Early Fort Madison History

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.

Old Fort Madison

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.

Historic Iowa State Penitentiary

Black and white photograph of a railway track along a water body with bridges and industrial structures, viewed from the front of the train.

1927 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'.

Santa Fe Depot Complex

Mexican Heritage

COMING SOON!

Native American Heritage

Historical black and white photo of a parade with a decorated float and a crowd of people gathered on the street.

COMING SOON!

German Heritage

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

Fort Madison 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.

Children’s Museum & Transportation Museum

CB&Q Depot's Children's & Transportation Museum

Summer Hours