Knox in Starke County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Watchman's Tower

Photographed By Craig Doda, February 3, 2024

1. Watchman's Tower Marker

Inscription. In 1927 the Watchman's Tower was constructed north of the train depot on Pearl Street in order to prevent fatal accidents at the tracks. One man could watch the four main crossings in Knox from one location.

The Watchman's Tower had a small coal stove, windows and controls for the crossing signals at Heaton, Pearl, Main and Shield Streets.When alerted, the watchman would turn on the crossing signals at the four streets intersecting tracks. In 1986, the Watchman's Tower was no longer needed due to automation of the crossing signals.

The Tower was temporarily moved to the property of Dr. Walter Fritz, then to that of James Shilling, where it was restored by Eagle Scout Andrew Ulbricht. In 1999, the Watchman's Tower was relocated here, near the Depot, Caboose and Signal Tower in the Knox area known as "Gateway."

Erected by Knox Gateway Inc., Starke County Historical Society, Knox Park Board, Starke County Convention and Visitors Commission, Starke County Tourism, City of Knox.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 41° 18.084′ N, 86° 37.27′ W. Marker is in Knox, Indiana, in Starke County. Marker is on North Heaton Street, on the left when

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traveling north. The marker and tower are located in Wythogan Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 305 N Heaton St, Knox IN 46534, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site At Which Starke County Was Organized (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Starke County Bridge #39 (about 700 feet away); These Surplus Guns (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lincoln's Gettysburg Address (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial Plaza (approx. 0.2 miles away); PFC Frank H. Ono (approx. 0.2 miles away); The 18 Pounder Long Gun (approx. 0.2 miles away); Starke County Honor Rolls (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knox.

Photographed By Craig Doda, February 3, 2024

2. Watchman's Tower Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 47 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.