Fort Madison and the War of 1812 with State Archaeologist John Doershuk

Constructed in 1808, Fort Madison holds a pre-statehood connection to the westward expansion of the United States following the 1804 territorial purchase from France.

Join us for a presentation that explores this nationally-significant site, through work completed by the Office of the State Archaeologist. Investigations near the fort location revealed intact archaeological deposits representing the fort-era and battlefield activities, including portions of a landscape feature described in historical documents and now dubbed “Black Hawk’s ravine.”

These research efforts have greatly expanded knowledge of this early and significant historic site and provides the basis for refining site boundaries to encompass the battlefield and associated fort more accurately for research and preservation planning.

This presentation is open to the public and is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation in honor of the semiquincentennial anniversary of the United States of America (A250) activities in 2026.