hotbed of antislavery activity and an important stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. 

The National Park Service’s Heritage Education Services and Midwest Regional Office History and National Historic Landmarks Program produced this travel itinerary in partnership with the City of Madison and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers. The Madison itinerary is the 56th in the online Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary series. The itinerary series supports historic preservation, promotes public awareness of history, and encourages visits to historic places throughout the country.

 www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 398 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.