Monticello in White County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Super Outbreak...Killer Tornado
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, November 21, 2020
1. Super Outbreak...Killer Tornado Marker
On Wednesday, April 3, 1974, the weather forecast predicted showers on the East Coast and thunderstorms in the Midwest. People did not know that in the heavens a massive storm with far-reaching density was brewing. On that day, children were sent to school. People went to their workplace. A typical spring day was being observed.
The heavens changed. "Super Outbreak" began. "Super Outbreak" is the largest tornado outbreak on record for a single 24-hour period. From April 3rd to April 4th, there were 148 tornadoes confirmed in 13 states. Throughout the Heartland, tornadoes broke out with an intensity and force that had never been seen in the United States. In its path of destruction, 5,000 people were injured and 315 lost their lives. In Indiana, there were 1,000 reported injuries and 48 confirmed deaths.
At 5:17 p.m. on April 3rd, a tornado swept through Monticello from the southwest to the northeast. Eight people lost their lives. The estimated damage was reported to be $1000 million dollars. Schools, homes, churches, cemeteries, businesses and the historic Bedford Limestone Courthouse were destroyed. The tornado was classified as a F4. That day changed the landscape of the Monticello community. This Monticello Tornado Memorial Park is a tribute to those who lost their lives that day and a tribute to those who
this page online
A community did not stop... it moved forward with willing hands and fierce hearts.
Donated by The Rex MacOwan Family
Erected by White County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is April 3, 1974.
Location. 40° 44.705′ N, 86° 45.643′ W. Marker is in Monticello, Indiana, in White County. Marker is at the intersection of East Broadway Street and North Bluff Street, on the left when traveling east on East Broadway Street. The marker is diagonally across from the White County Historical Society. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monticello IN 47960, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Courthouse Cast Iron Drinking Fountain (here, next to this marker); The Black Light Poles (a few steps from this marker); The Finial (a few steps from this marker); The Monticello Tornado Memorial Sculpture (a few steps from this marker); Tornado Park Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Monticello Carnegie Library (within shouting distance of this marker); White County War Memorial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); State of Indiana Bicentennial Legacy Project of 2016 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monticello.
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, November 21, 2020
2. Super Outbreak...Killer Tornado Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 109 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 11, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. 2. submitted on June 12, 2022, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
