Madison is on the eastern edge of Crowley's Ridge between Forrest City and the St. Francis River. It is just south of where I-40 leaves Crowley's Ridge. Forrest City was not a town during the civil war. In 1870 it was a railroad camp named after Gen. N.B. Forrest, who was in charge of finishing the rairoad to Memphis. It was called Forrest Camp latered to be named Forrest City.