Fort Madison: A Legacy of Railways and Rivers
Fort Madison: A Legacy of Railways and Rivers
Situated along the banks of the Mississippi River, Fort Madison, Iowa, boasts a rich history intertwined with two powerful forces: the mighty river and the steady hum of the railway. These two elements have not only shaped our past but continue to influence the vibrant future of this river town.
The Lifeblood of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has long been a critical artery for trade, travel, and culture in Fort Madison. Towering over the water is the world’s largest double-decker swing-span bridge, a marvel of engineering that opens nearly 2,000 times per year to allow barges, riverboats, and pleasure vessels to pass. This bridge is an emblem of the town’s connection to both industry and leisure, serving as a unique link between river commerce and rail traffic.
Fort Madison's new marina adds another layer to its riverfront charm. With state-of-the-art courtesy docks, yearly slip rentals for boats and jet skis, and Turnwater Bar & Grill, a new restaurant and bar offering stunning river and rail views, the marina has become a hub for both local and visiting enthusiasts. Whether you’re a river buff or a rail fan, this spot is a destination worth exploring.
Railways: The Track to Growth
The sound of trains has been a constant in Fort Madison for generations. As one of the busiest rail corridors in the United States, between 60 to 80 trains pass through Fort Madison daily. Among these is Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which makes two stops in the city on its route from Chicago to Los Angeles. This constant stream of trains has left an indelible mark on Fort Madison’s identity.
In the early 20th century, the Santa Fe Railway became a key player in the town's growth. It was here that many Mexican immigrants, fleeing the revolution in Mexico, found work and established Iowa’s first Mexican-American community. The arrival of these families brought new cultural traditions and helped shape the city’s diverse heritage.
Adding to Fort Madison’s unique rail history is none other than the famed cowboy, Gene Autry. Autry made frequent stops in Fort Madison by train on his way to perform at Madison Square Garden. It was here that community leaders convinced him to start the Tri-State Rodeo, Fort Madison’s largest event that has been entertaining rodeo fans for the past 76 years. Today, the Fort Madison Rodeo is a highlight of the year, drawing thousands of visitors and was awarded the "Most Outstanding Event" by Travel Iowa at the 2024 Iowa Tourism Conference and was inducted into the 2024 Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Fort Madison’s Virtual Railfan: A Global Attraction
During the COVID-19 pandemic, as the world faced lockdowns, Fort Madison offered a source of calm for millions. In June 2020, the Fort Madison Virtual Railfan Camera was installed, streaming live views of passing trains, the flowing Mississippi River, and serene riverfront scenes. Since then, the camera has attracted over 40 million viewers, connecting people worldwide to the beauty of Fort Madison. For many rail and river enthusiasts, visiting Fort Madison has become a must-see experience, allowing them to witness the town’s charm in person.
Celebrating Our Heritage: River & Rail Weekend
This weekend, we celebrate the 4th Annual River & Rail Weekend, an event that brings together the best of our city’s history, culture, and community spirit. From Friday to Sunday, Fort Madison will come alive with a host of activities for train lovers, history buffs, and families alike.
Train viewing spots will be buzzing with enthusiasts, while museum tours and the Operation Life Saver exhibit educate visitors about railroad safety. At the historic CB&Q Depot, guest speakers will delve into various topics related to the town’s railway heritage. Kids and adults can enjoy a 1960’s beach-themed Nostalgia Night with music, food, and even a dunk tank fundraiser for the tourism office with Fort Madison and Virtual Railfan personalities. Help put the FUN in FUNdraising! Donate to reach $100 per dunk, then watch the splashy event live on YouTube. DONATIONS TAKEN NOW!
Don’t miss the opportunity to step inside the #235, a retired Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway caboose (waycar) and learn about the lives of those who worked aboard these iconic rail cars. For those who prefer river exploration, Cut Bank Adventures will be offering 45-minute Mississippi River cruises, allowing you to see Fort Madison’s stunning riverfront from a whole new perspective.
The weekend wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the arts. The Fort Madison Area Arts Association is sponsoring a River & Rail-themed sidewalk chalk competition, while the Fort Madison Amtrak station will host an "Artists and Authors" event. A local photographer and rail enthusiast has generously donated two limited-edition canvas prints of the CB&Q Depot, which will be raffled off to benefit the North Lee County Historical Society. Get your raffle tickets this weekend or purchase here! CANVAS RAFFLE:
A One-of-a-Kind Destination
As Fort Madison continues to grow, both the river and the railway remain central to our identity. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of the Mississippi River or the hum of passing trains, this weekend is a time to reflect on our city’s unique heritage and bright future. From the spectacular views at the Turnwater Bar & Grill to the 24 person trolley tours that will run through our Historic Downtown, Park to Park District and the Mississippi Riverfront, Fort Madison offers a true blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
So, as we welcome visitors from around the world to this year’s River & Rail Weekend, we invite you to Find your Fort Madison—a place where the river meets the rails, and history comes to life.
