From the May 24, 2021, Des Moines (Iowa) Register "Trip on a tankful: Old Fort Madison 'an odd piece of American history" by Paula Reece.
A lesser-known piece of American history is the establishment of the United States Government Factory System. In response to the 1804 Treaty of St. Louis, government trading posts were set up as part of the payment to the Sac and Fox Nations for lands they gave to the United States.
To keep peace and good will, the government sold everything to the Indians at cost and offered high prices on Native goods.
What set the government factories apart from private trading posts was the fact that no alcohol was sold. One of the most successful government trading posts was along the Mississippi River in what is today the town of Fort Madison, Iowa.
Eugene Watkins, site manager at Old Fort Madison, a replica of the original fort, says it is one of the most unique spots to visit in Iowa.
--Brock-Perry
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