Near Charlestown in Clark County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Rose Island Hotel

Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026

1. The Rose Island Hotel Marker

Inscription.
Breezy river views
Perched at the base of the cliff but well above the high water mark, a quaint hotel offered grand views from its location just north of the Ohio River Gateway. Guests enjoyed cool river breezes from the hotel’s verandas and comfortable rooms.

[Caption]: View from the hotel’s veranda

[Caption]: The Rose Island Hotel in earlier days

Twin tales of hotel history
One account states that Mr. Rose modernized the old Fern Cliff Hotel (above, right) and renamed it The Rose Island Hotel. Another story states that Mr. Rose covered the white hotel in dark green paint and made it a home for his employees.

Remnants of the Great Flood
While architectural debris from the hotel was observed during a 2012 archaeological study, no foundations were seen. All that remains of the hotel is a retaining wall and a few steps beside the trail.

[Insert]: Look Around! What do you think happened to the hotel’s foundation since its closing in 1937?

Erected by Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas.

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In addition, it is included in the Rose Island Amusement Park series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2012.

Location. 38° 25.597′ N, 85° 37.175′ W. Marker is near Charlestown, Indiana, in Clark County. It is on Trail #7, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on Trail #7 in Charlestown State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charlestown IN 47111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Ohio River Valley,

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: Great Flood of 1937 (here, next to this marker); All Aboard the Steamboats! (a few steps from this marker); Rose Island Cottages (a few steps from this marker); An Enormous Dining Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Zoo at Rose Island: Those amazing animals!

Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026

2. The Rose Island Hotel Marker

Marker is on the right.

(within shouting distance of this marker); The Swimming Pool: Perfect summer fun! (within shouting distance of this marker); History Talks: Advertisements and Articles from Rose Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Rose Island Amusement Park: The Summer’s Highlight (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charlestown.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026

3. The Rose Island Hotel Marker

Marker is on the right.

Photographed by Tom Bosse, June 13, 2026

4. The Rose Island Hotel Marker

Marker is on the right. Arched entrance to Rose Island Amusement Park can be seen on the far right.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.