Here you can see one of the many shanty boats that dotted the shoreline of the Ohio River. In the distance you can see a barge pushing cargo up the river.
The formal opening of Dr. George E. Denny's new Hillside Hotel took place on June 10, 1924. The main entrance opened into a beautifully furnished lounge. The bedrooms were equipped in "the most modern way and complete in every detail." The...
The formal opening of Dr. George E. Denny's new Hillside Hotel took place on June 10, 1924. The main entrance opened into a beautifully furnished lounge. The bedrooms were equipped in "the most modern way and complete in every detail." The...
Accidents were not rare on the railroads but, considering the number of trains on the track, overall they were considered quite safe. When an accident such as this one occurred, it was quite a sensation. On April 17, 1913, the Madison-Courier...
The Fairplay Fire Company #1 was founded in 1841. Four years later Joseph Todd and M. A. Gavitt were appointed to write the company's constitution and apply for a charter from the state. In 1846 the city council recognized the Ones, as they were...
"General Pike"; Steamboats; Riverboats; Steamboat accidents; Mail steamers
On January 1, 1891, the "General Pike" collided with one of the Middleton and Wymond coal barges, causing both to sink in a very few minutes. Captain Sam Bryant, Clerk Ed Long, and Pilot Bowen managed to save everyone on board. She was built for...
This is a drawing of an engine similar to the one used on the Madison Railroad in its early years. Built by the Baldwin Company of Pennsylvania, the inscription for the picture reads: "The hill-climbing locomotive built by Andrew Cathcart in 1840...
Here you can see some of the devastation the ice caused during the harsh winter of 1917-1918. The ferryboat "Trimble" is caught and nearly buried in the thick ice. She did survive but was badly damaged. On February 20, 1918 the newspaper reported,...
The original part of the building was built sometime in the early to mid 1800s with a new front being added in 1868. It served as a private home, an inn, and a private seminary in the 1850s, according to Brooklyn Cull, who has researched the...
Here the old depot bell is displayed on the Lanier home's lawn. It was just one resting place for the bell before it was given to the Jefferson County Historical Society where it now resides.
The newly built "Reuben Wells" sits at the Jeffersonville yards where she was built for the J M & I Railroad under the supervision and to the specifications of Master Mechanic, Reuben Wells, for whom she was named. Her boiler was tilted forward to...
Railroads; John Brough; State parks & reserves; "Brough's Folly"
Here is a close-up of one of the abutments for a trestle for the project that was to by-pass the Madison incline. There are several sites within Clifty Falls State Park where traces of the old, abandoned project can be seen. For more information on...
Industries-Indiana; Nail industry; Tacks; Factories
The original building was located at 110-112 Depot Street and on May 18, 1899 the Madison Daily Democrat states "few that have not visited the interior of this mammoth concern have any idea of the immensity of the establishment." It goes on to...
According to library historical files, the original location was occupied by the market house located on the square which was on lots 69, 70 and 71 which had been laid aside for a courthouse, jail and public market place. The lots were sold to the...
Mike McLaughlin, life-long resident of Madison, is pictured with his horse and dray. A dray was a utility cart used for hauling mostly heavy, commercial merchandise. Many breweries used drays to transport heavy barrels of beer from one place to...
Mike McLaughlin, life-long resident of Madison, is pictured with his horse and dray. A dray was a utility cart used for hauling mostly heavy, commercial merchandise. Many breweries used drays to transport heavy barrels of beer from one place to...
This home is situated on a narrow lot only 22 feet wide. It was built in 1850 by the famous architect, Francis Costigan, who had already built the Lanier Mansion and Shrewsbury House, two premiere homes in Madison. Historic Madison on its web...
This home is situated on a narrow lot only 22 feet wide. It was built in 1850 by the famous architect, Francis Costigan, who had already built the Lanier Mansion and Shrewsbury House, two premiere homes in Madison. Historic Madison on its web...
This school hack was from the Ryker's Ridge School area. We don't know exactly where or when it was in use. The school hack, despite its primitive looks, was a novel and improved mode of transportation. Without the hack, choices were walking,...
This home was found in city directories as early as the 1870's. Originally built by the prominent Powell Family, it was a lovely home facing Madison's Main Street. The Lewis and Frank Powell families both lived there at one time in the 1800's. In...
