Who Founded New Madrid Missouri?

By Anna Duncan

New Madrid, Missouri is a historic city located in the southeastern part of the state. The city has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. Many people are curious about the origins of this city and who founded it.

The Founding of New Madrid

New Madrid was founded by Spanish Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró in 1789. The governor established the city as a strategic location for trade and military defense. New Madrid was situated on the Mississippi River, which made it an essential hub for commerce and transportation.

The governor named the city after Madrid, Spain, his home country’s capital. The name “New” was added to differentiate it from the original Madrid.

New Madrid’s Early Years

In its early years, New Madrid served as a trading center for furs and agricultural products. The city quickly became an important hub for commerce and transportation in the Mississippi River Valley.

However, New Madrid’s location on an active seismic zone led to several earthquakes that severely damaged or destroyed much of its infrastructure throughout history. One of these earthquakes occurred in 1811-1812 and is known as one of the most powerful earthquakes in US history.

Despite these natural disasters, New Madrid continued to thrive throughout the years due to its strategic location on the Mississippi River.

New Madrid Today

Today, New Madrid is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage and many attractions for visitors to explore. Visitors can visit several historic sites such as Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site or explore Reelfoot Lake State Park’s beautiful nature trails.

In conclusion, Spanish Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró founded New Madrid in 1789 as a strategic location for trade and military defense. Despite facing natural disasters such as earthquakes throughout history, New Madrid has continued to thrive due to its strategic location on the Mississippi River. Today, visitors can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and many attractions to learn more about its fascinating history.