How Do You Say New Madrid?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’ve ever heard someone mention New Madrid and found yourself unsure of how to say it, you’re not alone. This small town in Missouri has a unique name that often leaves people scratching their heads. But fear not, we’re here to help you master the pronunciation once and for all.

First things first, let’s break down the name itself. New Madrid is actually named after the capital city of Spain, Madrid. The “New” part of the name was added because it was a new settlement on the Mississippi River when it was founded in 1789.

Now that we have a bit of history behind us, let’s get to the main question: how do you say New Madrid? The correct pronunciation is “new MAD-rid.”

It’s important to note that some people may say “new ma-DRID” with the emphasis on the second syllable instead of the first. However, this is not technically correct. The emphasis should be on “MAD” as it is in the original Spanish pronunciation.

To help you remember this, try breaking down the word into its syllables: “new MAD-rid.” You can also try repeating it a few times to get comfortable with saying it out loud.

Now that you know how to say New Madrid correctly, why not take a trip there and see what this charming town has to offer? From historic landmarks like the Old Spanish Fort and Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking at Big Oak Tree State Park, there’s something for everyone.

In conclusion, don’t let unusual names like New Madrid intimidate you – with a little practice and some knowledge about its history, you’ll be saying it with ease in no time.