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
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 and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Racing Memorial Association
this page online
Location. 39° 0.628′ N, 85° 38.074′ W. Marker is in North Vernon, Indiana, in Jennings County. It 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.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana. It is also in the American Midwest 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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Walnut Grove One-room School 1913 (approx. 1.7 miles away); Muscatatuck Park (approx. 1.7 miles away); Morgan's Raid (approx. 2.2 miles away); Vernon Historic District (approx. 2.2 miles away); a different marker also named Morgan's Raid
Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 16, 2021
2. Pat O’Connor Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Muscatatuck Park (was approx. 1.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
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 515 times since then and 30 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.
