Madison County, Tennessee

107 East Lafayette 109 E. Lafayette 110 N. Liberty 111 E. Lafayette 113 E. Lafayette 115 E. Lafayette 117 N. Liberty 117-119 E. Lafayette 208 N. Liberty 209 E. Main 209-217 N. Church 212 E. Main 213 E. Main 214 E. Main 215 E. Baltimore 215 E. Main 216 E. Main 217 East Main 218 East Main 312-320 E. Lafayette 316-318 E. Lafayette 61st US Colored Infantry Regiment 7th Tennessee Cavalry Memorial Adam Huntsman Andersons & Claytons Memorial Armstrong's Raid Austin Raymond Merry Battle of Britton Lane Battle of Britton's Lane Battle of Salem Cemetery Bemis United Methodist Church Bemis United Methodist Parsonage Bond-Horton Building Britton Lane Britton Lane Union Monument Butler Race Track c. 1825 / Memphis Conference Female Institute 1843-1923 Camp Beauregard Campbell's Levee Bridge Carl Lee Perkins City Place Cotton Grove David Crockett Denmark Danes Denmark Danes Denmark Presbyterian Church Denmark Presbyterian Church Cemetery Denmark Presbyterian Church Mulberry Grove Elite Building F.E. Anderson & Co. Cotton Yard First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Flag Bearer for Denmark Danes Forrest's Raid General Ulysses S. Grant Greyhound Bus Station Haywood County / Madison County Historic Bemis Holland's Building Home of Casey Jones Illinois Central Railroad Division Office In Memory Of Merry Boy Jackson Jackson Spoke Here Jackson's First Free Library John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson John Luther Jones John Murrell Jones' Anglewood Lambuth College Lane College Large Oak Tree Lynching in America / Lynching in Madison County Mabel Louise "Big Maybelle" Smith Madison County Confederate Monument Madison County Memorial Flame Madison County World War I Memorial Fountain Merry High School Monroe Dunaway Anderson 1873-1939 / Anderson, Clayton & Company Mother Liberty CME Church Occupation of Jackson On June 6, 1862 Pinson Mounds Port Jackson Reelfoot and Laughing Eyes Riverside Cemetery Seven Pillars Skirmish At Carroll Station St. Luke's Episcopal Church The Battle of Salem Cemetery The Electro Chalybeate Well The Jackson Memorial Carillon and Carillon Tower at First Presbyterian Church This Log Cabin was from Henderson County Union University Unknown Sentry Stands Guard Willow Banks / Chevy Chase World War I Memorial Fountain
Madison County, located in western Tennessee, has a rich and diverse history that spans over two centuries. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw, before European settlers arrived in the late 18th century. In 1819, the county was established and named in honor of the fourth president of the United States, James Madison.

During the early years, agriculture played a vital role in the county's economy. Cotton became the dominant crop, leading to the establishment of numerous plantations worked by enslaved laborers. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century fueled economic growth and connected Madison County to larger markets, facilitating the transportation of goods and people.

Madison County experienced significant strife during the American Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place in the area. The county was also impacted by Reconstruction policies following the war, as efforts to rebuild and transform the region were met with resistance and racial tensions persisted.

In the 20th century, Madison County evolved into a center for education and healthcare. The establishment of the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1927 and the construction of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in 1950 played crucial roles in shaping the county's modern landscape. Throughout the years, the county has continued to grow and diversify, becoming a vibrant community known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and strong sense of community.
Brief timeline of the history of Madison County, Tennessee:

  • 1821 - Madison County was officially established on November 7
  • 1822 - Jackson became the county seat and major city
  • 1835 - Lambuth College (now known as University of Memphis - Lambuth Campus) was established in Jackson
  • 1862-1865 - Madison County saw significant activity during the American Civil War
  • 1865 - Freedmen's Bureau established in Jackson to aid emancipated slaves
  • 1954 - Interstate 40 was completed, running through Madison County
  • 1979 - Casey Jones Village, a popular tourist attraction, opened in Jackson
  • 1999 - The West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex opened in Jackson
  • 2005 - Former President George W. Bush visited Madison County to view Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madison County, Tennessee.

Audiobooks about the history of Tennessee.