New Madrid County, Missouri
New Madrid County is located in Missouri’s Bootheel and is best known for the powerful earthquakes of 1811–1812, which famously affected the flow of the Mississippi River.
The river continues to shape life in the county, with levees protecting large fields of cotton and soybeans. New Madrid, the county seat, sits along the Mississippi River and Interstate 55.
Fishing remains both a popular pastime and an important part of the local economy. Winters are generally mild, while summers can be quite hot. Residents take pride in their rich history, strong river heritage, and distinctive Delta culture with a Missouri flavor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | New Madrid County |
| County Seat | New Madrid |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | New Madrid, Portageville, Lilbourn, Gideon, Morehouse, Marston, Risco, Canalou |
| Interstates and Highways | I-55, US 61, US 62, MO 153 |
| Population | Approximately 16,000 |
| FIPS Code | 29-143 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 697 square miles (Land: 675 sq mi, Water: 22 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Missouri |
| Coordinates | 36.5860° N, 89.6601° W |
| Etymology | Named after New Madrid, Spain |
| Major Landmarks | New Madrid Historical Museum, New Madrid Bend, Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Scott County (North), Mississippi County (Northeast), Fulton County, Kentucky (South), Lake County, Tennessee (South), Pemiscot County (South), Dunklin County (Southwest), Stoddard County (Northwest) |
