by John P. Rankin (Author)
The city of Madison reflects the evolution of networked communications. Initially, this occurred as physical pathways were trod via horse and foot traffic, then waterways fostered communications as products and crops were shipped to markets when wilderness gave way to farms. Widespread communication expanded again with the laying of railroad tracks that carried passengers and freight; Madison was established after the arrival of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad in the area in the 1850s. Almost concurrently, electronic communication and vehicular roadways enabled more widespread delivery of messages, passengers, and freight. Today, aircraft play a primary role in the movement of commodities, while communication is rapidly transitioning to the Internet and bypassing radio, television, telephone, and mail services. Madison has been involved, often as a hub, with all of these media outlets since its founding in 1857.