Old Fort Commission updates Council

FORT MADISON – The future of Fort Madison’s historic Old Fort was the focus of a passionate presentation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting, as longtime advocate and Old Fort Commission board member Bill Napier delivered a comprehensive update on the site’s restoration and revitalization efforts.
Napier, who has called Fort Madison home for nearly 89 years, spoke with conviction about the importance of preserving and revitalizing the Old Fort, which he said stands as a symbol of the city’s heritage and its potential for growth.
“We’re in a partnership with the city and its citizens, looking to our past in order to enrich our future,” Napier said.
Napier was referencing a letter of intent provided by the city about a year ago. The agreement says the city will continue to handle mowing and snow removal, pay for utilities, and make an annual commitment of $37,000 from hotel/motel tax. The non-profit Old Fort Commission will be responsible for maintenance and any new construction, as well as programming the site with revenue generation at the forefront of operations.
The Old Fort, a replica of the original 1808 military outpost, is unique in Iowa as the only site in the state involved in the War of 1812. Napier emphasized that the fort’s story is not widely known, but it is a crucial chapter in American history, representing the nation’s westward expansion and its early struggles on the frontier.
The site, which sits in a floodplain, will be raised four feet to protect it from future flooding—a process that involves removing existing buildings, elevating the foundations, and reconstructing key structures. The new plans call for a modern facility of approximately 4,200 square feet, featuring two stories, ADA-accessible restrooms, an elevator, a gift shop, and flexible spaces for displays and events. The goal is to blend modern amenities with historical authenticity, making the fort accessible and engaging for all visitors.
Napier noted that the restoration will not only preserve the fort’s legacy but also transform it into a vibrant destination for education, entertainment, and community gatherings.
“We want to do something for this community that has lasting meaning,” he said.

The estimated cost of the project is $3.5 million. So far, about $500,000 has been raised through cash and pledges, but a major fundraising campaign is still ahead. Napier expressed confidence in the community’s ability to support the project, citing Fort Madison’s history of backing quality initiatives.
The Old Fort Commission has engaged experienced project managers, including local contractor Mark Schickedanz, and architects to ensure the restoration is both historically accurate and economically viable.
The Old Fort has long been a draw for tourists, especially when American Cruise Lines included Fort Madison as a stop on their Mississippi River itineraries. Napier said the recent loss of cruise ship visits, which had brought thousands of visitors and significant revenue to local businesses, should be evaluated heavily. He remains optimistic that, with the completion of the restoration, cruise lines and other tourists will return, attracted by the Fort’s unique history and improved facilities.
City officials and community leaders recognize the Fort’s potential to boost tourism and local pride. Mayor Matt Mohrfeld has voiced strong support for the project, and the city council has unanimously backed the Commission’s efforts. The restoration is seen as a way to distinguish Fort Madison from other towns, offering a genuine historical experience rather than a typical small-town museum.
Fort Madison’s story is deeply intertwined with the early history of the United States. Established after the Louisiana Purchase, the original Fort was a key military outpost and trading post, serving as a point of contact between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes. It was the site of Chief Black Hawk’s first battle against U.S. troops and played a pivotal role during the War of 1812. The fort’s legacy includes being the first permanent U.S. military fortification on the Upper Mississippi and the location of the first U.S. military cemetery in the upper Midwest.
Napier reminded the council that the city and the Fort are named after President James Madison, who helped shape the nation’s founding documents and negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. The restoration project aims to highlight these historical connections, making the Fort a center for learning and inspiration.
The Old Fort restoration is more than a construction project—it is a community movement to preserve and celebrate Fort Madison’s unique place in American history, Napier said.
“The Fort’s story is marketable, enjoyable, entertaining, enlightening, and inspiring,” he said.
“All of this wonderful world we live in didn’t just happen. It’s because people stepped up to make it happen, and I’m proud to say we’re going to be a part of it.”