Historical Markers in
Madison County, Iowa

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
The first American casualty of World War I was a sailor from Iowa named Merle Hay. He was killed when the German submarine U-58 torpedoed the USS Jacob Jones on December 6, 1917.
Iowa random facts
Madison County, Iowa, has a rich history rooted in early settlement and development. The area was originally inhabited by Native American groups such as the Ioway, Sauk, and Meskwaki tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1840s, drawn to the fertile land and potential for farming. The county was officially established on January 13, 1846, and named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.