Monrovia in Morgan County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Branch McCracken
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
1. Branch McCracken Marker (Front)
Esteemed basketball player and coach Emmett Branch McCracken was born in Monrovia in 1908. He led Monrovia High School to Tri-State Tournament wins in 1925 and 1926, as two-time MVP. McCracken played for Indiana University from 1927-1930. He led IU in scoring for three years and became a three-time All-Big Ten Team member. Inducted into Naismith Hall of Fame in 1960.
McCracken coached Ball State basketball, 1930-1938. Hired as IU head coach in 1938, his team won the 1940 national championship. He served in the Navy during WWII; returned to IU in 1946. He coached Bill Garrett, the first African American regular starter in Big Ten basketball, 1948-1951. In 1953, he led IU to another national title. Retired in 1965; died in 1970.
Erected 2017 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Monroe-Gregg School District. (Marker Number 55.2017.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 39° 34.593′ N, 86° 28.791′ W. Marker is in Monrovia, Indiana, in Morgan County. Marker is on South Chestnut Street (Indiana Route
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Monrovia High School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hubbard Mill (approx. 0.3 miles away); West Union Friends Meeting (approx. 0.9 miles away); Samuel Moore (approx. 6.1 miles away); Indiana State Flag (approx. 6.1 miles away); McCormack-Bowman House (approx. 6˝ miles away); Sugar Grove Meeting House (approx. 8 miles away); Eat (approx. 9˝ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Monrovia.
Also see . . . Branch McCracken. (Submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
2. Branch McCracken Marker (Back)
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
3. Branch McCracken Marker
Photographed By Tom Bosse, November 20, 2022
4. Branch McCracken Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 98 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 21, 2022, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
