CENTURY 21 Maselle & Assoc.

Madison, MS Area Guide

Madison was developed as a family friendly community, and that’s reflected in being recently named one of the “Ten Best Towns for Families” by Family Circle magazine. Madison has become a great residential area, as well as experiencing tremendous commercial growth over the last twenty years, with the city leaders keeping a tight rein on the community’s growth, strictly enforcing building codes and making sure that the growth Madison experiences is developed in a family friendly way.

Madison is a town that sprang up along a bustling railroad track in pre-Civil War Mississippi. Named for the fourth President of the United State, it began in 1856 when the Illinois Central railroad opened Madison Station. Although it had competition from Madisonville, a settlement that had been built along a stagecoach route on the Natchez Trace, residents from there eventually made the move to the new town. This in spite of the fact the other town had a race track, two banks, wagon factory and a hotel. The small community began to grow and Madisonville soon became a ghost town.

Like most southern railroad towns, Madison Station was a victim of the Civil War, destroyed in 1863. A mere ten miles from the state capital of Jackson, while no battles were fought in Madison County, Major General S.D. Lee did concentrate his command in Madison Station for a month in 1864. Lee would later become the first president of Mississippi State College. The railroad continued to attract people after the war and in 1897, the Madison Land Company encouraged people from the north to head south.

The company offered land for as little as $3.00 an acre and claimed that Mississippi had the lowest debt ratio and were one third healthier statistically speaking that the people of New and Massachusetts. It must have worked because Madison kept growing, reaching its status today as one of the ten best places to raise a family.

Attractions & Activities

Madison Gallery
Come visit and enjoy the work of Opal Smith, artist. Antiques from goblets to wooden figurines from Orient, vases and sculptures are available for viewing.

Golf
Enjoy any one of the five golf courses in Madison, nine or 18 holes. Amateur or pro, you’ll love the lush scenery and the challenging courses. Please visit Madison Golf Courses

Madison County Cultural Center
Located in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this center is the home of the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet Company, performing everything from Broadway show tunes to beloved classics.

Parks & Recreation
The mission of the Department of Parks and Recreation is to provide facilities and programs that enhance the quality of life for city residents. On the following pages of this section are details about our facilities and the various programs available. For more information, visit: http://www.madisonthecity.com/ParksRecreation/index.html

From Strawberry Patch Park to Liberty Park, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy including a lake, baseball fields and concession stands. Pack a picnic basket and come enjoy the day! For a complete list of parks and their amenities, visit: http://www.madisonthecity.com/ParksRecreation/index.html

Events Calendar
From the Mother Daughter Tea to the Christmas Parade, the special events in Madison are truly special. You’ll love the ambience and get to spend quality time with family and friends at any special event in Madison! For a complete list, visit: http://www.madisonthecity.com/ParksRecreation/events.html

To learn more about Madison, visit: http://www.madisonthecity.com/index.html