Fort Madison

         Fort Madison was one of the first forts built along the Mississippi River. This fort was one of three that was established to control our new Louisiana territories. The fort controlled trade from the Native Americans. This fort was built in bad area. Enemy had an open range to fire at the fort. Since the beginning the fort had been attacked by tribes like the Sauk. When troops attempted to leave the fort they were attacked by the Sauk. In 1809 the only thing that stopped them from storming the fort was a threat from cannon fire, they really disliked the fort. They made many improvements to the fort over the year including adding blockades to prevent attacks. These did not work because in 1812 the fort was attacked again, during this attack the fort had nearly been overrun. The only thing that stopped further damage of the fort was a cannon fire that destroyed one of the Indians positions. During the War of 1812 attacks on troops outside of the fort led to another attack.  The troops intentionally burned outer fort buildings so the Indians could not siege control of them. Eventually U.S troops abandoned the fort and burned it as they left. 

Back of the fort and a cannon

          The fort was originally named Fort Belle View but was changed to Fort Madison after out fourth president James Madison. James Madison was also a founding father of the U.S. He advocated for a strong government and composed the first drafts of the U.S constitution. In 1792 Madison and Jefferson founded the Democratic-Republican Party. Madison served as Secretary of State under Jefferson. During Madison presidency he had led us into the War of 1812. After his two terms in the White House he retired to his Virginia plantation.

Sign leading up to the fort