Revolutionary War veterans began buying land in the Madeira area in the 1790s. Family farms and orchards blossomed throughout the rural landscape for the first six decades. The coming of the Marietta and Cincinnati Railroad and establishment of a freight station in 1866 precipitated the community's creation and gave it the name Madeira, chosen for the surname of the rail line's treasurer. Public schools, churches, and small businesses developed to serve a flourishing new population. Madeira incorporated in 1910, and citizens began a century of hard work, service, and neighborliness that makes the official motto of "friendly town" especially apt. Images contributed by the Madeira Historical Society, community groups, and residents provide insights into the community's rich history and enduring charm.