Wagons waiting in line for the cotton gin around 1907. The cotton gin was located off of West Washington Street, just before the train trestle. The area occupied by the houses is now Town Park.
The original Cooke Fountain on the square in Madison, image circa 1923. A replica of this fountain, named in honor of local philanthropist Sarah Cooke, now stands in Town Park.
Firefly Festival, held annually in Town Park.
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TOWN PARK
The block that now encompasses Madison’s Town Park was once populated with several houses. With the coming of the railroad, sited just beyond this area, several of these homes were pressed into other services such as boarding houses and the Southern Express office. By the 1970s, all but one were gone, replaced by a grocery store, a small strip mall, and an auto body shop. With the approach of Madison’s bicentennial, the town sought to plan and create a greenspace in its downtown core.
The non-historic structures were demolished and fundraising for the creation of a greenspace began. Individuals, families, and foundations gave generously, while professionals and businesses provided in-kind support. An emphasis on heritage design inspired a recast of the Cooke Fountain from the original factory design and the recreation of a Victorian Gazebo (both from the original town square). The Park also includes a Neoclassical pavilion and Park Cottage restoration.
Town Park is Madison’s bicentennial legacy and downtown landmark. It provides an outdoor event venue, civic gathering ground, development catalyst, and greenspace for relaxation. It was dedicated in 2009 and has hosted a myriad of popular events and festivals each year since its opening.