Madison County was organized in 1849, and is named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States. Its picturesque terrain features an abundance of rivers and creeks. Originally boasting 19 covered bridges, six of the Covered Bridges of Madison County remain today, all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But there's much more to Madison County:
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Born Marion Robert Morrison in 1907, John Wayne began life in a modest home in Winterset. The home has been restored to its 1907 appearance with authentic furnishings, and features memorabilia such as the eyepatch worn in True Grit. Guided tours are available from 10:00am to 4:30pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's day. The official website was recently expanded, and their wide selection of John Wayne-related items are now available for purchase at their site. Sales of products help support the John Wayne Birthplace Society, a non-profit group which exists to preserve and expand the Birthplace of Winterset’s most famous resident. |
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Built in 1876 on the ruins of the second courthouse that burned the year before, the courthouse is constructed of native limestone and sits in an enchanting town square setting. The stately dome with four clocks rises 122 feet and is visible for miles. |
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Built in 1874 of native limestone, the school was in continuous use until 1945. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. |
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Located one block west of the Birthplace of John Wayne, the Art Center features paintings, prints, posters and other artwork by local artists, as well as a display honoring George Washington Carver. The 1854-era home was once used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. |
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Kaser-Bevington House and Historical Complex Perched on 18-1/2 acres on Winterset's south side, the Complex includes a log school and post office, an 1871 train depot; Zion church, 1856 stone barn, a 3-hole stone privy (with wallpaper and walnut trim) and other historical buildings. The restored 1856 brick Victorian mansion sits prominently at the top of the hill. The Museum displays thousands of historical artifacts, rocks, fossils, equipment, clothing and more dating from the Civil War to present time. |
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Situated in Winterset City Park (along with the Cutler-Donahoe Bridge), Clark's Tower was erected in 1926 as a memorial to one on the county's first pioneer families by their descendants. Constructed of native limestone, it stands 25 feet high and offers a commanding view of the Middle River valley below. |
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Jesse Hiatt was a farmer who discovered an unusual seedling in his apple orchard in 1872. He carefully nurtured the tree, and found its first fruit to be of a remarkable flavor. Originally named Hiatt's "Hawkeye," the apple was entered in the Missouri State Fair in 1893. Upon biting into the apple, one judge proclaimed it "delicious" and that name stuck. A descendant of the original Delicious apple tree still stands just north of Peru, and residents celebrate each year with an Apple Days festival. |
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The Festival has been a time-honored tradition for over 30 years. Each year on the second full weekend in October, county residents gather under the brilliant hues of autumn to celebrate their historic covered bridges. The festival features old-time craft demonstrations by local artisans, a wide variety of food, music and entertainment galore, an antique vehicle parade, tours of the bridges and more. Click here for more information. |
Contact the Madison County Chamber of Commerce for more information about the Bridge Festival or any of the sights of Madison County!
