Have you ever wondered how places get their names? New Madrid, Missouri is one such place that has an interesting origin story. Let’s dive into the history of this town and uncover the mystery behind its name.
Early Settlements in the Area
Before New Madrid was named, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Osage. In the late 1700s, French settlers arrived in the area and established several small settlements along the Mississippi River. These settlements were part of the Louisiana Territory, which was purchased by the United States from France in 1803.
The Earthquake of 1811-1812
The most significant event in New Madrid’s history took place between 1811 and 1812 when a series of earthquakes struck the region. The largest earthquake to hit North America happened here, measuring up to a magnitude of 8.0 on the Richter scale. This natural disaster caused significant damage to many settlements in the area, including New Madrid.
The Naming of New Madrid
Legend has it that during one of these earthquakes, a church bell rang out so loudly that it could be heard as far away as Virginia. This bell belonged to a Catholic church in what is now present-day New Madrid.
When settlers heard about this bell ringing, they referred to it as “the new madric,” madric being a reference to “Mother Mary.” Over time, this name evolved into “New Madrid.”
Another theory suggests that John Rice Jones, who owned land in this area and served as a delegate for Missouri Territory in Congress at that time, suggested naming this town ‘New Madrid’ after his hometown of Madrid in Spain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are two popular theories about how New Madrid got its name – one involving Mother Mary’s church bell ringing during an earthquake and another involving John Rice Jones’ hometown in Spain. Regardless of the origin story, New Madrid is a town with a rich history and unique name that continues to intrigue visitors and residents alike.
If you’re ever in the area, be sure to stop by and explore everything that New Madrid has to offer. The town boasts several historic sites, including the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site, the New Madrid Historical Museum, and the Mississippi River Walk Trail.