Madison in Morgan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Industrial Corridor

Photographed By David Seibert, June 13, 2011

1. Industrial Corridor Marker

Inscription. The siting of the railroad, while first controversial, created a new industrial corridor through the community. Just south of downtown, the Madison Steam Factory opened as a textile mill. In town, brokerage and warehouses built near the depots to facilitate shipping local commodities. Processing facilities (ginneries, grain mills, ice plants, guano/fertilizer plants, a tannery, a creamery) and manufacturing concerns (soap, furniture, handles) also saw proximity to rail.

From 1880-1950, this area was an industrial hub -- primarily for the cotton industry (e.g., former Gate City Oil Co. ginnery shown here). The Madison Variety Works (once located around the corner on S. Second, now Academy St.) specialized in furniture and architectural details until later replaced by the Mason Gin & Fertilizer Co.

A few warehouses survive: Godfrey's (1878, next to depot); Farmers’ Trading Company (c. 1921, faces park); Queen City Gin seed warehouse (c. 1940, rear of this site); and McDowell Grocery (c. 1925, across railroad tracks on W. Jefferson St.).

Erected 2011 by City of Madison, Madison BiCentennial Commission 1809-2009.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 33° 35.817′

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N, 83° 28.2′ W. Marker is in Madison, Georgia, in Morgan County. Marker is at the intersection of West Washington Street (Georgia Route 83) and Thomason Road, on the left when traveling north on West Washington Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Madison GA 30650, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Town Park (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Town Spring (about 300 feet away); Freedom of Assembly (about 300 feet away); Reconstruction Property Rights (about 400 feet away); Madison Train Station (about 400 feet away); Madison Station (about 400 feet away); Railroad Street Commerce (about 500 feet away); Madison (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Photographed By David Seibert, June 13, 2011

2. Industrial Corridor Marker

Photographed By David Seibert, June 13, 2011

3. Industrial Corridor Marker

Looking northeast on West Washington Street (Georgia Highway 83) toward the railroad (overpass in the distance).

Photographed By David Seibert, June 13, 2011

4. Industrial Corridor Marker

Looking southwest on West Washington Street toward the Town Square in Madison

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2011, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.