North Vernon in Jennings County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pat O’Connor

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021

1. Pat O’Connor Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

No sport could ask for a better representative than auto racing had in North Vernon's, Pat O'Connor. Handsome, articulate, and talented, he rose from dirt tracks and bullrings around his Southern Indiana home, to national and international acclaim. His many sprint car victories earned him two AAA championships, a USAC championship, induction into the Sprint Car Hall of Fame, and an opportunity to pursue his ultimate goal, the Indianapolis 500.

Pat's greatest renown came at Indianapolis. From his first 500 in 1954 he was a contender. He finished 8th in both 1955 and 1957, and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated for his Speedway prowess. Despite his fame, Pat remained rooted in North Vernon, with a home and several businesses here. His untimely passing on May 30, 1958, touched people everywhere, and he remains one of racing’s most beloved drivers.

Erected 2015 by Indiana Racing Memorial Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 30, 1958.

Location.

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021

2. Pat O’Connor Marker

Click or scan to see
this page online

39° 0.628′ N, 85° 38.074′ W. Marker is in North Vernon, Indiana, in Jennings County. Marker is on North State Street (Indiana Route 3) 0.1 miles north of Bay Street, on the right when traveling north. marker is on the sidewalk, near the entrance to the City Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 723 N State St, North Vernon IN 47265, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Muscatatuck Park (approx. 1.7 miles away); Vernon Historic District (approx. 2.2 miles away); Morgan's Raid (approx. 2.3 miles away); New Survey Markers Set (approx. 2.3 miles away); Jonathan Jennings (approx. 2.3 miles away); Jennings County Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.6 miles away); Morgan is Forced to Turn Back, (approx. 2.7 miles away); Kellar Grist Mill (approx. 4.8 miles away).

Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021

3. Pat O’Connor Marker

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 165 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 28, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.