Originally settled in 1783 by French fur traders, evidence of the County's earliest inhabitants is documented by eight major archaeological sites.  The best known site, Lilborn Fortified Village, features a large temple mound constructed by Mississippian Indians in approximately 1100 A.D.   Beginning in the city of New Madrid, following U.S Highway 61, is the El Camino Real, or Kings Highway, which began as an Indian trade route and was used by the Spanish and French as a link between St. Louis and New Orleans.

Just west of U.S. Highway 61 was once the largest swamp in Missouri.   At the beginning of the 20th century, the Little River Drainage District was formed to reclaim the land.  An engineering feat, it is the largest drainage district in the nation.  The 
communities of Gideon and Morehouse were founded because of the great timber industry that sprang up when the swamp was drained and now are supported by the rich agricultural land that characterizes the area used for such major crops as cotton, corn, soybeans, milo, rice and wheat. 

Not all the land was cleared, though.  East of New Madrid lays Donaldson Point State Forest.  Dense timber and natural river sloughs afford many hunting and fishing opportunities, and also a chance to see such species as the Bald Eagle, Mississippi kite and Swainson's Warbler.

A boat trip on the Mississippi River from the two public access ramps at New Madrid offers more fishing, and for the naturalist, a summertime look at the Interior Least Tern nesting along the sandbars.  Even without a boat, there is a panoramic view of the Mississippi River from the Mississippi River Observation Deck at   New Madrid.  The New Madrid Oxbow is a 20 mile horseshoe bend and is one of the many natural features associated with the New Madrid Earthquake.  During the winter of 1811-1812, the area was rocked by a series of the most violent earthquakes in modern North American history.  Evidence of the quakes can be seen all over the County in the form of sand blows, sink holes and ridges.

While visiting the Observation Deck, take time to read about the Battle of Island No. 10.  This was the site of the first extensive siege of the Civil War, and gained control of the river for the Union.

To learn more about the New Madrid Earthquakes, the Civil War, the Mississippian Indians and how the river shaped community life for the last 200 years, view the interpretive exhibits at the New Madrid Historical Museum, open year round.  Also see the newest attraction, the Higgerson School Historic Site, open Memorial Day - Labor Day.

Visitors to New Madrid can also view the Hunter-Dawson Home State Historic Site, open year around.  This Italianate style home, built of cypress and completed in 1859, is reminiscent of the ante-bellum south.  Its 15 rooms are furnished with original pieces brought by steamboat from Cincinnati.

In September, celebrate with the City of New Madrid their riverboat heritage in this four day event.  Special tour packages will include the Hunter-Dawson Historic Site, New Madrid Historical Museum, and cruises on the Mississippi River.

Also featured will be the arts & crafts fair and live entertainment.  On Sunday, a special cruise from New Madrid to Caruthersville is scheduled.

In December, the Hunter-Dawson Home is decorated in Victorian style as it was during the Civil War.  Free tours are given by candlelight.

In June, at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid, this all day event features working crafts of the 19th century, including basket-making, black-smithing, etc.  Also includes concessions and live entertainment.

Come and celebrate the nation's birthday at the Mississippi River levee in New Madrid.  Live entertainment by the Dixie Players.  Also, at dusk, stick around for one of the most beautiful fireworks displays in the region, overlooking the Mississippi River.