new madrid historical museum

This museum, directly next to a Mississippi River observation deck, and river walk, makes for an informative stopover, if traveling I-55. New Madrid (pronounced Mad-drid, not Ma-Drid, like in Spain) was a very important settlement in the mid-Mississippi valley region for many years. Being at the bend in the Mississippi River, it was an important port during the Civil War, and is best remembered as the epicenter of one the most powerful series of earthquakes ever to strike the United States, in the winter of 1811-12. All of this is amply described in artifacts, photos, dioramas, videos and more. My favorite part was remembering the earthquake prediction back in the 1990s, by Dr. Gordon Browning. His prediction brought the national media to New Madrid, and closed schools for miles around. The great quake he predicted never happened, but you can learn about it all with a visit. This museum has a nice Civil War exhibit, talking about Federal activity around both New Madrid, and Island No. 10, just down river. Interesting here, too, is that no matter which way you look at the Mississippi, you are looking south. Not all exhibits are inside. Outside is a rare example of an underwater saw used to clear logs, and other objects.The museum is well worth a stop, and takes less than an hour. I highly recommend it.

New Madrid may have seen decisive action in the Civil War, and before that as the epicenter of our country’s greatest earthquake, but boy does it seem sleepy now! However, even when the rest of the town is slumbering, the little museum by the levee is alive with interesting exhibits and a friendly curator. Allow an hour for a full visit, and be sure to watch both films, and explore the galleries upstairs.

My husband and I wandered in here on a drive from New Orleans back to our hometown in Michigan. What a treat it was to walk in and be greeted with so much enthusiasm. The gentleman that runs the museum obviously loves his job and history. He showed us two short films. The first was on the history of New Madrid, the second was about the earthquakes in 1811 and 1812.

We arrived just as the doors opened and spent 3 hours in this museum. The woman there that day was very informed and was able to bring personal touches to the experience. We had heard about the earthquake and the Civil War but the museum brought so much more to the forefront about the area and their experience. You could almost feel what those living there experienced by the displays and info. Also was surprised to learn of the cotton and rice grown in this area plus the commerce dealing with these products. There is the first sewing machine and a barbers chair among the artifacts that prove the saying "You've come a long way baby". It is amazing what old items can tell about that time in history. This little museum has a wealth of information. The little gift shop has a variety of items and was the place we purchased our Christmas ornament. A ornament with a hand painted picture of the cotton. It had the local artist name on it. I also got cotton puff and seeds for our granddaughter's Pre-K class. All reasonably priced. For $4 each we got to visit the museum and the One room school house down the street. Being close to the levee we were able to stand on the New Madrid Fault Line. This was on the bucket list and well worth the trip.

This private museum has museum quality exhibits of the 1811-1812 New Madrid massive earthquake and scientific explanations of the the geology and causes of earthquakes.The manager is well informed and able to answer many questions. The museum also has exhibits of important nearby Mississippi River Civil War battlessuch as the the battle for Island # 10. There are other historical artifacts to see as well.The museum is just steps away from the Mississippi River.

The cost is only $3.00 it is well worth it. The museum has a lot of information on the earthquakes from 1811-1812 as well as early Native Americans who lived there. There is also information on the Civil War and the action that happened in that area.

If in the New Madrid area, this is not to be missed. The section on the earthquake was especially interesting. They have an interactive earthquake monitor/screen that shows the earthquakes around the globe that have occurred over the last hours, days, weeks. There is also a seismometer that he reading the current quakes in the area. Also some interesting native American and civil war exhibits. Exhibits are newer and interactive for old and young.

My main goal, as odd as it may sound, was to stand on the New Madrid Fault Line across the street next to the river - which we did - but even better to find an opportunity to learn about New Madrid's rich history from a resident expert. Fascinating little museum, well worth the $3 admission, packed with military objects / uniforms, Native American artifacts, earthquake info, and other cultural oddities (I will never forget the weirdly impressive Laforge Family hair wreath circa 1861). The building itself was once the town saloon. Watch the museum's short video and then ask staff all your questions - our museum guide was so welcoming and excited to share, her enthusiasm was contagious. Definitely worth it to exit the main highway and acquaint yourself with part of the US not everyone realizes is so interesting. I think kids might love it, too. We visited about an hour, but a true history fan might easily stay longer.

This is a smaller museum that has a great deal of information about Native Americans who lived during the Mississippian Era, the Spanish settling the region, and the earthquake of 1811. The admission is only $3 per person and it is well worth it. Make sure you walk across the street and view the river.

My boyfriend and I visited the museum on a whim during a drive a few months ago. I had been to this museum as a small child, but I didn't remember anything about it. This museum has a surprisingly high number of displays and exhibits. The lower level focuses mainly on the New Madrid earthquake and local history. Upstairs that have recreated a kitchen and bedroom scene typical of what you would see in the 1800's in New Madrid. The woman who was working was very friendly and is a retired teacher from the local school. When she found out I teach 5th grade, she loaded me up with tons of freebies to take back to my students. She suggested that I bring my students to the museum, but my school and the museum are almost 70 miles away. The museum is a great stop if you are in the area already.

Just visited last month on our trip to SE Missouri. A little off the beaten path since you have to get off I-55 a couple of exits about 10 miles past Sikeston, then you jog over a couple of more miles on a county road into the town. You will have to follow the signs stating "business district" along the county highway, as there isn't a sign specifically for the museum until you get right onto the main street. The museum is located at the far end of main street right near the river levee in a former saloon. The lady working the counter was friendly and I thought the $3 admission fee for adults was very reasonable. We watched two pretty good videos about the historic 1811-1812 earthquakes as well as New Madrid's role in a key Civil War battle. I was more interested in learning about the earthquake than the war stuff but the rest of the museum had plenty of displays on both subjects. There was also an upstairs area displaying a typical 1800s frontier-era home with old furniture, clothing and kitchen gadgets that was cool and quaint. After the museum we walked out onto the observation deck over the nearby Mississippi River, which briefly flowed northwards and whose course was changed after the earthquake. The town is a pretty little place, with plenty of beautiful old homes. It makes up for the somewhat desolate downtown. It was just interesting to wonder how different the landscape and area looked before 200 years ago.....

Picturesque museum located right along the levee beside the Mississippi River. Lots of information about the 1811-1812 New Madrid earthquakes and the French and Spanish settlers of this community. If you're lucky one of the large river cruising boats might be docked there during your visit. Take a minute to drive through New Madrid and visit the Hunter Dawson house which is about a mile up the road.

I was so impressed that the exhibits are "the real thing", not recreations. This is stuff from people's homes and lives. One very well informed attendant.