Madison, Indiana – History & Fun Facts

Madison, Indiana was home to a booming steamboat port and Indiana’s first railroad
Beautiful Madison, Indiana, established more than two centuries ago, is a perfect blend of old and new. Founded in 1809 along the Ohio River, Madison featured a buzzing steamboat port and was the very first stop on Indiana’s first railroad. Its easy river and train access attracted large commerce and industry and led to an economic boom in the mid-nineteenth century. At that time Madison, Indiana rivalled the growth of large cities such as Indianapolis and New Albany.

Madison, Indiana: an important link in the Underground Railroad
Madison’s easy access to the Ohio River also made it, like other riverside towns, a link to the Underground Railroad. Our town was home to many important historical figures such as Elijah Anderson, William Anderson, and George DeBaptiste. These freedom fighters lived in the Georgetown District of downtown Madison and played an important role in the formation of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church, now owned by Historic Madison, Inc., is a historically documented link in the Underground Railroad. The building has been renovated and is located on East 5th Street in downtown, Madison.

Madison, Indiana in the movies
Madison, Indiana has more than one tie to Hollywood. The actress Irene Dunne, who starred in 42 movies and was nominated for 5 Academy Awards, spent part of her youth here. Her family’s home, as well as her grandparents’ home, are located on West 2nd Street.  Madison was also the backdrop for the Hollywood film “Some Came Running”, starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Shirley MacClaine. In 2001 the movie “Madison”, which centered around the hydroplane Gold Cup race that has become an annual tradition here, was filmed on location on the Ohio River. The movie starred Jake Lloyd, Jim Caviezel, Mary McCormack, Paul Dooley, and Bruce Dern, and featured many local residents as extras.

When you visit Madison, Indiana, make sure you stop by Chandler Chevrolet for all your car-related needs. We’re a locally owned and family operated business that supports important causes, events, schools, and organizations in Madison and its surrounding communities!

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