Fairmount in Grant County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
James Dean
1931-1955
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2021
1. James Dean Marker
This is not a monument to a rebel, those were only roles he played James Dean was an American original who on a basis of high school honors and in a period of five years time rose to the very pinnacle of the theatrical profession and through the magic of motion pictures lives on in legend.
This monument is dedicated as well to all the loyal fans who continue to come from around the world to pay their respects to dean and Fairmount, which has become the world's "hometown".
Early in 1955 James Dean visited the studio of artist Kenneth Kendall. His question was, "Would you be interested in sculpting me!" The artist began work the night the actor died.
The inscription from an Ancient Greek Funeral Stele Reads,
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.
Location. 40° 25.034′ N, 85° 39.011′ W. Marker is in Fairmount, Indiana, in Grant County. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central 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 walking distance of this marker: The Calvin Dillon House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Enoch Beals House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Frank Zigler House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fairmount Masonic Lodge #635 F & AM (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Jimmy Dean Was Here" (about 400 feet away); The M. J. Millspaugh House (about 400 feet away); Way Station (about 500 feet away); Cool Cat Garfield (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairmount.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. -
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2021
2. James Dean Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2021
3. James Dean Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2021
4. James Dean Memorial Park
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2021
5. James Dean Memorial
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 26, 2021
6. James Dean Marker
Inside the Fairmount Historical Museum at E.Washington Street & N.Walnut Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 520 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 28, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
