South Bend in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Knute Rockne

1888-1931

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 9, 2022

1. Knute Rockne Marker

Inscription. Knute Kenneth Rockne was born in Voss, Norway on March 4, 1888, the son of Lars and Martha, Gjermo, Rockne. The family immigrated to the United States in 1892 and settled in Chicago, Rockne matriculated to the University of Notre Dame and South Bend in 1910. After graduating from the University in 1914, he remained at Notre Dame as a chemistry instructor, head track coach, and assistant football coach. In 1918 he was named head football coach and over the next thirteen years, gained fame as one of the greatest football coaches of all time, posting a record of 105-12-5 and winning three national championships. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1951 Inaugural Class. In 1914, he married Bonnie Skiles. They had four children William, Knute Jr., Mary Jeanne, and Jack. The Rockne's lived in South Bend on St. Vincent Street, College Street, and their final home at 1417 East Wayne Street, Rockne was active in the South Bend Community, a Kiwanis Club and YMCA member, and worked for Studebaker Corporation from 1928-1931. He died in a tragic airplane crash in the Flint Hills of Kansas on Match 31, 1931.

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This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is March 4, 1888.

Location. 41° 40.556′ N, 86° 14.995′ W. Marker is in South Bend, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. It is on South Michigan Street south of East Washington Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker and statue are on the southwest outside corner of Gridiron Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 S Doctor M.L.K Jr Blvd, South Bend IN 46601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern 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 Victor (a few steps from this marker); 112 S. Michigan St. (a few steps from this marker); 106 S. Michigan St. (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln & Dixie Highways (within

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 9, 2022

2. Knute Rockne Marker

shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln Highway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Post Office of South Bend (about 300 feet away); Studebaker Blacksmith Shop and Carriage Factory Site (about 400 feet away); Studebaker Plaza (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in South Bend.

Photographed by Craig Doda, December 9, 2022

3. Knute Rockne Marker

Knute Rockne Statue and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Trevor L Whited, February 4, 2024

4. Knute Rockne Statue and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2022, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 709 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 16, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on February 6, 2024, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.