Old Santa Fe Depot Historical Complex - Fort Madison, Iowa

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Old Santa Fe Depot Historical Complex - Fort Madison, Iowa. Built in 1909, this mission revival style depot is the home of the North Lee County Historical Museum. The museum is on the National Historic Register.

Although the museum is prone to flooding when the Mississippi decides to bless the community with extra water, the museum personnel have become adept at saving the displays. New display cases have panels on the bottom that can be detached so water can flow underneath. Other artifacts, such as an old ticket counter, have been outfitted with wheels so they can be rolled to higher ground. The old Linotype machine, one of the heaviest items in the museum, is propped up on cinder blocks. That means that when the water receeds the museum can be cleaned up and the displays back in service quickly. Only railroad tracks separate the 83-year-old building from the Mississippi.

The railroad complex, with Santa Fe Caboose #235, is a classic for those interested in railroad history, firefighting lore, and Sheaffer Fountain Pen history, territorial and pioneer days.

Outside the depot sits a circa 1954 caboose, completely restored including brakemen seats, Conductor’s desk, and folding seat/beds, of course the traditional cast iron stove remains in the old caboose, allowing visitors to picture the caboose crew warming their hands, coffee and cooking supper in the traditional way. The caboose was donated to the Historic Society by the Santa Fe Railway, now the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and was permanently placed on the depot property by volunteers. Also included on the site is a diesel utility car utilized by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad. It is often the center of attention of our young visitors who climb aboard and enjoy an imaginary journey down the railroad tracks to exotic destinations.

The Historic Center is proud to have at the center of its collection a horse drawn Silsby pumper, showcased complete with its hosecart. The Sislby is also complimented by a Firefighter’s display and a police department display.

Also of interest to many visitors to Ft. Madison is the Iowa State Penitentiary, the oldest Penitentiary still in use west of the Mississippi. A display representing a typical cell at the Penitentiary and pictures of the original stone Penitentiary structure are often topics of discussion for visitors, particularly after viewing the many artifact restraints on display.

Other artifacts on display include Victorian Era Clothing, a Native American arrowhead collection, a working Thomas Edison phonograph, and a reed organ that runs by continuous pumping of air by the operator.

Open May through September. Special appointments also available. Please call ahead for daily hours.

Location: Avenue H & 9th Street, Fort Madison, IA

Phone: 319.372.7661