In 1804 New Jersey passed An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery and the state soon became one of the key destinations for runaway slaves as well as a key section of the Underground Railroad for those seeking to go further north. The State’s location was crucial, positioned between two of the Railroad’s most active urban centers – Philadelphia and New York City.

Throughout the United States during World War II, it was not at all unusual for communities to offer expressions of support for the war effort and Madison was no exception. Fund raising campaigns to purchase tanks, trucks, and jeeps were popular choices. But Madison chose a war plane.

Madison has a few houses that were built during the 18th century. During the bicentennial celebration of 1976, the Bicentennial Heritage Committee recognized the houses with a special plaque that the borough placed on each of the houses.