Civic Madison Essay --- Madison, Indiana: A Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary

An 1890s panoramic view taken from the Madison hill. Notice the smoke
billowing out of factories and Trinity Church’s steeple.
Courtesy of the Jefferson County Historical Society Research Library

Founded by John Paul and his associates Lewis Davis and Jonathan Lyons, the City of Madison on the Ohio River dates back to 1809. While life in Madison has changed considerably since this early date, the buildings and objects that remain part of Madison’s civic landscape are good reminders of early public concerns and ideas. Many historic buildings retain their original functions, which has contributed to the preservation of the town’s historic civic architecture.

The original plat of Madison included 10 streets. The plat was bounded on the east by East Street, on the west by West Street, on the north by Fourth Street, and on the south by High (now First) Street. Main Cross (now Main) and Main (now Jefferson) Streets were built wider than the other streets, reflecting the founders’ intentions that these were to be the primary arteries through town. Later additions, rather than extending streets outward in the cardinal directions in which they were platted, were laid out with greater emphasis placed on the course of the river. This accounts for the noticeable bend in Main Street at its intersection with West Street.

A farmers market in front of the
Jefferson County Courthouse, c.1910.
Courtesy of the Jefferson County Historical Society Research Library

Improvements to streets included grading and gutters. Many of the streets were graded after significant residences had been built along them. This is apparent on Poplar Lane between First and Second Streets, where the yards of the Schofield and Talbott-Hyatt Houses are contained by high retaining walls and the basements are partially exposed. The houses were constructed at grade. It was only later that Poplar Lane was significantly lowered to ease the transport of goods to and from the river. The historic stone gutters that were also part of street improvements dating back to the 1850s are still visible at many points in the city.

The construction and grading of Ferry Street in 1839 necessitated removal of the city’s first cemetery. The cemetery was located near the intersection of Ferry Street and Park Avenue. Disturbed remains were consolidated in one casket and reinterred at the Third Street Cemetery, now John Paul Park. However, the Third Street Cemetery was abandoned that same year in favor of the new Springdale Cemetery.

Fire was a concern of Madison residents at an early date. In 1830, the city passed an ordinance banning the construction of wood buildings within certain parts of the city. That same year, Madison’s first firefighting group, the Union Volunteer Fire Company, formed. Later in the decade, a brief and failed attempt by the town to support full-time firefighters caused volunteer firemen to reorganize, this time as the Fair Play Fire Company. Several other fire companies subsequently formed and still operate in Madison. In fact, a notable feature of the town is that it still relies solely on the services of volunteer fire companies.