Early Fort Madison History

Old black-and-white photo of a wooden fort near a large body of water, with trees in the background and a dirt path leading to the fort.
Seven prisoners dressed in black and white striped uniforms stand in line in front of a brick wall, with a man in a cap observing them.
Black and white photograph of a railway track along a water body with bridges and industrial structures, viewed from the front of the train.

Santa Fe Bridge

Vintage black-and-white photo of Santa Fe station in Fort Madison, Iowa, with a train platform and tracks in the foreground, and a station building with a sign that reads 'Fort Madison'.
Historical black and white photo of a parade with a decorated float and a crowd of people gathered on the street.

German Heritage

Black-and-white photo of a group of eight children standing outdoors, wearing festival or cultural costumes, with some holding flag or striped props. A decorated backdrop with flowers and an American flag is behind them.

Fort Madison Area Museums

Historical black and white photo of Santa Fe Depot and Fort Madison, Iowa, showing train tracks, a station building, some trees, and various buildings and power lines in the background.

North Lee County Historical Society

A yellow vintage rail maintenance vehicle with the words 'SAFETY FIRST' on its side, displayed indoors against a brick wall. It has a small cabin with windows and a radiator at the front.

 Transportation Museum

An old-fashioned fire truck with large red wheels on display indoors, with people seated and balloons floating in the background.

NLCHS Fire, Police & Rescue Museum

Sheaffer Pen Museum in Fort Madison Iowa

Sheaffer Pen Museum

A display of Western-themed items including cowboy boots, saddles, vintage Western shirts, and cowboy hats, with a sign indicating Ft. Madison, Iowa Rodeo City.

Tri-State Rodeo Museum

Person holding a bundle of thick, tan-colored ropes in a room decorated with vintage military clothing and gear.

Historic Old Fort Madison

Exterior mural on a red building with a red metal roof, showing scenes of local history, wildlife, and boats, with a green lawn in front and a clear blue sky above.

Hunold Heritage Museum

Interior of a rustic log cabin exhibit with wooden logs, furniture, and display plaques.

Richard Proenneke Museum

Three men inspecting the inside of a large wooden boat under construction, with national flags hanging above in a workshop setting.

The Phoenician

Take a unique glimpse into our past!

This is our town...a film about Fort Madison from 1954.

Documentary about the Historic Iowa State Penitentiary.

A tribute to W. A. Sheaffer.

Fort Madison Archeology of Old Fort Madison

Museums