Madison in Jefferson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Courthouse Treasure

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

1. Old Courthouse Treasure Marker

Inscription.
This bell, which once hung in the Courthouse cupola, survived the Courthouse fire of May 20, 2009 thanks to the efforts of 18 area volunteer fire departments.

According to the inscriptions of its exterior, the bell was cast by the G.W. Coffin & Co. at the Buckeye Foundry in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1864. It is tuned to the musical note "E" and weighs approximately 3100 pounds.

The Community Foundation of Madison and
Jefferson County provided the funding for
the courthouse bell display.

Erected by Community Foundation of Madison; and Jefferson County.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is May 20, 2009.

Location. 38° 44.149′ N, 85° 22.618′ W. Marker is in Madison, Indiana, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Jefferson Street south of East Main Street (Ohio Scenic River Byway) (U.S. 421), on the left when traveling south. Marker and subject bell are on exhibit near the southwest corner of the Jefferson County Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 East Main Street, Madison IN 47250, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lt. General Walter Krueger (a few steps from this marker); Replica of The Statue of Liberty

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Samuel Woodfill (within shouting distance of this marker); First Chartered Bank in Indiana (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County Courthouse / Madison's Commercial District (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County (Indiana ) Civil War Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Paul / Early History (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.

Regarding Old Courthouse Treasure. The Jefferson County Courthouse contributes to the historic significance of the Madison Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and designated a National Historic Landmark. National Register of Historic Places #73000020.

Also see . . .
1. Jefferson County Courthouse and Sheriff's Residence & Jail. During a restoration in 2009, the courthouse’s roof caught fire, destroying the upper story and domed cupola. Jefferson County

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

2. Old Courthouse Treasure Marker

commissioners funded reconstruction of the building’s damaged sections and cupola. A rededication ceremony for the rehabilitated courthouse took place August 26, 2011. (Submitted on September 11, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Fire causes heavy damage to Madison, Indiana courthouse. (news story & photos from 5/20/2009) The historic Jefferson County Courthouse was heavily damaged by a fire Tuesday evening that destroyed the building's signature cupola. Tuesday's edition of the Madison Courier showed an image of the courthouse cupola nearing the end of $150,000 in renovations that were being done. The work was to be completed in time for the city's bicentennial starting June 6. Wednesday night, all that was left of the cupola was a collapsed, burned shell that was still smoldering in the night air. (Submitted on September 11, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Old Courthouse Bell Exhibit image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

3. Old Courthouse Bell Exhibit

1864 Courthouse Bell detail: Buckeye Foundry image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

4. 1864 Courthouse Bell detail: Buckeye Foundry

1864 Courthouse Bell detail: Tuned to “E” image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

5. 1864 Courthouse Bell detail: Tuned to “E”

Jefferson County Courthouse (<i>southwest corner</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 26, 2021

6. Jefferson County Courthouse (southwest corner)

(courthouse bell exhibit in left foreground • new cupola visible on courthouse in background)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 11, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.