Location

Located in Central Iowa approximately 25 miles northwest of Des Moines, 20 miles southwest of Ames and 17 miles southeast of the county seat of Boone.

Population

1980 Census: 2281

1990 Census: 2395

2000 Census: 2747

Founded

June 9, 1883

Brief History

Originally known as Swede Point, Madrid was first settled in 1846, and is the oldest continuously inhabited Swedish settlement west of the Mississippi River.

In 1882 Swede Point was renamed Madrid. The town of Madrid was officially incorporated on June 9, 1883. With the construction in 1881 of both an east-west and north-south railroad line through Madrid, the town began to grow and prosper.

A major portion of Madrid's heritage grows out of the coal mining era of 1910-1945. The mines employed people of Swedish, Norwegian, Italian, Croation, English and Welsh descent. Today, Madrid is considered a "bedroom" community due to its convenient location to various metropolitan areas. Its businesses are primarily service-oriented, with some light industry. Many residents seek employment in Des Moines, Ames, Boone, Ankeny and Perry. All of these cities are well within communting distance from Madrid.

This map of the coal mines and the miner can be seen on Highway 17 by the railroad tracks and Madrid Sign

Madrid has a history of controlled growth and development in which it hopes to continue in the future. The Maple Ridge housing development is located on the North side of town. Madrid offers a 5 year tax abatement, the success of the abatement program has spurred the recent increase in new housing, townhouses and businesses. There are also plans underway to build a business park just south of town on highway 17.