Charlestown in Clark County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Indiana State Parks: The First 100 Years 1916-2016
our parks and preserves are not mere picnicking places. They are rich storehouses of memories and reveries. They are a solace to the aged and an inspiration to the young. Richard Lieber, Founder, Indiana State Parks
Setting the Stage Alarm over the nation's disappearing natural landscape gave birth to the parks movement. Richard Lieber and others advocated for the creation of a state park system as Indiana's 1916 centennial gift.
First Parks Land for Turkey Run came up for sale at an auction, but was lost to a higher bidder. McCormick's Creek was purchased in time for the State's centennial celebration. Within the year, however, Lieber's group purchased Turkey Run. By 1932, ten parks dotted the state.
State Park Inns Inns provided accommodations for early park visitors. Many early visitors would stay for over a week.
Gatehouses Indiana State Parks was a leader in implementing a User Pays model to support operating costs.
Nature Guides Almost from the beginning, Indiana State Parks provided nature guides to interpret the natural and cultural stories of the parks.
Civilian Conservation Corps During the Great Depression, the CCC put jobless young men to work. They constructed buildings, trail systems and infrastructure in the parks.
Post-World War II Following the war, many veterans earned college degrees, entered the work force and started families. Increased income led to more travel and a demand for parks.
Reservoirs Beginning in the 1950s, the US Army Corps of Engineers constructed dams for flood control. Land was managed for camping, hunting and fishing by the Division of Reservoir Management (later merging with State Parks).
Conserving Resources The 1960s brought new understanding and concern for the environment. State Parks began management practices to conserve and maintain valuable ecosystems.
The Next 100 Years We continue to be a leader in state park conservation and management. We hope you and future generations will continue to use and support Indiana State Parks. Make your own memories!
(Timeline)
1. 1916 McCormick's Creek
2. 1916 Turkey Run
3. 1920 Clifty Falls
4. 1925 Pokagon
5. 1925 Indiana Dunes
6. 1927 Spring Mill
7. 1929 Brown County
8. 1929 Shakamak
9. 1930 Mounds
10. 1932 Lincoln
11. 1943 Tippecanoe River
12. 1943 Versailles
13. 1947 Shades
14. 1949 Whitewater Mem.
15. 1953 Lieber SRA
16. 1960 Chain O' Lakes
17. 1960 Raccoon Lake
18. 1962 Ouabache
19. 1966 Harmonie
20. 1966 Monroe Lake
21. 1967 Salmonie Lake
22. 1968 Mississinewa Lake
23. 1969 Potato Creek
24. 1973 Hardy Lake
25. 1975 Brookville Lake
26. 1980 Patoka Lake
27. 1988 Summit Lake
28. 1990 Falls of the Ohio
29. 1996 Charlestown
30. 1996 Fort Harrison
31. 2004 O'Bannon Woods
32. 2004 Prophetstown
33. 2007 Trine SRA
Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana State Parks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.
Location. 38° 25.868′ N, 85° 38.701′ W. Marker is in Charlestown, Indiana, in Clark County. Marker can be reached from Jersey Avenue, one mile south of Ohio River Scenic Byway (Indiana Road 62), on the right when traveling south. Marker is at the Charlestown State Park Office. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 12500 IN-62, Charlestown IN 47111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rose Island (approx. 0.9 miles away); First Masonic Capital of Indiana (approx. 1.2 miles away); Downs House (approx. 1.2 miles away); Mary Garrett Hay (approx. 1.2 miles away); Fern Grove and Rose Island Resorts (approx. 1.2 miles away); Site of Green Tree Tavern (approx. 1.3 miles away); Grave of Jonathan Jennings (approx. 1½ miles away); Ohio River: the Human Story (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlestown.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.