Joe Dawson
Born in Odon, on July 17, 1889, Joseph Crook Dawson was one of the most acclaimed “Daredevils of The Speedways”, during the formative years of auto racing in this country. His most memorable accomplishment came in 1912, when he gained international fame as the winner of the world’s most famous race, the Indianapolis 500. After Joe retired from driving he remained in the sport he loved, while contributing th the development of the early automotive industry.
Joe worked as a development engineer for the Marmon Motor Car Company, where he was also a teammate to 1911 500 winner, Ray Harroun. He later worked in a similar capacity with Chalmers, racing their cars to many world speed records. Joe also served on the AAA Contest Board as a respected race official until his death, on June 17, 1946. Throughout his diversely successful life, Joe always reflected small town American virtues of hs Odon, Indiana birthplace.
Erected 2016 by Indiana Racing Memorial Association Indiana Bicentennial Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1912.
Location. 38° 50.218′ N, 86° 59.712′ W. Marker is in Odon, Indiana, in Daviess County
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Odon, Formerly Clarksburg (approx. 0.8 miles away); Odon Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.9 miles away); Evans Memorial Park (approx. 3.1 miles away); Wabash and Erie Canal (approx. 5.8 miles away); Richland-Plummer Creek Covered Bridge (approx. 11.2 miles away); The Martin County Guards / Never to be Forgotten (approx. 11.9 miles away); Homer E. Capehart / GOP Cornfield Conference (approx. 12˝ miles away); Greene County (Indiana ) War Memorial (approx. 13˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Odon.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 28, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
