Where in the World is Fort Madison?

Fort Madison is located along the Upper Mississippi River in the southeast corner of Iowa, situated between two river bluffs, along one of the widest portions of the Mississippi.

Originally, Fort Madison was one of three military posts founded in 1808 to establish control over the newly acquired territory of the Louisiana Purchase. The fort was named for President James Madison.

During the War of 1812, the fort was under siege by the British-allied Sauk and other Native American tribes, which eventually led to the Army abandoning the fort and burning it to the ground as they escaped under cover of darkness.

In the 1830s, early settlers arrived and built their homes near the ruins, naming the town that grew up around them Fort Madison.

When the Santa Fe Railway constructed a bridge over the Mississippi River in the late 19th Century, Fort Madison became a major rail hub.

The historic Santa Fe Depot opened in 1910 and was meant to be a showcase of Spanish colonial and Native American buildings.

It was also the inspiration behind the world famous Disneyland Depot. A young Walt Disney worked summers selling newspapers & snacks on the Fort Madison & Marceline, MO line, and really liked the depot’s style.

Fort Madison was flourishing around the turn of the century and many of its downtown historic buildings were built during this time.

Today, the Fort Madison Historic District is home to an eclectic mix of shops, services and restaurants. Its downtown area has been recognized as a “Main Street America”.

Special thanks to Randy Fraker for use of his drone footage of Fort Madison:

   / @floridaofiowaaerialsandpho1440  

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