Early Religious Life
The earliest religious gatherings were held in private homes, schools, or public buildings until the individual congregations organized and constructed structures. Congregations formed quickly:...
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Community Settlement
Establishment of Madison was part of a larger movement to settle the Georgia frontier and the westward population shift. The first division of town land created 48 original lots, each...
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Civic Advancement
The Town of Madison Board of Commissioners selected one of their body each year to serve as President until an 1876 charter amendment incorporated the “City” of Madison and vested leadership in a...
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Banking Institutions
Prior to the development of the modern financial institutions, many enterprises and ventures were funded through the sale of subscriptions or shares (e.g. railroad, newspapers). Bank startups...
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Antebellum Architecture
As the county gained more plantations, Madison attracted nearby planters desiring to shop, socialize, learn, and worship. Some planters also built in-town homes. Antebellum architecture reflected...
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Advanced Education Center
Religious denominations organized Georgia’s first colleges for women. Madison flourished as an educational center following the 1850 incorporation of both the Georgia Female College (Baptist),...
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Bostwick
Named in honor of the family who contributed substantially to the economic success of the community, Bostwick was incorporated by the Georgia legislature in 1902. By 1897, before it was...
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Madison
Named in honor of U.S. President James Madison, the town of Madison was established as the permanent seat of Morgan County and incorporated December 12, 1809. Surveyor Lewis MacLean laid out the...
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In Memory of Matthew Talbot
In memory of Matthew Talbot B. Nov. 27, 1729 Virginia, and his son William Talbot D. 1831 in Walton Co., GA. William bought this land in 1807 and built his home here. Both men served in...
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Early Public Forum
Common among the counties during the settlement period, Morgan County (1807) first transacted public business at a private residence – Fields Kennedy's home. After Madison was designated as the...
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Madison Railroad Station
Georgia Railroad chartered in 1833 reached Madison from Augusta in 1841. This, the first brick station in Georgia, was built by John B. Walker on land deeded by Adam B. Saffold. It was...
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Segregated Burial Grounds
Historic burial traditions parallel both the societal structure and economic status of the period. Old Cemetery reveals racially distinct sections reflected in the notable absence of family plots...
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Madison Historic Cemetery
The municipal burial ground is a composite of four cemeteries reflecting the stages of community development. Early Madisonians first established a collective cemetery at the edge of town...
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Reconstruction Property Rights
Georgia´s General Assembly of 1865-1866 passed important property rights laws for its black population, most of whom had recently been emancipated. Blacks could legally buy, sell, inherit, and...
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Swords
Named in honor of the family who contributed substantially to the economic success of the community, Swords has its roots in the success of the J.B. Swords Distillery. This industrial operation...
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