Corydon in Harrison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Corydon
Plaque A
At the dawn of the 1800’s, Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison rode horseback through this valley and grew to admire the serenity of its hills and streams, and the intrepid determination of its pioneer settlers. A frequent overnight visitor at the cabin of Edward Smith, along a cool spring at the present day fairgrounds. Tradition holds that the future President of the United States took particular delight in a vocal rendition of Virgil’s “Pastoral Elegy” sung by Smith’s young daughter, Jennie.
Plaque B
And when the still night has unfurl’d her robes o’er the hamlet around, gray twilight retires from the world, And darkness encumbers the ground, I’ll leave my own gloomy abode, to Corydon’s urn will I fly, There kneeling will bless the just God who dwells in bright mansions on high…
this mournful lament for the mythical shepherd boy, Corydon, suggested to Governor Harrison a suitable name for the fledgling settlement plotted by Harvey Heth in 1808, “Corydon it was called henceforth” setting it on course with destiny, as a place where Indiana was born.
Erected 2001 by Corydon Millenniun Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #09 William Henry Harrison series list.
Location. 38° 12.728′ N, 86° 7.504′ W. Marker is in Corydon, Indiana, in Harrison County. Marker is at the intersection of East Walnut Street and North Elm Street, on the right when traveling east on East Walnut Street. Marker is in front of the Blaine H. Wiseman Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corydon IN 47112, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Liar's Bench (here, next to this marker); John Shields (here, next to this marker); Governor's Headquarters (a few steps from this marker); Corydon Convention Of Freemasons (within shouting distance of this marker); Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Stately Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); World War I (within shouting distance of this marker); In Honor Of The Men from Harrison County (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corydon.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 237 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 5, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.