Conveniently located one block from the historic Fort Madison Business District and two blocks from the banks of the Mississippi River, The Victoria Bed & Breakfast Inn & Studios is a destination getaway for historical inn travelers.

 
Fort Madison is filled with history and historic places to visit, click here to view a full list of local attractions.
 
Step back in time at historic Old Fort Madison, Iowa, the Midwest's oldest American military garrison on the upper Mississippi River. You'll find reconstructed buildings at the historic garrison that was home to the 1st Regiment U.S. Infantry from 1808 to 1813.  "Be greeted by authentically garbed historic interpreters performing the duties that were necessary to sustain life at an isolated fort, from baking bread to drilling with muskets or cannon.  Special events include tours combined with period dinners throughout the summer; in October, Candlelight Tours with period reenactments, music, and refreshments; and in September, regulars, militia and Indians gather at the garrison to reenact the Siege of Ft. Madison, a four-day battle that occurred in September 1812.
 
While you're in Fort Madison visit the historic neighborhoods and Riverfront Business District - antiques on the avenue, many unique specialty shops, and Victorian homes. Be sure to also enjoy the tempting restaurants that compliment the community. Click here for Chamber information for visitors.
 
For more tourism information for Eastern Iowa, visit the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association's Web site at: www.easterniowatourism.org/
 
If you are an Iowa Inn Traveler and wish to keep-up on the latest Community Events in southeast Iowa, click here.
 

 

The Victoria History

The Victoria was built circa 1850 by Dr. Edward Whinery, M.D. a noted physician and the first medical doctor at the Fort Madison Territorial Prison. Dr. WhinHistoric Ft Madison Iowa -- luxury lodging accommodations at The Victoriaery was a noted researcher into the treatment of cholera, working in collaboration with a Dr. Townsend in the UK. The home has been restored by Dr. B. Marie Brady-Whitcanack, Ph.D. and her husband, Pharmacist, Lex Whitcanack. It reflects its original Georgian and Victorian architectural detail. The first hospital in Fort Madison is located near the Dr.'s home. This site is also said to have been included in the network of homes on the under-ground railroad of the Civil War. Seven Civil War Hospitals were located in the next town of Keokuk, Iowa.

Behind the nearly 7,000 square foot home is a 2200 square foot carriage-barn that has been identified by the Iowa Barn Foundation as the oldest barn in the state of Iowa. The carriage-barn now houses the Carriage House Studio, an addition to the Gallery Studio located in the main house.

This innkeeper's self-portrait was done in an 1850s wedding dress for the Carthage Museum, posed in front of the fireplace pictured above, was completed five years prior to moving into the home. This painting was first commissioned by Dr. Edward McKinney, MD, now Chief of Staff for Carthage Memorial Hospital, commissioned for the Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum, in Carthage, Illinois.  The Kibbe Museum includes the collection of biology professor Dr. Alice Kibbe.