Madison County was erected from the counties of St. Genevieve and Cap[e Girardeau in 1818, but since been much reduced in its size.  It is situated in what is called the "Mine country", and is bounded north by the county of St. François, east by Perry and Cape Girardeau, south by Wayne, and west by Washington.  Its form is an irregular oblong, whose greatest length is 36 miles; greatest breadth 28: area about 900 square miles.

This county is watered by Castor creek, the St. Francis, and Black River; the latter forming a part of its western boundary.  Like other parts of the mine tract, of which Madison forms the southern limit, the soil is rarely first rate; and the surface is generally broken and hilly.  The principal district of good farming land lies along Village Creek, and the eastern shore of the St. Francis, which runs nearly north and south.  The mineral products of this county are lead, iron, and plumbargo.  Lead has been found in several places, although it has not as yet been worked except at Mine La Motte, situated four miles from the St. Francis, near St. Michael's.  This is one of the oldest mines in the state, having been discovered in 1720. by the person whose name it bears.  It has been constantly wrought for many years; and although only a superficial system of mining has as yet been pursued, it annually produces a large quantity of ore.

Madison county contains 1907 inhabitants.  It is attached to the fourth judicial circuit; sends one member to the house of representatives, and with Wayne, one to the senate.  It's seat of justice is Fredericktown.

 

 

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