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

Eagle Cotton Mill

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022

1. Eagle Cotton Mill Marker (side A)

Inscription. The Eagle Cotton Mill began production here in 1885, shipping goods such as twine, candle wick, and fabric via the Ohio River to national and international markets. After an economic downturn in the mid-1800s, the mill helped rejuvenate Madison's river commerce. A major city employer, its largely female workforce led an 1889 strike for better working conditions.

Local industrialist Richard Johnson and his family owned the mill from 1890-1930s. Meese, Inc. bought the site in 1940, producing canvas goods, WWII combat gear, and later plastic products before relocating by 1980. After decades of vacancy and failed redevelopments, the mill was renovated as a hotel in 2021, part of a national trend to revitalize industrial buildings.

Erected 2022 by Indiana Historical Bureau • City of Madison • Ron Bateman • Glenn Gellert • John McGrew • Vince Dora. (Marker Number 39.2022.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 38° 43.948′ N, 85° 22.31′ W. Marker is in Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. Marker is on East

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Vaughn Drive east of St. Michaels Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 618 E Vaughn Dr, 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. Milton-Madison Bridge / Madison Breweries (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Eagle Cotton Mill / Gas, Coal & Tobacco (approx. 0.2 miles away); William Hall (approx. ¼ mile away); Madison Historic District (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Paul / Early History (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jefferson County (Indiana ) Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); This Shell Fired into Vicksburg (approx. 0.3 miles away); Little Jimmy (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Eagle Cotton Mill Marker (side B) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022

2. Eagle Cotton Mill Marker (side B)

Eagle Cotton Mill Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022

3. Eagle Cotton Mill Marker

The Milton-Madison Bridge (background) carries U.S. 421 traffic over the Ohio River between Madison, Indiana and Milton, Kentucky.

Former Eagle Cotton Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 24, 2022

4. Former Eagle Cotton Mill

It has been renovated and converted into a hotel.

Vintage Eagle Cotton Mill postcard image. Click for full size.

Indiana Landmarks via Library of Congress (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

5. Vintage Eagle Cotton Mill postcard

The mill closed in 1937.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 27, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.