Madison County, Texas

Madison County is part of the Piney Woods in east-central Texas, where the landscape is lush, green, and heavily wooded. Madisonville serves as the county seat and sits at the crossroads of Highway 21 and Interstate 45, making it an easy stop along the way.

There’s a strong sense of pride in the county’s history, which dates back to its founding in 1853. Cattle ranching remains an important part of the local economy, and it’s not unusual to spot longhorns grazing across the open pastures.

Lake Madison is a favorite spot for fishing and boating, while the annual Texas Mushroom Festival draws visitors from across the state. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, with neighbors still taking time to stop and chat. And when it comes to food, the local barbecue is definitely worth sticking around for.

CategoryDetails
County NameMadison County
County SeatMadisonville
PopulationApproximately 15,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesMadisonville, Midway, North Zulch
Interstates and HighwaysInterstate 45, State Highway 21, State Highway 90
FIPS Code48-313
Total Area (Land and Water)472 square miles (466 sq mi land, 6 sq mi water)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction)Leon County (North), Houston County (Northeast), Walker County (Southeast), Grimes County (South), Brazos County (West)
Time ZoneCentral Time Zone (CST)
StateTexas
Coordinates30°57’N, 95°56’W
EtymologyNamed after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States
Major LandmarksLake Madison, Madisonville Sidewalk Cattlemen’s Association Museum, Texas Mushroom Festival
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