Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Public Library / Chautauqua

Streetside History

Public Library Marker (<i>west side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

1. Public Library Marker (west side)

Inscription. Public Library
[west side]In the early 19th century a small group of men met at a local tavern to form the Madison Library Society. The library opened April 18, 1818. It was located at several different sites before the former residence of Capt. Nathan Powell became its permanent home in 1929. The building has been enlarged but the core of the old home still exists inside.

Chautauqua
[east side]In 1901, Madison held its first Chautauqua, a 10-day festival which included revivals, music and political debates. Famous personalities, such as William Jennings Bryan, came to town as guest lecturers and brought news of the nation and world. Today, the Madison Chautauqua is a juried fine arts show held the last full weekend in September.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is April 18, 1818.

Location. 38° 44.231′ N, 85° 23.065′ W. Marker is in Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. Marker is on West Main Street (Ohio River Scenic Byway) (Indiana Route 56) just east of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located beside the sidewalk,

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

near the southwest corner of the Madison-Jefferson County Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 420 West Main Street, Madison IN 47250, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Crawford — Whitehead — Ross House (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison Farmer's Market (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); This Fountain (about 400 feet away); Preservation is Primary (about 400 feet away); Broadway Colored School / Broadway Fountain (about 500 feet away); James F. D. Lanier (about 700 feet away); Madison Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lanier's Legacy (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Streetside History • Madison, Indiana

Also see . . . Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art. On the last full weekend of September each year, Madison’s National Landmark Historic District welcomes thousands of visitors during the two-day Madison Chautauqua Festival of Art. Come and experience Southern Indiana’s premier outdoor juried arts & crafts festival featuring approximately 200 exhibitors. (Submitted on September 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Chautauqua Marker (<i>east side</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

2. Chautauqua Marker (east side)

Marker detail: Capt. Nathan Powell Residence image. Click for full size.

3. Marker detail: Capt. Nathan Powell Residence

Marker detail: Chautauqua Auditorium image. Click for full size.

4. Marker detail: Chautauqua Auditorium

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

5. Public Library Marker (west side)

(looking east • Madison Public Library on left)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

6. Chautauqua Marker (east side)

(looking west along Main Street • Elm Street in background )

Madison-Jefferson County Public Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

7. Madison-Jefferson County Public Library

Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 135 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 5, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.