Fort Black, a sturdy log outpost, was erected immediately southwest of this site in the fall of 1813 under the direction of Lieutenant James Black, commanding a detachment of Preble County troops, to protect pioneer settlers against bands of hostile Indians who were then harassing the frontier. The town of Madison was platted on this site by Zadock Smith in Dec. 1817 and was probably named for President James Madison. Afterwards this plat was purchased and vacated by Ernestus Putnum, who laid off and recorded a new town in 1831 and called it New Madison.