Madison County, Iowa
Allen, James, Stone Barn
Armstrong, George and Susan Guiberson, House
Bevington, C. D. and Eliza Heath, Privy
Bevington, C. D., House and Stone Barn
Bricker-Price Block
Church, Seymour, House
Cornell, W. J. and Nettie J., House
Craven, J. D., Women's Relief Corps Hall
Cunningham Bridge
Cutler-Donahue Covered Bridge
Drake, John and Amanda Bigler, House
Duff Barn
Duncan, John M., House
Earlham Public School
Early, John and Elizabeth McMurn, House
Evans, Henry and Elizabeth Adkinson, House
Ford, W. T., House
Guiberson House
Henderson, Daniel and Nancy Swaford, House
Hogback Covered Bridge
Holliwell Covered Bridge
Holmes, John S. and Elizabeth Beem, Barn
Hornback, Emily, House
Imes Covered Bridge
Kellogg, Miles and Elizabeth Smith, House
Lewis, Judge W.H. and Emma, Historic District
Macumber, John Andrew and Sara, Ice House
Madison County Courthouse
McDonald House
McQuie, Peter and Isabelle McCulloch, Milkhouse
Miller Bridge
Morgan Bridge
Nichols, William Anzi, House
North River Stone Schoolhouse
Ogburn, William, House
Queen, Hogan and Martha A. Runkle, House
Roseman Covered Bridge
Schnellbacher, John and Fredericka Meyer, House
Schoenenberger, Nicholas, House and Barn
Seerley, William and Mary (Messersmith) Barn and Milkhouse-Smokehouse
Shriver, William R. and Martha Foster, House
Smith, Hiram C., House
Smith, Hiram C., Milking Shed
Sprague, Brown, and Knowlton Store
St. Patrick's Church
Tidrick, Miller Richard and Mary Fisher, House
Vawter, J. G. and Elizabeth S., House
Wallace, Henry C., House
White, Munger and Company, Store
Wilson, Seth and Elizabeth, House
Winterset City Park Historic District
Winterset Courthouse Square Commercial Historic District
Winterset High School
101 East Jefferson
101 North John Wayne Drive
102 North 1st Avenue
102 West Court Avenue
103 North John Wayne Drive
105 North John Wayne Drive
106 East Jefferson
106 North 1st Avenue
107 John Wayne Drive
108 North 1st Avenue
109 John Wayne Drive
110 North First Avenue
112 North 1st Avenue
113 John Wayne Drive
114 North First Avenue
115 John Wayne Drive
116 North 1st Avenue
117 North John Wayne Drive
118 North 1st Avenue
119 North John Wayne Drive
120-122 North 1st Avenue
121 John Wayne Drive
124 North 1st Avenue
51 Jefferson Street
52 Court Avenue
53 Jefferson Street
54 Court Avenue
55 Jefferson Street
56 Court Avenue
57 Jefferson Street
58 Court Avenue
59 Jefferson Street
60 Court Avenue
61 Jefferson Street
63 Jefferson Street
64 Court Avenue
65 Jefferson Street
66 Court Avenue
67 Jefferson Street
68 Court Avenue
69 Jefferson
70, 72, 74 Court Avenue
71 Jefferson
73 Jefferson
Birthplace of John Wayne
Carnegie Building
Cedar Covered Bridge
Cutler-Donahoe Covered Bridge - 1870
George Leslie Stout
Hogback Covered Bridge
Madison County Freedom Rock
Middle River Water Trail
Middle River Water Trail
North River Schoolhouse
Roseman Covered Bridge
The Delicious Apple
Winterset Civil War Memorial
Winterset Veterans Memorial
Winterset World War I Memorial
During the mid-1800s, Madison County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad in the 1850s further stimulated economic growth, connecting the county to larger markets and facilitating trade and transportation. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's economy, with corn and livestock farming becoming dominant industries.
In the late 1800s, Madison County became known for its iconic covered bridges. Construction of these picturesque bridges began in the 1860s and continued until the early 1900s, with a peak of 19 bridges in the county. These covered bridges served as important transportation links, allowing farmers to cross rivers and streams even in inclement weather. Today, Madison County is famous for its covered bridges, and visitors from around the world come to appreciate their beauty and historical significance.
Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Modernization and technological advancements decreased the agricultural workforce, leading to a shift towards more diverse industries and a growing emphasis on tourism. Today, Madison County is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its charming covered bridges, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, while also serving as a vibrant community for residents.
Brief timeline of the history of Madison County, Iowa:
- 1846 - Madison County is established and named after President James Madison.
- 1851 - The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Kentucky and Indiana.
- 1854 - The county seat is established in Winterset.
- 1862 - The Winterset Public Library, the first library in town, is established.
- 1876 - The Winterset National Bank, the first bank in town, is established.
- 1879 - The construction of the Madison County Courthouse is completed.
- 1883 - The Winterset Independent School District is established.
- 1888 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad reaches Winterset, boosting economic growth.
- 1913 - The Iowa State Park Commission acquires land for what will become Pammel State Park.
- 1937 - Covered Bridges of Madison County are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1969 - The Bridges of Madison County novel by Robert James Waller is published, popularizing the area.
- 1995 - The Bridges of Madison County film adaptation starring Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep is released.
- 2020 - Madison County celebrates its 175th anniversary.
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Madison County, Iowa.