Spencer Park in Terre Haute in Vigo County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hungarian Community
Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 1, 2024
1. Hungarian Community Marker
front side
Hungarians seeking economic opportunities settled in Terre Haute at the start of the 20th century and created a vibrant community. Many worked for coal mines, railroads, and manufacturing industries. In response to dangerous conditions and low wages, they joined unions and, in 1909, founded the Hungarian Sick and Death Benefit Society, a self-funded insurance group.
Despite facing prejudice during WWI, many Hungarian immigrants enlisted in the military, formed patriotic groups, and gained citizenship. They also established businesses, including Frank and Julia Koos who opened a grocery store here in the 1920s. Nearby Hungarian Hall hosted celebrations, elections, and union meetings, and continues to preserve Hungarian traditions.
Erected 2023 by Indiana Historical Bureau, William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the grandchildren of Frank and Julia Koos.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 39° 29.526′ N, 87° 22.874′ W. Marker is in Terre
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and in the Wabash Valley. It is also 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 Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Gold Medal Plaza (approx. 0.9 miles away); Twelve Points (approx. 0.9 miles away); Visionary Point (approx. one mile away); Max Carey (approx. 1½ miles away); Union Hospital (approx. 1½ miles away); Historic National Road / Make History, Drive It (approx. 1½ miles away); William D. "Big Bill" Haywood (approx. 1.9 miles away); Charles Luna (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Terre Haute.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Ft. Wm. Henry Harrison (was approx. 1.7 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 1, 2024
2. Hungarian Community Marker
reverse side
Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 1, 2024
3. Hungarian Community Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 239 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
