Metamora in Franklin County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Passenger Pigeon Extinction
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 21, 2019
1. Passenger Pigeon Extinction Marker Reverse
Known for flocks that darkened the sky, the passenger pigeon was once the most abundant North American bird. A population in the billions as late as 1860 was nearly zero by 1900. Communication and transportation advancements enabled market hunters to kill unprecedented numbers for food and sport. Species became extinct when the last captive bird died September 1, 1914.
Before extinction, vast numbers of passenger pigeons migrated through Indiana, with many nesting in the state's forests in the spring. Pigeon roosts, which spread over miles and could damage and topple trees, often attracted amazed onlookers and hunters. The last verified passenger pigeon in the wild was shot about five miles from here near Laurel on April 3, 1902.
Erected 2017 by Indiana Historical Bureau. (Marker Number 24.2017.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Communications. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 3, 1902.
Location. 39° 26.833′ N, 85° 8.167′ W. Marker is in Metamora, Indiana, in Franklin County. It is on Pennington Road 0.1 miles west of Banes Street, on the left when traveling east. The marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is 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: Locking Thru (a few steps from this marker); Water Wheel & Lock #25 (within shouting distance of this marker); Harnessing the Power of Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Grist Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); The Carriage House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Building the Whitewater Canal (about 300 feet away); Building A Hand-Dug Canal Was Hard Work (about 300 feet away); Odd Fellows Hall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Metamora.
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
2. Passenger Pigeon Extinction Marker
Photographed by Tom Bosse, May 22, 2021
3. Passenger Pigeon Extinction Marker
Photographed by Craig Doda, September 21, 2019
4. Passenger Pigeon Extinction Marker Reverse
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, November 8, 2025
5. Passenger Pigeon Extinction Marker Front
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 607 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1. submitted on December 26, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2021, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. 4. submitted on December 26, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 5. submitted on February 17, 2026, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A clear close-up photo of the marker's front (includes text that starts with 'Known for...') • Can you help?
