In the 19th Century Madison County weddings were usually simple affairs with immediate family only, or even elopements. Larger church weddings, inspired by the wedding of Queen Victoria, came later.

For nearly a century, three generations of architects from the Kane family occupied a suite of rooms in Edwardsville’s Bohm Building. Their skill and artistry can be found throughout Madison County.

Some Madison County residents were known nationally in their time, but few know their names today. Here are stories of Emma Kubicek, Jacob Ammann and Walter Benjamin, all worth remembering.

The average home had no air conditioning a century ago, so to cool off Madison County residents escaped to a number of area resorts that offered mineral baths, swimming, or just a day in the country.

Alton resident Charlotte E. Johnson has spent decades researching the African-American story in Madison County. Here she shares her unique perspective on African American history and culture.