Madison Indiana: Experience a Stay in an 1884 Cotton Mill

A unique get-away awaits at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott in Madison! Experience a unique stay at a Cotton Mill. 

On the banks of the Ohio River

This spacious 1884 cotton-mill-turned-boutique-hotel is within steps of the Ohio River. The massive landmark has been exquisitely transformed into a picturesque destination escape.

Natural light graced the machines and floors of the Eagle Cotton Mill in its infancy. Now, light from 200 large, eight-foot-tall windows streams into reimagined spaces.

Relax into history

The hotel rooms and suites are spacious. Room ceilings are 12 feet high on the lower floors and 14 feet on the top floor. “Our hotel is not just a place to lay your head, it is actually a work of art,” says Josh Abbott, sales manager.

The exposed beams, ceilings, and brick are all original to the building. Original wood has been repurposed in the lobby’s bar area. Stones from local creeks make up the center fireplace in the lobby.

A tranquil river scene painting by local artist Eric Phagan graces the front desk area. Old maps and photos from the mill’s prosperous time dot the walls. An original poster from the 1958 movie “Some Came Running” (filmed in Madison) offers a glimpse into Madison’s history.

Local resident Andy Ashbury and his wife Suzi were getting their first look at the hotel. “Fantastic” Andy said, smiling. “I’m so happy for the town!”

The staff of the hotel is a wealth of knowledge. “Everyone is local,” says Macy Lyons, operations manager. Inquire about local history, places to eat, music, and events. Everyone is excited to talk about the hotel and life in Madison.

The hotel features two conference rooms, a spacious banquet hall, a fitness room, and a bar. Weddings and girl’s weekends are popular events at the hotel.

A small building for offices sits at the front of the massive structure. A picker house and machinery room remain behind the main building. The mill originally had its own power plant.

Machinery marks and names carved in woodwork add to the charm of the hotel. Eagle Cotton Mill originally produced low-grade cotton fabric and canvas for laundry carts, wartime sacks, and other products. The mill once employed 300 workers spinning and weaving at 204 looms.

The structure sat abandoned for 40 years. In 2007, interest grew in saving the building. In 2019, the rescue was accomplished. Now, 85 tranquil rooms give homage to the area’s history.

The hotel is part of Madison’s unique 133-block historic legacy. The nation’s largest contiguous National Historic Landmark District also includes three National Historic Landmark sites. The Lanier Mansion Historic Site and Shrewsbury-Windle House face the beautiful riverfront. The historic Eleutherian College is 15 minutes out in the county.

Experience downtown Madison

After a night of rest, watch the sunrise on the Ohio River. Then enjoy a full breakfast, jump in a golf cart and head downtown. Madison features unique stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and a handmade chocolate shop. A year-round farmer’s market in the center of town is a vibrant meeting place for locals and visitors.

The deep sense of history and the amenities of this picturesque riverfront hotel can’t be missed. Stay and relax into Madison’s past, present and future!