Rodeo cowboy riding a bucking horse in an arena full of spectators.
A lively outdoor celebration with a crowd watching a traditional Mexican dance performance in front of a decorated stage, featuring dancers in colorful dresses and hats, and spectators gathered around.
A brown adult and a small brown puppy lying on the ground in a rural area. There is a grassy patch and a fence in the background with trees and power lines.
Four horses with saddles and bridles tied to a wooden fence, standing in front of a white shed and a blooming pink tree, with a partly cloudy sky.
Amtrak train parked at Fort Madison train station with brick building and sign, under blue sky.
Sunset over a river with a partially dismantled train bridge.
Sunset over a marina with boats docked at piers, partly cloudy sky with the sun partially obscured, calm water reflecting the sky, a breakwater extends into the water on the left, and buildings are visible in the distance on the right.
Black and white photo of Iowa State Prison in Fort Madison, showing prison walls, watchtower, water tower, and prison buildings with a hill in the background.

The Sound of SE Iowa

Fort Madison's story has always been shaped by the Mississippi River, the people who made their lives along its banks, and the roads and rails that carried their stories west.

Southeast Iowa singer-songwriter William Elliott Whitmore grew up in the region and has spent his career turning the landscape, people and experiences of the Midwest into music.

Take a listen to “Hell or High Water” and hear a little of the soul of the place we call home.

William Elliott Whitmore

American blues, country, and folk singer-songwriter and native of Southeast Iowa.

MORE TO COME!