MADISON, a town and river-port of the United States of North America, capital of Jefferson county, Indiana, on the right bank of the Ohio, 86 miles S.S.E. of Indianapolis. It is beautifully situated in a valley nearly 3 miles long, and inclosed on the N. by steep and rugged hills. The streets are well built, and the houses are mostly of brick. Its chief edifices are,—a court-house, a gaol, two market-houses, and several large schools. The inhabitants are principally employed in manufacturing cotton, wool, iron, and oil. Steamers from this port communicate regularly with the
Mississippi throughout the year, navigation being usually open here all winter. Madison was settled in 1809. Pop. (1850) 8681, (1855) about 12,000.