Clinton in Vermillion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Henry Dana Washburn

1832-1871

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

1. Henry Dana Washburn Marker, side one

Inscription. Soldier, congressman, and explorer Henry D. Washburn settled in Vermillion County circa 1850. He taught school, practiced law, and held county office. In the Civil War, he rose to rank of colonel of 18th Indiana Volunteer Infantry and later brevet major general, with distinction at Pea Ridge and Vicksburg. He served as U.S. Representative during Reconstruction, 1866-69.

Appointed Surveyor General of Montana Territory in 1869 by President Grant, Washburn led a crucial exploration of the Yellowstone wilderness in 1870, naming major features, such as “Old Faithful.” The Washburn Expedition was the pivotal event in Yellowstone's period of definitive exploration, which led to its designation on March 1, 1872 as the first national park.

Erected 2018 by Indiana Historical Bureau • Henry Dana Washburn Memorial Committee. (Marker Number 83.2018.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 39° 39.927′ N, 87° 23.922′ W. Marker is in Clinton, Indiana, in Vermillion County. Marker

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is at the intersection of North Main Street and West Water Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street. Marker is at Riverside Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 519 N Main St, Clinton IN 47842, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Civil War Soldiers Buried at Clinton Indiana (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); All Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Universal World War II Honor Roll (approx. 4.1 miles away); Brouillette Trading Post (approx. 4½ miles away); Hixon Cemetery (approx. 5½ miles away); Roseville (approx. 5.6 miles away); Mecca Bridge (approx. 5.9 miles away); 10 O'Clock Line (approx. 6.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Clinton.

Also see . . .
1. Scientist of the Day: Henry Dana Washburn. Near the end of August, they climbed a mountain some 10,000 feet in height, and the group agreed to name it Mt. Washburn. It still has that name. (William B. Ashworth, Jr., Linda Hall Library, posted March 28, 2022) (Submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Yellowstone National Park: Its Exploration and Establishment. Online book by Aubrey L. Haines about Washburn's expedition and the park's origins. (National Park Service) (Submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Henry Dana Washburn Marker, side two image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

2. Henry Dana Washburn Marker, side two

Henry Dana Washburn Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, May 28, 2023

3. Henry Dana Washburn Marker

Henry Dana Washburn (1832-1871) image. Click for full size.

Unknown via National Park Service (Public Domain)

4. Henry Dana Washburn (1832-1871)

He became ill during the Yellowstone expedition and returned to his father-in-law's home in Clinton, where he died shortly thereafter.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 81 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 16, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.