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History
History at a Glance
"In point of intelligence, refinement, and hospitality, this town acknowledges no superior." ~ White's Statistics of Georgia, 1849
Historic Seat of Government
Established in 1809, Madison is the seat and the largest town in Morgan County. The early town flourished as a stagecoach stop and an in-town residence for planters' families. Principal streets were patriotically named for presidents and the community prided itself on its schools, literary, and philosophical societies. For the most part, Madison's antebellum architecture survived because Mayor Joshua Hill, a strong Unionist who had resigned his Congressional seat in 1861 to return to Georgia, developed
Today's Vibrant Downtown
Madison retains its small-town character and remains the heart of the community. Downtown Madison is punctuated by a central town square and anchored by historic government facilities, such as City Hall, the Morgan County Courthouse, and U.S. Post Office. The Madison-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, located on the square, has a great vantage point to view the bustling retail, professional, and service businesses. The surrounding environs are still primarily rural in character with a thriving agrarian economy which is supplemented by an increasing tourism dollar. Smart growth planning ensures that Madison will continue to serve as a charming home for its residents and as a delightful destination for tourists.