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Madison Community

The City of Madison works constantly to make Madison a wonderful place to live, work and play - for everyone!

Basic services include: water, sewer, gas, garbage, recycling and trash. The City does not provide electric or cable/ satellite service (see the Welcome Packet for local providers). The Morgan County Citizen - the legal organ - publishes the municipality's ads, bids and public notices.

The city also sponsors initiatives which enhance the community. Such programs and projects focus upon needs, assets/liabilities, structural improvements, and often capture grants, services, etc. (drawing state/federal tax dollars back to our community). Usually, these efforts require lots of advance planning and are part of larger, long-term goals.

Additionally, the City of Madison keeps apprised of growth trends by requiring licenses and permits. We work to insure that change is for the better of the whole community (as no man is an island unto himself), while offering the maximum flexibility for the individual as possible.

Madison Culture

The Walking Tour of Madison
A delightful and healthy way to see the historic homes and sites of Madison. This 1.4 mile self-guided walking tour showcases some of the finest original architecture the South has to offer. Driving routes are available as well. Begins at the Welcome Center on the square. 1-800-709-7406.

Madison-Morgan Cultural Center
A visual and performing arts center housed in Madison's 1895 graded school building. Permanent exhibits include an Arts & 'Crafts room, authentic 1895 schoolroom, the Boxwood Parlor containing original 1850 furnishings brought to Madison by rail line, and a Piedmont-area history museum. Self-guided tour includes original apse-shaped wooden theater, an excellent site for the performing arts. Museum shop.

Morgan County African-American Museum
Preserves heritage and promotes cultural awareness of the contributions of African-Americans to the culture of the South.

The Rogers House
The second oldest house in Madison, this house was built by Reuben Rogers in 1809-1810. The house is a fine example of Piedmont Plain style architecture seen throughout the rural southern United States. Designed as a two-over-two style, the back shed portion most likely was added around 1820. The house pre-dates the Morgan County Courthouse by almost one hundred years.

The Rose Cottage
Adeline Rose (a woman who was born into slavery) built her house in 1891. She earned her living by taking in washing and ironing at 50 cents a load. Most of her early work was done for the boarders of the Hardy House, which was owned by the mother of the famous comedian Oliver Hardy.

Madison Education

The Morgan County Schools are committed to one goal: to be the best school system, public or private, in the nation. Our mission is to ensure that all students will be successful in their learning and personal development through a system characterized by extensive community and parental involvement, quality resources, an exemplary staff, a safe and caring environment, and a challenging, personalized educational program encompassing advanced technology.

The Morgan County Schools enroll approximately 3300 students on five campuses. Children who attend two of the 7 Lottery Pre-School Programs in Morgan County are housed at Morgan County Primary School. Those 40 children and all children in Morgan County enrolled in grades K-2 attend the primary school at 993 East Avenue in Madison. Children enrolled in grades 3-5 attend Morgan County Elementary School at 1640 Buckhead Road, which is really just down the street from the primary school. Middle school students in grades 6-8 attend the newly remodeled and expanded Morgan County Middle School located on the north side of town at 920 Pearl Street in Madison. Morgan County High School serves young adults from ninth grade to graduation at 1231 College Drive in Madison. Morgan County CrossRoads School is located at 1551 Bethany Road in Madison and serves students who need an alternative form of instructional delivery in grades 6-12.

The campuses of the primary, elementary and high schools are parts of an original tract of land with a few later extensions that once housed the Madison Agricultural and Mechanical School in the early 20th century. When the school was closed, the state deeded the land to the Morgan County Schools and the Madison A&M President, Mr. J.E. Owens, became the Morgan County Schools Superintendent. In 1970 the smaller schools that dotted the county were all consolidated into the schools located in Madison. With anticipated population growth, the Board of Education accepted a donated tract of 44 acres just outside Rutledge, Georgia from Mr. Jim Conrads and his family. That tract of land is designated as the site for an additional elementary school, grades K-5, that will be built when current buildings are outgrown.

Morgan County is proud of the excellent reputation that its schools enjoy throughout the state and is committed to continual improvement. The Board of Education works with the administration, faculty, students, parents and community to compose and implement a system-wide strategic plan. The planning began in 1995 and has evolved into a regular process that evaluates where the system is and what needs to be done over the next 3-5 years to improve. Each school has a School Improvement Plan to supplement and complement that system plan, and administrators’ annual evaluations are tied to the goals that they set from those plans.

In 2002-2003 and again in 2004-2005 the high school was proud to report that students’ average “best scores” on the SAT (those that colleges consider for admissions) exceeded 1000, higher than the state average. Though individual class average scores, like individual student scores, vary from year to year, that average has improved from the 700’s in the mid-nineties, so gains over time have been sustained.

Art, music and physical education are considered necessary, core subjects in Morgan County from kindergarten through 12th grade. Spanish is taught to students K-8th grade, and French and Latin is offered in addition to Spanish in grades 9-12. The arts are a vital part of this community, and our children’s work and performances are frequently part of cultural celebrations in the county.

The county schools and the county recreation department have an excellent partnership to share facilities and to offer opportunities for all our students, primarily those aged 5-14, to participate in athletic opportunities. At Morgan County Middle School, competitive athletics begin in the school system. Football, soccer, softball, basketball, baseball, tennis, and track are offered there. Morgan County High School adds cross county competition to the list in addition to the other sports begun in middle grades.

Morgan County High School offers a wide variety of opportunities for the students it serves in grades 9-12. A ninth grade academy serve students who are enrolled in the ninth grade for the first time. It offers a year-long transition from middle grades to the high school with a personalized approach to education delivered primarily in one hall of the building with a team approach to instruction in the core subjects: English, math, science and social studies. Elective courses such as band, computers, chorus, and art are offered after lunch in other locations on the campus.

The International Baccalaureate Program officially began in the fall of 2004. Though the high school has worked for several years to prepare the faculty and the students who were interested in enrolling in the program, the 2004-2005 juniors and seniors were eligible to participate for the first time last year in the diploma program. Colleges and universities give admissions preference to students who graduate with an IB diploma, and it has raised academic standards for our students to a much more advanced level. The IB program is not seen as a totally separate experience for a select group of students, however. There are a number of IB requirements that we see as important for all students at MCHS. For example, a senior paper/project will be required of all students who graduate from Morgan County High School, and all juniors will work on a year-long community service project as part of their graduation requirements. A math-science academy began in the fall of 2005 for 11th and 12th grade students who wish to pursue careers that require advanced knowledge in these areas. Other academies are anticipated to begin in the near future. Academic expectations were increased for all students as a result of the new programs beginning in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.

Madison Employment

Top 10 fastest growing jobs in Morgan County:

1. Medical Assistants
2. Dental Hygenists
3. Network systems and data communications Analysts
4. Dental Assistants
5. Medical records and health information Technicians
6. Mental health and substance abuse Social Workers
7. Physician Assistants
8. Radiation Therapists
9. Home Health Aides
10. Computer software Engineers

Madison History

Morgan County was formed from sections of Baldwin and Greene Counties in 1807. The City of Madison has been the county seat since its incorporation in 1809. Morgan County is also home to the City of Rutledge founded in 1845, the City of Bostwick, and the City of Buckhead, founded in 1891. Apalachee, Newborn, Godfrey, and Swords complete Morgan County's communities. Home of Georgia's largest state park, Hard Labor Creek State Park offers visitors amenities that include golf, swimming, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and cabins. Morgan County also includes part of Lake Oconee, a 19,000 acre reservoir providing some of the state's best fishing, water skiing, boating, camping, picnicking, championship golf and tennis, as well as beautiful lakefront homes.

Madison Lifestyle

Just 60 miles east of Atlanta, 90 miles west of Augusta, and 35 miles south of Athens, Madison-Morgan County is the perfect place to stay and play! Madison - Morgan County, GA has been deemed the "Number one small town in America," by Travel Holiday magazine, and once you’ve visited you will understand why! Madison is a charming town that blends history and southern traditions with modern conveniences.

Locals and newcomers alike can find comfort and relaxation while strolling down the square beneath the shade trees that line Main Street. Neighbors stop to chat with each other and always offer a warm smile and "How do you do?" to out-of-towners. One can simply enjoy the beauty of the historic homes that fill the downtown area and can even tour the lovely homes during one of Madison’s famous Tour of Homes, annually held each spring as well as each Christmas season.

History is not all that Madison has to offer. There are many options for dining, shopping, and accommodations. You may choose to dine downtown in the old bank vault, which is now a southern style restaurant; Ye Ole Colonial. Or perhaps you may have a flare for Italian and wish to dine outside at Amici’s Italian Café. And for the coffee drinkers and dessert eaters, there is Perk Avenue (formerly Barista’s Bistro) on the square. There is even something for the romantics wishing to have a quiet evening of fine dining - Just visit the Icehouse, have a glass of wine, and dine on one of many chef specialties.

There are also an array of gift shops and boutiques that line the streets of downtown. You can always find the perfect gift, whether shopping for a personalized wedding gift or just a fun birthday gift. You can browse around in Simply Southern, where your gifts can be personalized with monograms. Or you can shop in the Laughing Moon or In High Cotton for gifts and home decor. And don’t forget Madison’s specialty stores such as Jordie Bug’s, a children’s clothing store, and Antique Sweets, where you are sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth.

As for accommodations, there are several hotel chains located off of I-20. In addition, there are several bed-and-breakfasts to choose from that will pamper you and feed you like you are a local. You can enjoy Madison Oaks, the Brady Inn, or 100 Acre Farms for a wonderful bed- and-breakfast experience.

Madison has something for everyone, and once you visit, you will not want to leave. Residents of Madison and Morgan County enjoy bountiful opportunities for social activities, work, religious services, and of course play! Visit historic Madison, and make your next home in a town where southern hospitality is at its best!

Madison News

1. Despite naysayers, Madonna sells a million - LiveDaily

   's upcoming world tour to support her new album, "Hard Candy," has moved more than 1 million tickets, according to the superstar's reps, who released the information following a report questioning her selling ...

   
   
2. PERFORMANCE/TOUR: Xavier Rudd N. American Tour - All About Jazz

   Xavier Rudd Beloved Australian musician/activist Xavier Rudd 's latest album Dark Shades of Blue comes out in the U.S. on August 19, and in support of this, his seventh album, Rudd recently announced a ...

   
   
3. Cute Is What We Aim For Hit The Mark With 'Rotation' - Starpulse News Blog

   Fueled By Ramen recording group Cute Is What We Aim For has made a spectacular chart debut with their second album, "Rotation." The Buffalo, New York-based combo's sophomore outing entered this week's Billboard ...

   
   
4. Alejandro Escovedo's Autobiographical New Album 'Real Animal,' Makes First Ever Top 200 Chart Debut - Yahoo

   For the first time in his 30 year career, Alejandro Escovedo has charted on Billboard's Top 200 coming in at #122 with his 9th solo album REAL ANIMAL.

   
   
5. Dr. Dog Tempt Fate with New Single and Video - SoundMojo.com

   A Dr. Dog's newest album, Fate, is rapidly approaching, and the band is unleashing a wealth of material in anticipation.

   
   
6. Join the draft chat - ESPN

   Where will the top prospects land? Welcome to The Show! On Thursday night, we'll be chatting with you live from Madison Square Garden, the home of the NBA draft! After months and months of speculation, the ...

   
   

Madison Recreation

A popular destination for visitors from throughout the nation and the world, Madison-Morgan County has something for everyone: those interested in history, architecture, scenery, culture, and the arts; fishing and hunting enthusiasts; swimmers and water skiers; golfers; campers and hikers; those seeking unique dining experiences; and gift and antique shoppers.

Bed and breakfast inns are available in Madison's renowned historic district and adjacent to Lake Oconee. The area's motels also provide comfortable, fairly priced lodging facilities. Tours of Homes in May and December and the Madison Fest in July are enthusiastically supported.

Hard Labor Creek State Park. For the finest in public golf, try our challenging 18-hole course. One of Georgia's best golf values, it offers a pro shop, driving range, rental carts, unlimited weekday play and senior citizen discounts. Hard Labor Creek cuts through the course, creating water hazard on five holes. The creek is thought to be named by slaves who tilled summer fields or by Native Americans who found it difficult to ford. Take I-20 exit #105 into Rutledge and proceed 3 miles on Fairplay Road to the park.

Includes the following amenities:
• 5,804 Acres
• 51 Tent, Trailer, RV Sites
• 20 Cottages
• Swimming Beach and Bathhouse
• 2 Lakes
• 2 Group Shelters
• 2 Group Camps
• Horse Stables and Trails
• 4 Picnic Shelters, 1 BBQ Pit
• Park Hours 7am - 10pm
• Office Hours 8am - 5pm

Madison Weather