THE MONARCH CONNECTION
Fort Madison’s Living Link to Mexico
Each fall, Fort Madison becomes part of one of nature’s greatest migrations — the journey of the monarch butterflies traveling thousands of miles from the Midwest to their overwintering grounds in Mexico. These colorful travelers don’t just pass through; they pause here to rest and refuel on their way south, linking our Mississippi River town to the mountains of Michoacán in a breathtaking natural bridge between two cultures.
A Shared Heritage
Our connection to Mexico runs deeper than geography. The Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia) — native to Mexico — blooms brightly throughout late summer and fall, offering nourishment to the monarchs as they prepare for migration. In Mexican culture, the monarch butterfly holds deep symbolism, representing the returning spirits of loved ones during Día de los Muertos. The timing of their arrival in Mexico aligns beautifully with that celebration, making their journey a living symbol of remembrance and renewal.
A Proposal for Partnership
Fort Madison Tourism Bureau is exploring the idea of adopting the Mexican Sunflower as our official city flower, while our Mexican Village could adopt the monarch butterfly as its official symbol. Together, the flower and butterfly form a powerful emblem of unity — representing growth, beauty, and connection across cultures and borders.
By planting Tithonia alongside milkweed (the monarch caterpillar’s only host plant), we can create vital feeding and breeding areas to support these pollinators while celebrating our shared heritage.
Growing a Monarch City
The goal is to make Fort Madison a designated Monarch City, recognized for our conservation efforts and commitment to biodiversity. Imagine bright orange blooms lining our streets, filling our parks, and welcoming visitors to events — a living reminder that we are rooted in heritage and growing for the future.
Our Symbol, Our Story
The Mexican Sunflower — Official Flower of Fort Madison
Rooted in Heritage. Growing for the Future.
Together, we can make Fort Madison a city that celebrates culture, conservation, and community — one flower, one butterfly, and one story at a time.