STORY IDEAS – MADISON INDIANA
DATE: 2006
CONTACT: Linda Lytle, Executive Director
812-265-2956
800-559-2956
Madison, Indiana, 2006 – Between imposing bluffs to the north and the Ohio River to the south, Madison Indiana flourishes as a destination for families, history buffs, couples, nature lovers, and recreation enthusiasts. Located in Southeast Indiana just a short drive from Cincinnati, Ohio, Louisville, Kentucky, and Indianapolis, Indiana, Madison is most noted for its picturesque setting and historic district. Overflowing with shops, restaurants, cozy B & B’s, wineries, historic sites, and home to Clifty Falls State Park, Madison offers a fun, safe, get away appealing to wide range of tastes.
Charles Kuralt wrote, “For me the princess of the rivers (sorry, St Louis; forgive me, Memphis) is unquestionably Madison, Indiana. To walk through Madison’s leafy streets is to vow faithfulness to this regal lady forever.”
Historic Madison -Designated by First Lady Laura Bush as Indiana’s first Preserve America’s Community and noted by Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, as a “national trendsetter” in the preservation movement, Madison is a historic jewel. The recipient of many awards and commendations, the city of Madison is committed to leading the preservation movement.
With 133 blocks (over 2,000 structures) of the country’s most notable architecture all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Madison is Indiana’s largest historic district. Three sites, The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, the Shrewsbury-Windel House, and Eleutherian College are designated as National Historic Landmarks. Madison has been awarded National Historic Landmark District designation joining Savannah and Charleston as national treasures.
Included in Madison’s historic district and open to the public are a 19th century horse and buggy doctor’s office, a Greek Revival style townhouse, Madison’s first mansion, an 1816 Federal style home – believed to be Madison’s first two-story tavern, the country’s only restored 19th century saddletree factory, an 1865 railroad station and the Lanier Mansion & formal garden. Adding to the richness of the Madison experience is the historic downtown business district, home to a varied selection of specialty shops, artists, cafes, and restaurants.
Madison’s uniqueness and appeal is a reflection of the desire, creativity, vitality & success in combining 21st century living while preserving and cherishing the 19th century setting. “Madison, Indiana is often called a living museum of styles, building types and eras, but the accent is on the living.” – America’s Forgotten Architecture, National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Underground Railroad –The cornerstones of the Madison/Jefferson County area in the Underground Railroad movement are Eleutherian College, the Lyman Hoyt House, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church within Madison’s Georgetown neighborhood. The Indiana Historical Bureau has named both Eleutherian College and nearby Lyman Hoyt House as official sites of the Underground Railroad. In recognition of its significant role in the Underground Railroad movement, The National Park Service designated Madison’s Georgetown neighborhood as America’s first and only Network to Freedom district.
Historic Eleutherian College, listed on the National Historic Register, named as a National Historic Landmark, and recognized by the Network to Freedom as an Underground Railroad site was founded in 1848. It was the first college to educate with no regard to race or gender. The college is open to visitors and offers a glimpse into pre-civil war America. To help his students’ understanding of Madison’s Underground Railroad heritage, Hanover College Professor Ted Farell leads students across the Ohio River to Hanover Beach then on to Eleutherian College.
In Spring 2006, restoration of the African Methodist Episcopal Church owned by Historic Madison, Inc., a non-profit preservation organization, is expected to begin. John Stacier, HMI Executive Director, says, it will be “a memorial to the Underground Railroad in this section of the country and explore the African American heritage”.
Development has begun on a driving tour and promotional literature linking three Indiana Underground Railroad sites, Eleutherian College, the Carnegie Center in New Albany, and the Levi Coffin House in Fountain City, known as gateways into the state for Freedom seekers. The goal is to reflect the larger Indiana story and continue collaboration with Cincinnati’s Freedom Center.
Indiana State Barbeque Cook-off – Known as “Porkopolis” in the 1800’s, it seems fitting that Madison hosts the Indiana State Barbeque Cook-Off every August beginning on the third Friday. More than 47 top contenders from all over the United States invade Madison to compete in this Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned event. These contestants, many featured on the Food Network, represent the stars of the barbeque stage. Such barbeque notables as Lee McWright, 2002 National Barbeque Champion and leader of the only barbeque team in the country to place in the national top ten for the last 6yrs will be competing for more than $10,0000 in prize money and the opportunity to represent Indiana at national competitions makes this serious business.
The Indiana State Barbeque Cook-Off is just one part of Madison Ribberfest, Barbeque, Blues, & Balloons, held along the riverfront on the third Friday & Saturday in August. Ribberfest features the best in barbeque (amateur & professional), national blues acts and the wonder of hot air ballooning.
Rollin’ on the River, Biking in Madison – Rolling hills, spectacular scenery, and friendly towns characterize biking along the Ohio River Scenic Byway. When you roll into Madison/Jefferson County, you will have the opportunity to explore some 600 miles of tranquil roads. You’ll find flat farmland, challenging hills, river views, and creek crossings – a ride for every skill level. Families with young children will find suitable riding on the Hanover College Campus, at Clifty Falls State Park, and on the southern end of the former Jefferson Proving Ground. Often touted as one of Indiana’s top rides, Madison is regular stop for regional biking events and biking enthusiasts. TRIRI, Indiana State Parks Touring Ride in Rural Indiana, attracts cyclists from all over the USA and includes Madison as one of their stops.
You can pick up a bike brochure detailing specific rides at the Madison Visitors Center or make contact with the Madison Bike Club, a very active cycling community.
Something’s Fishy – It’s not often that you associate fish & candy but that is exactly what makes Mundt’s Candies famous. It started in the mid-1800’s when Frederick Glass produced the very first “Little Fish Mixed Candy” in a dozen flavors and colors. Madison’s other confectioners, McCauley and Mundt, joined in and by the early 20th century, hundreds and hundreds of pounds of fish candy were produced annually.
Offered in November and December, the candy became a favorite holiday tradition. Madisonians shipped the candy to friends and relatives across the country. Now available year round, Madison’s fish candy will warm your heart just as it has done for generations before.
Why fish? Some say the candy fish reflected the river’s importance to the city’s commerce. Given during the holidays, some see the fish as a symbol of Christianity.
Just as it was nearly a century ago, Mundt’s fish candy is made in the same third-floor candy kitchen in the same 1835 building overlooking Madison’s historic Main Street. The finest ingredients are heated in huge decades-old copper kettles, poured onto long stone tables and cooled. The candy is fed into matched brass rollers and little fish are made.
Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes – Imagine that you have the opportunity to see inside those beautiful houses that you’ve admired from afar. On Thanksgiving weekend and the first weekend in December for the past 20 years, savvy people have discovered that they can do just that in Madison, Indiana, home to some of the most outstanding architecture in the country. Five private home- owners throw open their doors to the public along with 4 historic properties to offer an outstanding glimpse of their holiday traditions.
Your stroll through Madison’s historic district will be become the highlight of your holiday season. Each tour site is beautifully lit with luminaries to welcome you. Hospitality sites where you can relax and find a warm drink or cookie are included in the tour brochure. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children. Advance tickets purchased before November 11th are only $12.50 and can be purchased by calling The Madison Visitors Center at 1-800-559-2956. Make this your new holiday tradition.
Madison Area CVB has an extensive PHOTO COLLECTION and will be happy to assist you.