Today, for our look at doors, we’re visiting Madison, Georgia, population 3,636. The Historic District in Madison is one of the largest in the state with almost 100 antebellum homes (Homes built prior to the Civil War) that to this day are still lovingly cared for and lived in. Most have never been sold outside the family! Madison is featured on Georgia’s Antebellum Trail; a 100-mile trek through seven historic communities, that escaped Sherman’s burning march through Georgia, during the Civil War. Madison has been voted “The Prettiest Town in America.”
Madison was founded in 1807 and was named after President James Madison. It was described as “the most cultured and aristocratic town on the stagecoach route from Charleston to New Orleans.” Many believe that General William Tecumsuh Sherman spared the town because it was too beautiful to burn down during his March to the Sea. But, in truth Madison was home to pro-Union Senator Joshua Hill, who had ties with Sherman’s brother at West Point. It’s not what you know, but who you know that counted here!
First, we have to get there! Just follow the country road and go through the covered bridge! There are not too many of these left either!
We might need to fill up now!
Entering Madison, first we looked at the business district, and the courthouse, well preserved on the town square!
and then some of the colorful shops ……….
You can see that the shops and stores are in the old, old buildings………that were once factories………
I didn’t take a photo of every house, but I should have! For most of the old homes I photographed the entire site, so you could get an idea of the size of the dwelling……..I don’t have the correct Southern drawl to just walk up to the front door and act like I’m a long lost relative, wanting to take a close up of their front door! Most of the homes sit on lots from old plantations. In 1890, the population was 2,131 and the town boasted an oil mill, a soap factory, a fertilizer factory, four steam ginneries, two carriage factories, a furniture factory, a grist and flour mill, bottling works, a distillery with a capacity of 120 gallons a day, an ice factory, a bank with a capitol of $75,000 and a number of individual businesses! They were very well off I’d say!
Then there are the smaller cottages, always my favorite!
One thing, I noticed was most of the homes were painted white and a few were yellow!
This one would definitely be worth fixing up!
For more of Madison, watch at the video!
I hope you have enjoyed some of the doors of Madison, Georgia! See you next week in another spot!
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ThatTravelLadyInHerShoes 
Wow, what a lot of amazing houses! I’d go with a cottage as well but the house in the header photo is quite something. As for the fixer-upper, you’d best have some serious cash before starting on that project!,
janet
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The Old Filling Station is not in Madison, Ga. It is actually in the town center of Watkinsville, Oconee County, about 20 miles from Madison.
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Thanks for sharing this with me Diane! When I am on the road sometimes I forget quite how I got from A to Z! Cady
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Love these old houses. Just beautiful and especially when you consider the history. That covered bridge, would it be the same one featured in the movie, Bridges of Madison County? May not even be the same Madison. I wonder.
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Yes I think that bridge was used in the movie! Cady
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This is a fascinating series, introducing us to places many of us may never visit.
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It does look beautiful 🙂 🙂
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Loved the tour!
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Love the covered bridge – never seen this before! And what beautiful houses they have in Madison … the cottages are my favourite as well!
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I have been to Madison, but it was many years ago. I remember a B&B there. We walked inside and started asking questions about the house; within minutes the manager offered us a tour. Such a special treat. It’s nice to see that the town is still being cared for. I did not know the story of why it was not burned. Thanks for sharing that tidbit.
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That’s the way it is in a small town! Cady
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This is a wonderful collection. The buildings, big and small are all lovely. Thanks for taking us on this tour. I’m adding your link to today’s post, so others might see it.
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Wow what beautiful old houses, and indeed the whole town! I agree with you, the cottages look especially lovely and would be more than big enough for me 😀
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These houses are beautiful, those with verandas out front are lovely
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Your posts are always fun – you know what people like to see:) That covered bridge is awesome! Like the yellow house, but would not choose that for my own house:) Jesh
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Thank you Junie-Jesh! A lot of the smaller towns like pastel colored houses and cottages, but this yellow was a keeper! Cady
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So true:):) Jesh
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These are gorgeous houses. Thanks for taking us along with you.
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