Madison

Madison recieved its name from President James Madison. The first settler was John Cartwright, who settled here in 1818. The city was originally known as Madison Station. Cartwright liked the area and applied for land grants. The town was not much of anything except a settlement until 1856. The railroad Memphis and Charleston came to town. In 1858 the town was plotted out along the railroad. A depot and houses were built. This attracted settlers and business alike. The first businesses were a blacksmith and a saw and grist mill. During the Civil War the town was at a stand still. In 1869 the city became incorporated and dropped the "Station" and became just Madison. With incorporation growth began.

Madison, is a city in Madison County, Alabama. A small portion is in Limestone County. Madison is a suburb of Huntsville and is one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama and the fastest growing suburb of Huntsville. In 1980 the population was only about 4,000 now the city has a population nearing 37,000 residents with only 6% under the poverty level. Madison is a fairly lage city with a land area of over 23 square miles.
Madison is also home of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, visit space camp