Fort Madison Downtown Commercial Historic District

The Fort Madison Downtown Commercial Historic District consists of roughly 105 buildings spread across 17 acres between 6th and 9th Streets along Avenues G and H. Most structures are two to three-story commercial buildings, many of which now house local shops, restaurants, and public facilities including the Cattermole Memorial Library.

The district grew between 1850 and 1960 as the city's commerce expanded, and it received National Register designation in 2007. That recognition honored 91 contributing structures that together document how the area's economy developed over more than a century.

The mix of architectural styles, including Federal, Italianate, and Romanesque Revival designs, reflects different periods when business owners chose how to build and present their shops. Walking through the district, you notice how each building tells something about the tastes and prosperity of its era.

The area is best explored on foot, with level sidewalks making it easy to walk from block to block and observe the buildings up close. Parking is available nearby, and you will find local cafes and shops scattered throughout where you can rest and grab refreshments.

Avenue H was formerly called Front Street and holds the oldest 19th-century buildings because of its closeness to the Mississippi River. This riverside location made it the natural hub for trade before the town expanded inland.