$1,000,000Cornerstone
Old Fort Madison Complex
Available
Pledge the pinnacle gift to name the entire Old Fort Madison site and make Lt. Alpha Kingsley proud!
$3.5 Million Capital Campaign
Rebuild the fort. Open the doors for good.
We are raising $3.5 million to raise the site above the flood plain, finish the rebuilt fort, and open a year-round Welcome Center/Living History Center on the Mississippi riverfront. Every dollar is reported here, updated from our own records.
Live progress
$2,211,44663%
$2,211,446 raised of $3.5M goal (63% of the way there)
- Donors
- 241
- Current phase
- Phase 1: Reconstruction, Flood Mitigation and Construction
- Updated
- June 18, 2026
Where the goal comes from
A clear number, honestly tracked
The $3.5 million goal covers raising the site above the flood plain, construction, exhibits, education space, and the grounds and access work needed to open the site year round. It is a one-time build, not an ongoing budget, and we report against it in public.
The progress bar above pulls from our own giving records, so what you see is what we have actually raised and how many donors have joined the effort. We update it as gifts come in. If you have a question about any figure, call us at 319-470-3642.
What your gift funds
Five things the campaign pays for
Together these turn a seasonal site into a place that can welcome visitors, students, and groups through the whole year.
Raise the site above the flood plain
Lift the fort grounds about four feet and set new, higher foundations so the rebuilt structures stand clear of Mississippi flooding for generations to come.
A year-round Welcome Center/Living History Center and gift shop
A real front door to the site, open through the seasons, with restrooms, a gathering space, a gift shop, and a place to start every tour.
Interactive Exhibits in the new Living History Center that tell the story
Permanent, rotating, and interactive exhibits on the 1808 post, the sieges of the War of 1812, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Black Hawk, Native American history, James Madison and other historical figures, frontier fort life and culture, and the 1965 dig that found the blockhouse.
Space for school and group programs
A classroom and program area so field trips, scout groups, and tours can keep running rain or shine.
Grounds, access, and a riverfront trail
Improved paths, signage, and accessible routes that connect the rebuilt fort to the Mississippi riverfront.
Project timeline
The road to reopening
Where the revitalization stands today and what comes next. We update this as the work moves forward.
- July 1, 2025Complete
Capital Campaign activated
Develop Campaign plan and materials and train Fundraising Committee members to actively solicit gifts and submit grant requests
- September 25, 2026In Progress
Quiet phase fundraising
Secure lead gifts and pledges from founding donors ahead of the public launch.
- September 25, 2026Planned
Public campaign kickoff
Launch the public Campaign public to raise up, rebuild, and reimagine Old Fort Madison. Details TBD.
- October 1, 2026Planned
Fort closed for revitalization
Close the Old Fort Madison grounds to general visits so construction can begin, with access continuing by appointment and after the Rodeo Parade.
- October 31, 2026In Progress
Preconstruction building planning
OFMP Building Committee approves final architectural plans
- October 31, 2026In Progress
Preconstruction engineering studies and required permits
Complete engineering land surveys and secured permits from Army Corps of Engineers, etc.
- July 19, 2027Planned
Raise the site and rebuild
Raise the grounds above the flood plain on new foundations, repair existing buildings, and rebuild the southeast Blockhouse, north Enlisted Men's Barracks and Stockade/Palisade fence.
- January 1, 2029Planned
Old Fort Madison Complex
Hold a public Grand Opening for the revitalized Old Fort Madison and new Welcome Center/Living History Center
Why it matters
What a rebuilt fort gives back
The fort is more than a landmark. It draws visitors, lifts the riverfront economy, and gives the whole community something to rally around.
Tourism grows
Thousands of visitors a year arrive by land and water and spend new dollars on gas, restaurants, lodging, shopping, and events across Fort Madison.
The area is revitalized
More visitor spending helps retain and attract businesses, lift property values, add jobs and housing, and bring new residents to the riverfront.
Fort Madison becomes a destination
Coverage on TV and radio, in newspapers and magazines, and across social media puts the city on the map and draws a riverboat cruise stop back to the levee.
Volunteerism grows
Trained Old Fort ambassadors build local pride, support other organizations, and help the whole community get things done.
Naming opportunities
Put your name on the fort
From cornerstone gifts that name the largest structures down to markers and benches, there is a place for every supporter.
$350,000Cornerstone
Welcome Center/Living History Center Portico
Available
Be the patron of the portico, the first spot visitors experience when they enter the Welcome Center/Living History Center to begin their visit of the Old Fort Madison complex
$250,000Cornerstone
East Officers' Barracks
Available
"Own" the Officers' Barracks located to the east where those in charge lived, dined, planned the daily activities, and made decisions when matters grew serious.
Explore the campaign
Read the plan in full
Vision
The finished fort and Welcome Center/Living History Center, and why a permanent home for this story matters.
Read moreMaster Plan
The phased construction plan, the new Welcome Center/Living History Center, exhibits, education space, and the grounds and trail.
Read moreNaming Opportunities
Name a structure, a room, or a marker, and leave a lasting mark on the rebuilt fort.
Read moreSponsor Recognition
How we honor founding supporters, donors, and sponsoring partners.
Read moreQuestions
Frequently asked questions
The short answers. For anything not covered here, call us and we will talk it through.
What is the significance of Old Fort Madison?
From 1808 to 1813 this site was on the frontier, and it was the only fort in what would become Iowa to take part in an international war, the War of 1812. Since the replica was built in the 1980s, thousands of visitors have come by land and water to tour it.
How will the fort be improved?
The whole site is raised about four feet to stand above the flood plain, on new higher foundations. The existing buildings are repaired and re-chinked, the blockhouse and enlisted men's barracks are rebuilt, and a new Welcome Center/Living History Center is added with modern restrooms, an elevator, a meeting room, a kitchen, room for changing exhibits, and an expanded gift shop.
How is the project funded?
Through this capital campaign, with help from local, state, federal, and private grants, plus annual memberships, repeat and new contributions, planned and legacy gifts, city support, and gift-shop and ticket sales.
Can I name something with my gift?
Yes. Naming opportunities run across all giving levels, from buildings and rooms to spaces and displays. Browse them on the naming opportunities page or ask our team to help you find the right fit.
Can I pledge over time?
Yes. Gifts can be made outright or pledged over up to five years. Bequests, IRA and donor-advised-fund gifts, and life-insurance gifts are all welcome and can stretch your support further.
Is my gift tax-deductible?
Yes. Old Fort Madison Preservation is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) charity, so your gift is deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please check with your tax advisor for specific guidance.
Join the campaign
Help us reach the goal
A gift of any size moves the fort closer to opening its doors year round. Sponsors and named-gift donors can reach our campaign team directly.