New Madrid

New Madrid is a city in southeastern Missouri situated along the Mississippi River. The town center is anchored by the 1915 courthouse built with white sandstone and porcelain brick, which continues to serve the county's administrative functions.

The settlement was founded in 1783 as L'Anse à la Graise and adopted its current name under Spanish rule. The town eventually became established as a county seat after the region became part of the United States.

The city holds memories of Native American peoples including the Shawnee, Delaware, Creek, and Cherokee who settled here in the 1780s. This historical presence continues to shape the community's identity and how local residents understand their place today.

Visitors can easily find the courthouse at the center of town, where genealogical records are maintained for those researching family history. The best time to visit is during regular business hours when administrative offices are open and accessible.

The area experienced powerful earthquakes between 1811 and 1812 with magnitudes around 8, representing the strongest known events outside subduction zones in the United States. These natural disasters left lasting changes in the landscape and geology of the region.

Location: New Madrid County

Inception: 1788

Elevation above the sea: 90 m

Website: http://new-madrid.mo.us

GPS coordinates: 36.58778,-89.53583

Latest update: December 17, 2025 11:12