Press releases

Old Fort Madison Preservation, Inc. is in the process of finalizing plans for a new Welcome Center/Living History Center, the centerpiece of its $3.5 million capital campaign. The building will give the riverfront historic site a year-round home for tours, school programs, exhibits, and community gatherings. It will replace the former Trading Post/Factory/Welcome Center that was removed, along with four other structures, due to deterioration, in 2023.

Following completion of the preservation, renovation and rebuilding of the Old Fort Madison replica, it will once again preserve and interpret the first permanent United States military post on the Upper Mississippi River, established in 1808. The fort played a part in the War of 1812 and was abandoned and burned by its garrison in 1813. Archaeological work in 1965 rediscovered the original site, which was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Construction is expected to continue through 2028, with the Welcome Center/Living History Center opening for the following visitor season. Tours of the construction site will be available by appointment. The organization reports campaign progress publicly and welcomes gifts, memberships, and sponsorships from the community.