Historic Sites

With 133 blocks (over 2,000 structures) of the country’s most notable architecture all listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Madison is Indiana’s largest historic district.Three sites, The Lanier Mansion State Historic Site, the Shrewsbury-Windel House, and Eleutherian College are designated as National Historic Landmarks. Madison has been awarded National Historic Landmark District designation joining Savannah and Charleston as national treasures.

Included in Madison’s historic district and open to the public are a 19th century horse and buggy doctor’s office, a Greek Revival style townhouse, an 1816 Federal style home – believed to be Madison’s first two-story tavern, the country’s only restored 19th century saddletree factory, an 1865 railroad station and the Lanier Mansion & formal garden. Adding to the richness of the Madison experience is the historic downtown business district, home to a varied selection of specialty shops, artists, cafes, and restaurants.

African Methodist Episcopal(AME) Church

The 1850 AME Church building, one of the oldest buildings of its kind in the U.S., commemorates Madison's important Underground Railroad heritage. It is one of a rare group of nationally recognized, privately-owned, pre-Civil war buildings associated with the city's early, free African-American community. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Tours available by advance appointment only. Admission: $3:00, Children free.

Ben Schroeder Saddletree Factory

Visit America's only restored 19th century saddletree factory. See antique powered machines spin into action. Demonstrations, tour and exhibits show how the Schroeder family made saddle frames, clothespins and other products. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open mid-Apr through Oct Sat-Mon 1pm-4:30pm.  Adults & Childre $3

Dr. William Hutchings Office & Hospital

The late nineteenth century office and hospital of this horse-and-buggy doctor contains most of the original equipment and family furnishings. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open mid-Apr-Oct Thurs-Mon 1pm-4:30pm.  Admission: $3, Children Free

Francis Costigan House

Built by Francis Costigan, Madison's most premier architect and master builder, for his family. This freshly restored Greek Revival townhouse displays grand 19th century styles designed to keep the eye moving in a structure that is an architectural masterpiece of proportions. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open mid-Apr-Oct, Sat-Mon 1pm-4:30pm. Admission: Adults $3.00, Children free.

Heritage Center Jefferson County Historical Society

Museum features changing exhibits and artifacts of local history, including Civil War, Steamboating, Stone House and Victorian Parlor permanent exhibits. Research Library open on Wednesdays. Gift Shop.

Open May 1-Oct. 31 Mon-Sat 10am-4: 30pm, Mar 4-Apr 30 and Nov-Dec Mon-Fri 10am-4: 30pm.

Admission $4.00 combined with Railroad Station

Historic Eleutherian College (National Historic Landmark)

This majestic stone classroom and chapel building was completed in 1855. Est. in 1848, the college's rich history includes association with the Underground Railroad, Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society and the Civil War. This early American institution of higher learning was established on the principal of equal education to all, regardless of gender or race.

Pre-civil War site, educating all races and genders, established by abolitionists. A National designated Underground Railroad Site. National Historic Landmark.

Open for groups by appointment.

Jefferson County Historical Society – Madison Railroad Station

Opened in 1895 and noted for its Octagonal Waiting Room surmounted by stained glass windows. Filled with artifacts and displays devoted to railroad history.

Open May 1-Oct. 31 Mon-Sat 10am-4: 30pm, Mar 4-Apr 30 and Nov-Dec Mon-Fri 10am-4: 30pm.

Admission: $4.00 combined with Heritage Center

Jeremiah Sullivan House

Considered Madison's first mansion, built in 1818, this stately federal structure was home to one of Madison's most distinguished leaders. Sullivan and his family lived in the home for over seventy years. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Open Mid-Apr-Oct Thurs-Mon 1pm-4:30pm Admission: Adults $3.00, Children free.

Lanier Mansion (National Historic Landmark)

Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994, this 1844 Greek Revival mansion was designed by architect Francis Costigan for financier and railroad magnate James F.D. Lanier. Recent restoration made possible largely by funding from private sources - has recaptured the Mansions 19th century splendor.

Features 1844 Greek Revival home of James F.D. Lanier, gift shop, recreated formal gardens, public restrooms. The Mansion, referred to as the “crown jewel” of Madison's Historic District, is a National Historic Landmark.

Open year round

Guided tours at regular intervals between 9am and 4pm. Gardens & grounds open dawn to dusk year round. Admission adults $5; seniors $4; children $2. Gardens & grounds free except during special events & exhibits.

Adults $4, seniors $3.50, children $2

Lanier Mansion Gardens

Formal Gardens to the South of the Mansion recreate the late-nineteenth century appearance of this section of the property, with authentic plant materials and other landscape features.

Open year-round dawn to dusk.

Schofield House

Built circa 1815 in the Federal Style, this is one of Madison's earliest sun-dried brick dwellings.On January 12, 1818, the nine Masonic Lodges in Indiana met here and formed the Grand Lodge of Indiana.

Open Apr 15 through Oct 31: Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun 10:30am-4:30pm.  Admission: Adults $3.00, Couple $5.00, Children free.

Shrewsbury-Windle House

Built in 1846-1849 for Captain Charles L. Shrewsbury and later owned by John and Ann Windle, founders of Historic Madison, Inc. Designed by Francis Costigan in Classic Revival style, the house is adorned with ornate carved stone work and elaborate iron railings, a free standing staircase, intricate plaster moldings, twelve foot tall doors and sixteen foot high ceilings. Owned and operated by Historic Madison, Inc.

Tours available by advance appointment only. Admission: $3.00. Children free.

Talbot-Hyatt Pioneer Garden

This garden illustrates some important aspects of the manner of living in small cities in the early nineteenth century.

Open to the public from dawn till dusk.