Old Fort Madison

Come, step back in time at historic Old Fort Madison, Iowa, the Midwest's oldest American military garrison on the upper Mississippi River. Discover what life was like at a United States fur trading post on the rugged frontier of the Missouri Territory. Learn the exciting heritage of Iowa before it was a state and of its involvement in the War of 1812. This historic installation was home to Captain Horatio Stark's Company of the 1st Regiment, United States Infantry from 1808 to 1813.

The Louisiana Territory opened up and Fort Madison was built. Today it is remembered with an accurate reconstruction of the first military fort on the upper Mississippi.

Discover military life on the rugged frontier of the Louisiana Territory. Learn the exciting heritage of Iowa before it was a state and of its involvement in the War of 1812.

The historic garrison was home to the 1st Regiment U.S. Infantry from 1808-1813.

Take a tour of the Fort and get a feeling for what life was like at a military garrison. You will be greeted by guides dressed in era appropriate clothing, they will encourage you to participate with hands-on experience of trying a fresh-baked morsel, dipping a candle, hefting a Springfield musket, or just interacting with interpreters.

In part, the fort served to protect the government "factory," or trading post, where area Sauk and Fox could exchange furs and lead for hunting knives, animal traps, blankets, iron tools, fishhooks and other manufactured goods. The post was also intended to secure the American frontier in that region.

Explore Related Categories