no battles were fought here (although Confederate Raider General John Hunt Morgan contemplated attacking the town in 1863), Madison's location, port facilities, and wartime manufacturing capacity increased its strategic importance. What makes Madison's Civil War heritage special, however, is the spirit of its people.

In the years leading up to the War, Madison maintained strong economic and cultural ties to the South. Many residents had roots in the South, and 1850s Madison truly reflected a microcosm of national debate. Bitter disputes regarding slavery, territorial expansion, and states' rights were commonplace. Arguments between pro-south Senator Jesse Bright and local newspaper publisher Michael Garber were legendary. Sensing an inevitable conflict, energetic young leaders like Alois Bachman organized the Madison Greys, a militia unit.

Despite Madison's ties to the South, the town whole-heartedly supported President Lincoln's call for 75,000 volunteers after Fort Sumter was fired upon in 1861. Three companies of the 6th Indiana, the state's first volunteer infantry regiment, were organized in Madison, and led by Union patriots like Thomas Crittenden, Jerry Sullivan, and Alois Bachman. Crittenden and Sullivan eventually attained the rank of general. Madison even produced an admiral, Napoleon Collins, best known for his controversial capture of the Confederate raider, C.S.S. Florida in a Brazilian harbor. It is estimated that Madison, with a population of 12,000 residents furnished 4,500 troops to the union armies. Madison constructed two gunboats, established two training camps, and supported one of the largest military hospitals west of the Alleghenies. Few towns of Madison's size contributed more to the Union war effort.

Sadly few town sacrificed as much either. Residents daily read The Madison Courier announcements of those killed, wounded, or dead from disease. Five field officers were killed in battle leading their regiments or brigades; no town in Indiana lost as many of its prominent citizen-soldiers. Among those killed were 23 year old Lt. Colonel Alois Bachman, commanding the 19th Indiana when he died at Antietam. Lt. Colonel John Gerber of the 24th Indiana was killed on the second day of Shiloh, and Lt. Col. Jacob Glass of the all-German 32nd Indiana was killed while attacking up Missionary Ridge at Chattanooga. All three were brought back and laid to rest in nearby Springdale Cemetery. Lt. Col. John A. Hendricks, son of former Indiana Governor William Hendricks, died while commanding the 22nd Indiana at Pea Ridge, Arkansas and lies buried in nearby Fairmont Cemetery, Col. Philemon P. Baldwin was killed leading his brigade at Chickamauga. His body was never recovered.

This walking tour is the property of the Civil War Roundtable and is used by permission. For more information on the Civil War Roundtable call: 1-812-283-6907
Special thanks to Mary Carol  Pedigo for some of the photos used on this page.

Completed in 1844, this showpiece Greek Revival mansion, a state historic site, was the home of banker/financier James F.D. Lanier until he moved to New York City in l851. At the beginning of the Civil War, Indiana was virtually bankrupt, and Governor Oliver P. Morton personally sought funds from Lanier. Loyal to the Union and a shrewd businessman, Lanier responded by making two loans that exceeded one million at an interest rate of 8%. This enabled Indiana to outfit and equip its volunteers, and otherwise helped Governor Morton neutralize the bitter political feuding taking place throughout the state. And yes, every dollar borrowed was paid back.

From the Lanier Mansion, walk east to Elm Street, turn left and walk north (away from the river). The next stop is on the north- east corner of Elm and Second Street.

Continue walking north on Elm one block to West Main Street. Turn left (west) and walk one block to Vine Street. Cross West Main at Vine and continue walking west to the first house on your right (north) .It is partially hidden by two large holly trees.

Emile Todd was the stepsister or Mary Todd Lincoln and, although married to confederate General Benjamin Helm, remained a favorite of Abraham Lincoln. General Helm was killed while Kentucky's Orphan Brigade at Chickamauga. Grief-stricken Emilie went north and even stayed with the Lincolns a short time. After the war, Mrs. Helm move to Madison and eventually lived in this house. To support herself, she gave piano lessons and played the organ at nearby Christ Episcopal Church.
Turn around and walk east on West Main to Vine. Turn Left (North) and walk past the First Baptist Church (built in 1853-1860) on your right to West Third Street. Turn right and walk 1 1/2 blocks on the north side of Third, crossing Elm. Your next stop is the sixth house on your left past Elm.

Jesse D. Bright, the fiery lieutenant governor and senator from Madison, lived in this house from 1840 to 1857. A friend of Henry Clay and bitter enemy of Stephen A. Douglas as well as The Madison Courier publisher Michael Garber, Bright consistently sided with the Southern Democrats in the years prior to the War. Bright had the dubious distinction of being expelled from the U.S. Senate on February 5, 1862, after charges of disloyalty were brought against him. The incriminating evidence (perhaps obtained through the efforts of publisher Garber) was a letter written by Bright before the firing on Fort Sumter addressed "To His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederation of States" recommending a friend who had made "improvements in firearms." Continue walking east on West Third to the intersection of Broadway. Turn right, and walk past the Broadway Fountain to Main Street. Cross Main and turn left (east) walking up West Main one block to Poplar. At Poplar, turn right (towards the river) and walk one block to the corner of Second Street.

This house, built in 1818, was the residence of Virginia transplant Judge Jeremiah Sullivan and his large family. Two brothers who grew up here, Algernon Sydney and younger Jeremiah, Jr. (Jerry to his family) were completely opposite and reflected the turbulence of the years leading up to the War. Algernon, a lawyer like his father, also married a Virginian and had established a successful practice in New York City by the start of the War. Due to his willingness to legally defend Southern seamen who had been captured and charged with piracy, he was ultimately accused of disloyalty in the fall of 1861 and sent to Fort Layfette in New York Harbor. Eventually released, he remained openly sympathetic with the South. Brother Jerry, long considered the patriotic but irresponsible and care-free sibling, enthusiastically began his military career as a captain in the 6th Indiana and was later promoted to colonel of the 13th Indiana. The high point in his career came at the Battle of Kernstown where he commanded a brigade and helped to defeat Stonewall Jackson. Commissioned a brigadier general, Sullivan was transferred west. He led a brigade at both Luka and Corinth, and unsuccessfully tried to contain Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest in Tennessee. Jerry Sullivan served as inspector general on the staff of General Grant at Vicksburg. He was later sent back east to command a division under his father-in-law, General Benjamin F. Kelley. He resigned from the Army on May 11, 1865, and ventured out to California.

Nearby Locations to add to your tour

Springdale contains the remains of nearly 300 Madison men who served in the Union Army and two Confederate soldiers, one of whom is buried in the "Soldier's Section." Among those interred is Admiral Napoleon Collins, responsible for capturing the C.S.S. Florida. In addition, Alois Bachmon, John Gerber, and Jacob Glass, all young lieutenant colonels killed in combat are buried here. Other notables include Colonel Michael Garber, publisher of The Madison Courier and Quartermaster General for General W.T. Sherman's famous "March to the Sea.' Prior to that, Garber furnished the materials used in construction of the Bailey Dams at saved the Union naval fleet during the Red River Campaign 1864

This Soldiers and Sailors' monument, typical in many counties both North and South was dedicated in 1907. George Middleton, a private in the illustrious 3rd Indiana Cavalry, wanted to commemorate his "brother soldiers" who had fought nearly 50 years earlier. Middleton did not live to see the statues unveiling, but many aged but proud veterans were on hand for the dedication.

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At the beginning of the War, Indiana's oldest volunteer fire company formed the Fairplay Military Company with approximately 40 members eventually serving in various Indiana regiments. Eleven did not survive the War.

The Madison Country Club is the site of a 30 acre military hospital that opened in 1863. The facility, which featured its own bakery, could accommodate 2,000 wounded and sick soldiers and was one of the largest hospital complexes in the west. By the end of the War, over 8,000 men were treated. Federal doctors occupied the large Federal style home east of the country club. Today it is the Whitehall Bed & Breakfast.

The museum displays weapons and accoutrements, a drum from the 19th Indiana (Bachman's regiment), and the flag of the Madison Greys pre-civil War militia unit.