Old Fort Madison

Built in 1808, Fort Madison was a government factory, or trading post, which carried on lucrative trade with the Native peoples of the Upper Mississippi. It was the third highest grossing factory in the nation from 1808 to 1811. When the War of 1812 broke out the post found itself under frequent attack by Native forces.

Today, the reconstructed fort is open for visitors to step into the past. Costumed interpreters relate the stories of frontier existence in early Iowa and special events occur each summer.