Madison is a charming and dynamic town in which geological, historical, and modern times blend. The town's most prominent natural feature is the Madison Boulder, left behind by a melting glacier. At 37 feet long and 4660 tons, the boulder is one of the largest freestanding rocks in the world. Eaton was founded as part of a land grant from King George III in 1776. In 1852 Madison split from Eaton, and was renamed in honor of President James Madison. In its early years, farming and lumbering were the town's main enterprises, and lumbering still continues to be a major industry, In 1826, the Madison Lead Mine, on site of Goodwin Town Forrest, was discovered, and for many years yielded zinc, lead, silver and iron ores. "Madison Corners" prospered because it was on a major stagecoach route connecting Boston and other seacoast towns with the White Mountains. Then, in 1875, a railroad was completed along the shores of Silver Lake, and many new businesses were opened in that area to accommodate the growing tourist trade. Tourism is still a prominent part of Madison's economy with a resort, ski area, several inns and bed & breakfasts. The town has three selectmen and a town meeting system of government. Recently, residents joined together in large scale volunteer efforts to build a playground for the elementary school. Madison's annual Old Home Week is the first full week in August, beginning on Saturday, and draws many former citizens "back home" for this week-long celebration of small town life. Light industry ranging from a traditional blacksmith shop to space-age technology is scattered throughout the town. State Community Profile

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