Near Princeton in Gibson County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lyles Station
Side 'One'
Settled in late 1840s by Joshua and Sanford Lyles, former slaves from Tennessee. African Methodist Episcopal Church (since 1860) and schools (1865-1958) played important roles in sustaining the community. On land donated by Joshua Lyles, railroad companies maintained a station circa 1870-1950s for passenger, freight, and mail service.
Side 'Two'
Named Lyles Station 1886. Community declined after widespread flooding in 1913. It remains probably most intact African-American settlement in the state; several present residents are descendants of original settlers. Lyles Consolidated School, built 1919, listed in National Register of Historic Places 1999; restoration began 2001.
Erected 2002 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Lyles Station Historic Preservation Corporation. (Marker Number 26.2002.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 38° 22.18′ N, 87° 39.556′ W. Marker is near Princeton, Indiana, in Gibson County. Marker is on County Road 500W south of Road 100N, on the right when traveling south. Located on the South lawn of the Lyles Station School & Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Princeton IN 47670, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lyles Station, Indiana (within shouting distance of this marker); Brownlee Addition Historic District (approx. 4.9 miles away); Declaration of Friendship (approx. 4.9 miles away); Railroads (approx. 4.9 miles away); Prince Town (approx. 4.9 miles away); Coal Mining (approx. 4.9 miles away); Agriculture (approx. 4.9 miles away); Industry (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Princeton.
Also see . . .
1. Lyles Station. Museum website (Submitted on November 9, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Lyles Station Video Tour. Lyles Station Historical School & Museum YouTube video (4m 15s) (Submitted on October 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
3. Photos of Marker Dedication by Indiana Historical Bureau. State website entry (Submitted on January 21, 2013, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 589 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 4. submitted on November 9, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 5, 6. submitted on October 3, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.