Joseph McDowell is the name of:
- Joseph "Pleasant Gardens" McDowell (1758–1799), American Revolutionary War soldier and legislator from North Carolina
- Joseph McDowell, Jr. (1756–1801), "Quaker Meadows Joe", American Revolutionary War soldier and legislator from North Carolina
- Joseph J. McDowell (1800–1877), U.S. Representative from Ohio, son of Joseph "Quaker Meadows" McDowell