New Albany in Floyd County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lucy Higgs Nichols

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011

1. Side 'One' - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker

Inscription. Lucy, born a slave April 10, 1838, was owned by the Higgs family that by 1850 lived near Bolivar, Tennessee. She gained her freedom in 1862 by escaping to the 23rd Regiment, Indiana Volunteers camped nearby. She worked as a nurse for the soldiers as they fought in many major battles of the Civil War. She mustered out with them in Louisville in 1865.

Lucy came to New Albany with returning veterans of 23rd Regiment. She married John Nichols, 1870. Lucy applied for pension after Congress passed 1892 act for Civil War nurses; she was denied. In 1895, Lucy and 55 veterans of the 23rd petitioned Congress; in 1898, a Special Act of Congress awarded her pension. Lucy was an honorary member of the G.A.R. She died 1915.

Erected 2011 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Friends of Division Street School, Inc. (Marker Number 22.2011.1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 10, 1884.

Location. 38° 17.283′ N, 85° 48.763′ W. Marker is in New Albany, Indiana, in Floyd County. Marker is on East Market Street

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east of East 10th Street, on the right when traveling east. Located on the north side of War Memorial Park, which is located on East Market St between E 10th & 11th Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: New Albany IN 47150, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Floyd County Honor Roll & Veterans Memorial (here, next to this marker); Korean Conflict / Vietnam Conflict - Floyd County (a few steps from this marker); Floyd County American Revolution War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Floyd County World Peace Honor Roll (a few steps from this marker); Michael C. Kerr Home (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Culbertson House (about 500 feet away); Mansions of New Albany (about 600 feet away); Culbertson Mansion (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Albany.

Side 'Two' - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011

2. Side 'Two' - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker

Looking East - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011

3. Looking East - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker

Looking West - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011

4. Looking West - - Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker

Fieldpiece - - at the Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Courtesy:: Marilyn S. Wolf, August 28, 2011

5. Fieldpiece - - at the Memorial

The marker can be seen behind the tree in the background of this photo.

Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker image. Click for full size.

Public domain - Wikimedia Commons, 1898

6. Lucy Higgs Nichols Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 29, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,305 times since then and 206 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2011, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. 6. submitted on February 3, 2022, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Closeup of photo #1. • Can you help?