Corydon in Harrison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Branches of History

Photographed by Tony Ganson, August 4, 2019

1. Branches of History Marker

Inscription. Corydon’s Constitution Elm stood a few blocks to the north of Indiana’s first capitol. The huge elm tree, about 50 feet high and spread over 130 feet, offered cooling shade from the summer sun. When the framers of the Indiana Constitution met during the sweltering June days of 1816 they st under the tree.

An elm disease killed the tree in 1925, and only the trunk remains at the Constitution Elm Memorial. Pieces of the tree were sold as souvenirs. In 1937, a protective sandstone memorial was erected over the trunk.

The Constitution Convention was attended by 43 representatives from the territory. When preparing Indian’s state laws they relied heavily on existing constitutions, especially those of Ohio and Kentucky.

Indiana’s first capitol, completed in 1816 at a cost of $3000, was designed for use as Harrison County Courthouse. but housed the General Assembly and Supreme Court until the capital was moved to Indianapolis in 1825.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics.

Location. 38° 12.807′ N, 86° 7.645′ W. Marker is in Corydon, Indiana, in Harrison County. It is on West High Street, on the right when traveling west. marker is next to the Constitution Elm Memorial. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 W High St, Corydon IN 47112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Constitution Elm (here, next to this marker); "The Courthouse On The Hill" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Henry Harrison Log Cabin (about 400 feet away); O'Bannon Publishing Company (about 600 feet away); Posey House (about 600 feet away); Dedicated In Everlasting Tribute (about 600 feet away); Harrison County Jail (about 700 feet away); World War I (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corydon.

Photographed by Tony Ganson, August 4, 2019

2. Branches of History Marker

enlargement of text

Photographed by Tony Ganson, August 4, 2019

3. Branches of History Marker

marker as seen from across the street

Photographed by Unkown family member, 1924

4. Branches of History Marker

Constitutional Elm Marker

Photographed by Tony Ganson, August 4, 2019

5. Branches of History Marker

picture on marker, the tree

Photographed by Tony Ganson, August 4, 2019

6. Branches of History Marker

second picture on marker,; assembly under the tree

Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 7, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 4. submitted on June 19, 2023, by Susan McClain of Carmel, Indiana. 5, 6. submitted on August 7, 2019, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.