About Madison

Madison was first settled in the early 1800's as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve.

After being named for a number of early settlers, Madison was incorporated in 1867 and renamed in honor of President James Madison.

In 1825, bog iron was discovered in the Dock Road area.  Since timber was also plentiful, iron production became the major industry until 1851 when the bog iron was used up.  In 1835, Arcola Iron Works at the mouth of the Arcola and Cunningham creeks was the largest industrial site in Ohio.  Shipbuilding began at the harbor in 1828 and flourished until 1863.

With the end of the industries, the lakefront became a popular location for summer homes and retreats.  The dock was  also used as a departure point of the Underground Railroad.  With the land now cleared of timber, the area was well-suited for farms, nurseries and homes.

In 1852, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad arrived and made travel easier.  Nestled around a traditional New England Park Square, many buildings in the Madison Village date to the time of it's organization.  The row of buildings at the village center plus twenty-eight additional buildings and sites in Madison are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Twenty-six homes bear the Historic Home Plaque from the Lake County Historical Society. 

"Madison truly is Living History".

Madison Township Bicentennial Celebration

Madison Township's Bicentennial is 2011, Madison Township was formed on March 13th, 1811 and was originally part of Harpersfield in Geauga County until it became Madison Township in 1811 and a part of Lake County in 1840.

The first Township meeting was held on April 1st, 1811 so it was decided by the Bicentennial Committee, consisting of the Board of Trustees as well as many residents, that April 1, 2011 would be the kick-off date of the celebrations to take place throughout the year.

Wow! What a turn-out!!! 

Approximately 200 people attended our celebration kick-off at Madison High School on Friday. What a great time listening to interesting historical moments in Madison!

The Madison High School Jazz band entertained the crowd with great music until the festivities began at 7:00pm. Cassie Kahr sang the National Anthem with her beautiful vocal talent, a special thank you to her for that amazing rendition!

Historical artifacts of Madison Township were on display, courtesy of the Madison Historical Society. The evening would not have been the same without those artifacts. Please support the Madison Historical Society, because without it Madison's history could be lost!

The speakers all did a wonderful job, and we were honored to have the Color Guard, made up of member of the American Legion Posts 601 & 112 and VFW post #8548, in attendance to help us recognize the Veterans of the War of 1812.

The Madison High School choir sang a lovely rendition of Happy Birthday to wrap up the evening.

The Bicentennial Committee would like to invite anyone interested in assisting on a committee to contact one of the committee members.

There will also be Bicentennial themed floats in the Youth Sports Parade and the Old Fashioned Days parade, a Time Capsule to be buried at the end of the celebration which will also include a community celebration.

All of these plans need additional volunteers to help piece it together!

BICENTENNIAL LOGO WINNER
CONGRATULATIONS TO HANNAH MILLER!

Photo courtesy of Melissa Francis

Her design was chosen for the Madison Township Bicentennial Logo

         

The New Bicentennial Logo!