The Bridges of Madison County fantasy in which a virile stranger materializes in the kitchen of a quiet housewife and takes her into his arms." The book debuted on the "New York Times" bestseller list in August 1992 and slowly climbed to number 1, and remained on the list for over three years (164 consecutive weeks), through October 8, 1995. "The Bridges of Madison County" was made into a 1995 film of the same name, adapted by Richard LaGravenese and directed by Clint Eastwood. It stars Eastwood and Meryl Streep. "The Bridges of Madison County" was adapted into a Tony Award-winning musical with music and
Madison County, Georgia December 11, 1811. It was the 38th county formed in Georgia and began to operate as a county in 1812. Madison County formed from Oglethorpe, Clarke, Jackson, Franklin and Elbert counties. Early agriculture in Madison County was devoted to food crops and livestock (cattle, hogs and sheep), which was sufficient to feed the population. Just after the Civil War ended, the demand for a cash crop led to a major reliance on cotton. The soils of Madison County were heavily damaged by this cotton monoculture. From the 1930s on, agriculture became more diverse. Today, agribusiness dominates the local economy, with