West Baden Springs in Orange County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Traveling in Style: The Monon Connection
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 2021
1. Traveling in Style: The Monon Connection Marker
The remote southern Indiana location of the West Baden Springs and French Lick resort area made access by railroad essential to their prosperity in the late 1880’s. The resorts signed a deal with the Monon Railroad that granted direct access to the valley from Chicago, Louisville and all points beyond. At the peak of the railroad era, twelve trains served French Lick and West Baden Springs Hotels each day. Some of the grandest train depots along the Monon were located in the valley, one of which used to stand on the platform just south of this plaza. Many wealthy visitors from Chicago and the east coast arrived at the resort for Kentucky Derby weekend, riding special Monon trains to Louisville than returning for a relaxing stay here. The Indiana Railway Museum celebrates that history in the remaining historic station, located between the two hotels, offering excursion trips, while a trolley has been restored to link the two hotels along the original tracks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. West Baden Depot (a few steps from this marker); The Eighth Wonder of the World Revived (within shouting distance of this marker); Archway (within shouting distance of this marker); Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company (within shouting distance of this marker); Brick Drive (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Golf Courses (about 500 feet away); Apollo: Spring No. 3 (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sprudel: Spring No. 7 (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Baden Springs.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. West Baden Springs Hotel
Also see . . .
1. The Monon Railroad.
The Monon Railroad ran new lines to French Lick and West Baden, practically dropping guests at the hotels’ doorsteps. Guests traveled on regular trains, in their private cars, or on corporate trains. In addition(Submitted on April 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)to bringing people, the trains also brought the circus to winter here. Horses were shipped to the hotel stables, and freight of all kinds arrived in a more timely fashion.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 24, 20212. Traveling in Style: The Monon Connection Marker(West Baden Springs archway & hotel in background)
2. The Monon Railroad.
In 1907 a limestone passenger station was built and in 1929 a brick freight station constructed to handle the influx of tourists, who didn’t only come to drink the water. At the turn of the twentieth century, tourists particularly came for the casino gambling, although it was illegal. Not only did dignitaries like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lana Turner, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope visit, but French Lick also produced its own notes of infamy. In 1917 the chef at the French Lick Resort ran out of oranges to serve for breakfast so he created tomato juice for the first time.(Submitted on April 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on April 6, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 100 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
