This property is listed in the
National Register of Historic Places
by the
United States Department of the Interior
May 11, 2000
Beardstown Grand Opera House
c.1872
Heritage Preservation
Foundation
Preserving our . . . — — Map (db m229612) HM
Rejecting a treaty, Black Hawk, a leader of the Sauk and Fox, led his hungry people back into Illinois from Iowa in early 1832, intending to plant corn. Black Hawk also hoped to form an alliance with the Winnebago and Pottawatomie. . . . — — Map (db m57691) HM
In memory of
Abraham Lincoln
who, for the sake of a mother in distress, cleared her son Duff Armstrong of the charge of murder in this hall of justice.
May 7 1858 — — Map (db m57862) HM
Abraham Lincoln and his men were among the 1,500 or so volunteers who had poured into Beardstown for basic military drills. These men had answered Gen. John Reynolds' call to drive Black Hawk and his people out of Illinois. The military . . . — — Map (db m57689) HM
When Abraham Lincoln sought election to the Illinois legislature in 1832, his platform focused on his belief that improvements should be made to the Sangamon River, which he said would be "vastly important and highly desirable to the . . . — — Map (db m57856) HM
Abraham Lincoln first saw Beardstown in the Spring of 1831 as he, two friends, and Denton Offutt steered Offutt's flatboat laden with merchandise on their way to New Orleans. He returned in 1832, first in March to help get the steamer . . . — — Map (db m57693) HM
Abraham Lincoln had just won an acquittal for his client William Duff Armstrong in what is now known as the celebrated Almanac Trial of May 7, 1858. At the conclusion of the trial, held on the second floor of the Cass County Courthouse . . . — — Map (db m57858) HM
People in Cass County knew Abraham Lincoln not only as a lawyer but also as a candidate for the Illinois legislature and U.S. Congress. Those earlier campaigns allowed Lincoln to hone his political skills for the 1858 senatorial content . . . — — Map (db m57861) HM
It is the celebrated "Almanac Trial" of May 7, 1858 that has forever linked Abraham Lincoln with Beardstown. On that day, Lincoln defended William Duff Armstrong, the son of Lincoln's closest New Salem friends Jack and Hannah Armstrong. . . . — — Map (db m57859) HM
Travel in Abraham Lincoln's time was time-consuming, dirty, and usually downright uncomfortable. On many of his trips, Lincoln traveled by train to Meredosia. From there he had the choice of a steamboat or a bone-jarring ride in a . . . — — Map (db m57863) HM
This is the site of the first building
erected as the seat of government of
Cass County, Illinois, on land provided by
Dr. H. H. Hall the founder of Virginia.
Circuit court was held here for the
first time in May, 1839 and the . . . — — Map (db m229610) HM
On terrace to south, during 18th century, was a 3-mile row of little wooden shacks, metropolis of the E.R. Miami. Old records, maps show it as ye Olde Towne, Kenapaco-maqua (Snakefish), Eel River Town, L'Anguille.
Among Olde Towne's . . . — — Map (db m224634) HM
To rescue women and children taken captive by angry Indian warriors, the U.S. called, in Kentucky District, for volunteers. 800 men, many of them Revolutionary War veterans, at once responded, each bringing his own horse and gun. Of these, 525 . . . — — Map (db m224660) HM
Wilkinson's Expedition. 525 Kentuckians burned Olde Towne: after a skirmish in Bloody Hollow and an Aug. 8. 1791 battle here had killed ten Indians and two soldiers, including John Bartlett; and wounded John Stafford. 34 of the . . . — — Map (db m224655) HM
"One of the best gifts we can give our children is a love of family and a love of our country. We must teach our children the importance of respecting and honoring those who have served." — — Map (db m240938) WM
Cass County Honor List Of Dead And Missing Viet-Nam Conflict Barry Wayne Bickel Steven Keith Brandenburg Lawrence Clark John Michael Deremigio Frank R. Gallagher Gerald Frederick Gilbert James L. Hatton Reggie Westel Hinson . . . — — Map (db m240884) WM
Persian Gulf War We honor, with this visible symbol, all of those who served with courage, valor and sacrifices in the armed forces of the United States of America during the Persian Gulf War, which began August 2, 1990. All of those who . . . — — Map (db m240886) WM
( Clock Tower - Plaque )
This tower was erected in honor of the military veterans of Cass County. The clock and bell were salvaged from the old Cass County Court House, originally built in 1844, subsequently added to in 1888, and finally . . . — — Map (db m208897) HM WM
Logansport was founded in 1838, the same year the Dentzel name first became associated with carousel manufacturing in Germany. A circuitous series of events. eventually brought what is perhaps the most famous name in carousel carving to . . . — — Map (db m224663) HM
Site of first Masonic Temple in northern Indiana. Of brick construction, cornerstone of two-story building was laid 1829 by General John Tipton, P.G.M.,completed 1837. Ground floor used for school purposes many years. Razed 1895. — — Map (db m35489) HM
Korean Conflict
James Marlin Baber Donald L. Barker Robert Arthur Bolen William Richard Bennett Robert Dale Conrad Stanley Lee Dewitt Richard Dee Ellis Alver Haines Ginn John Douglas Goins Walter (Jack) Leonard Marler . . . — — Map (db m240882) WM
The citizens of Cass County salute those men and women who served their country honorably during the war in Korea and honor the memory of those brave men who gave their lives in service of their country. May they rest in peace — — Map (db m240880) WM
The Little Turtle Waterway Plaza was conceived and built to: Provide public access to the Wabash River, Serve as the trailhead park for the future Lail system in Logansport and Cass County, Provide instruments to help interpret local history, and . . . — — Map (db m240889) HM
Declaration of Independence
drafted by Thomas Jefferson
Between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the continental congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It was engrossed on parchment, and on August 2, 1776, delegates . . . — — Map (db m243065) HM WM
The citizens of Cass County honor the men and women who gave part of their life, and some their lives, serving their country in the Vietnam war. Your efforts will always be remembered by each of us.
May they rest in peace. — — Map (db m240883) WM
( Front Section )
This memorial erected by
Gold Star American War Mothers
of Cass County Ind.
To commemorate the valor
of those who made the
Supreme Sacrifice
During the World War
( Right Section )
CPL. Frederick C. . . . — — Map (db m35537) WM
Trade and emigration route from Lake Erie to Evansville. Completed through Logansport 1840. Followed Erie Avenue and 5th Street, crossing Eel River by wooden aqueduct. Abandoned about 1876. — — Map (db m35409) HM
The Daylily Garden below and the one on the west side of the building contain several cultivars hybridized by Wilmer Flory. Mr. Flory, a Logansport native was a science teacher, horticulturist, city councilman and a founder of the American . . . — — Map (db m240941) HM
Dedicated to the early Logansport Settlers whose unmarked graves reside at the Ninth Street Cemetery Emoline R. Ward Emma Ward Chauncey Ward H Ward Lucy Ward Ellen Webster Mrs Wedekind Annie Weirick Henry Weirick John Weisman . . . — — Map (db m242058) HM
This 14 by 18 foot log cabin was built by John Gingery in 1863 in what was called Five Mile Grove located two miles northeast of Atlantic. John left Stark County Ohio where he had been raised and had become a school teacher. He was twenty-six . . . — — Map (db m93783) HM
Iowa assumed an important place in Americas Underground Railroad history when Missourians closed off the Missouri River to Kansas bound settlers. For Iowa residents involved in helping runaways, the work was a dangerous and illegal business. Most . . . — — Map (db m93885) HM
Hitchcock House
——————————
In sparsely settled Cass County
an entire company was enlisted
in Lewis, 1862.
Company I 23rd Infantry . . . — — Map (db m93805) WM
In 1948 fire destroyed this area. Thru public funding, and labor, in 1949, this Memorial Building, arose.
Lewis, Iowa, First 1855 Home, Cass County, Court House — — Map (db m93820) HM
Rev. George B. Hitchcock House
has been designated a
National Historic Landmark
This site possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America
This property is listed in the
National . . . — — Map (db m93862) HM
Beginning in February of 1846, the vanguard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) struggled across southern Iowa on the way to their "New Zion" in the Rocky Mountains.
The trek from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Kanesville . . . — — Map (db m93813) HM
Beginning in February of 1846, the vanguard of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) struggled across southern Iowa on the way to their "New Zion" in the Rocky Mountains.
The trek from Nauvoo, Illinois, to Kanesville . . . — — Map (db m93882) HM
Determined and authenticated
by the Historical Department of Iowa, 1911.
This monument was erected in 1917 by the
Iowa Daughters of the American Revolution
in memory of the pioneers who followed
this trail and its tributaries.
We cross . . . — — Map (db m93819) HM
In honor of those who served
in World Wars One and Two
In Memory Of
Ray Enfield Frank H. Enfield
Guy H. Peters Harry Porter
Kenneth Lawton Bernard Kaiser
Wayne Reynolds — — Map (db m93818) WM
(Marker 1)
Captain Kincheloe
Born July 2, 1928, was a Korean War fighter ace who flew the rocket-powered Bell X-2 to a world record altitude of 126,200 feet on September 7, 1956. He died July 26, 1958, in the service of his country . . . — — Map (db m75414) HM
Completed in 1899, this wooden frame building with limestone veneer is the third courthouse to serve Cass County. The Territorial Government of Michigan established the county in 1829 and named it after then Governor Lewis Cass. Two years later . . . — — Map (db m64729) HM
This was the third Cass County jail. It was built in 1878-1879 at a cost of $17,770.
It was described as the newest, costliest and best public building in Cass County.
It replaced the jail built in 1852. — — Map (db m212597) HM
(Panel 1)
“Who More Than Self
Their Country Loved”
1946
(Panel 2)
Korean Conflict
1950 to 1955
Name - City - DOB - DOD - Rank
Eugene Waldo - Dowagiac - . . . — — Map (db m75408) WM
In the 1830s southern runaway slaves bound for freedom in Canada came into Michigan near Cassopolis. In 1840, Cass County's Quaker community, which provided a haven for the fugitives, became an integral part of the Underground Railroad. Many free . . . — — Map (db m64712) HM
Beginning in 1829, Penn, Calvin, and Porter townships in Cass County were settled by Quakers who migrated there. Free Blacks also settled there, and both groups lived in harmony. Blacks in Cass County enjoyed many rights, such as the right to own . . . — — Map (db m79005) HM
Born New Hampshire 1782. 18 years Governor of Territory of Michigan (1813-1831). Served Nation thirty years as Senator - Minister to France - Secretary of War - Secretary of State. Visited Zion Lodge No. 1 1812 - later affiliated. Permanent Michigan . . . — — Map (db m75409) HM
Designed by Christian Haefner in the 1860s, this house belonged to George Newton, a state legislator. The cupola, projecting eaves, and symmetrically grouped windows distinguish its architecture. This building is located in the 580 acre densely . . . — — Map (db m64730) HM
"Freedom and fear are at war, the advance of human freedom.
The great achievement of our time and the great hope
of every time. Now depends on us."
President George W. Bush speech Sept. 20, 2001
Dedicated to the people of Cassopolis — — Map (db m212596) WM
1861 – 1865
The 19th Mich. Inf. Was organized at Dowagiac, 62. Henry C. Gilbert, Colonel, left camp Sept. 14, 62 with 995 men. Mustered out of service Jun. 10, 65
Total Enrollment 1206
Killed in Action 54 . . . — — Map (db m75366) WM
On this site in January 1893, the Beckwith and Lee families opened and dedicated the Beckwith Memorial Building in honor of Philo D. Beckwith (1825-1889). P.D. Beckwith moved to Dowagiac in 1854 and became one of the most important individuals to . . . — — Map (db m217930) HM
This is the third 16 ft. section from the largest Tulip tree in Michigan. When this tree was blown down in May of 1984, it was approximately 300 yrs old and over 225 ft. tall. — — Map (db m75361)
Criffield-Whiteley House
Businessman and farmer Charles M. Criffield (1867-1929) and his wife, Cora, (1865-1945) built this Queen Anne-style house in 1897. Fred Corber managed the construction. In 1920 the Criffields sold the house . . . — — Map (db m183901) HM
(South Side)
Erected by H.C. Gilbert Post No. 47 G.A.R. Comrs. Fred E. Lee, Prest. J. Edwards, 1st Vice Prest. H. Goddings, 2nd Vice Prest. H.S. McMaster, Sec. Willis M. Farr, Tres.
1861-1865
(North Side)
Cass . . . — — Map (db m202750) WM
(Southeast Panel)
"It is an investment not a loss when a man gives his life for his country."
(Northeast Panel)
City of Dowagiac
Floyd Ibbotson Avery B. Wilkinson David H. Starrett Otis Messenger Elmer . . . — — Map (db m75362) WM
Proudly we pay tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II and Korea.
World War II
Arthur F. Abendroth Charles W. Ball John C. Clancy Jr. Raymond Cowham Alvin Cox Bernhardt Dahlke Paul E. Davis . . . — — Map (db m75367) WM
Circuit-riding ministers established a Methodist class in Silver Creek Township in 1843. Five families attended the earliest meetings, held in the home of Leroy L. Curtis, the first class leader. In 1844 the Reverend David Whitlock was appointed . . . — — Map (db m64737) HM
Indian Lake Cemetery has been in use since the 1840s and contains the remains of many of the earliest settlers of Silver Creek Township. Many of the communitys first funerals were held in a log schoolhouse immediately to the south of here. In 1852 . . . — — Map (db m202752) HM
Chief Leopold Pokagon and his tribe of Potawatomi Indians built a log church here in 1838 and deeded the forty acres of land on which it stood to the Catholic Bishop of Detroit. Pokagon, who came to Silver Creek Township from his village outside of . . . — — Map (db m64735) HM
St. Paul's Church. Under the leadership of Justus Gage (1805-1875), this structure was built as a Universalist church. Completed at a cost of $3,000, it is Dowagiac's oldest public building. At the time of completion, it was the town's only . . . — — Map (db m64731) HM
(Side One)
The Dowagiac River Watershed
A watershed is all of the area that drains into a common body of water.
The snow and rain that falls within the watershed boundaries, and does not evaporate, will drain into the Dowagiac . . . — — Map (db m75359)
Veterans
Memorial
In memory of past, present and future Veterans of Foreign Wars and to the citizens on the home front who sacrificed to support the spirited service men and women on foreign soil
All gave
some
-
some gave . . . — — Map (db m217931) WM
Farr Park is named for Michigan native and Civil War veteran Willis M. Farr, born August 1, 1844, who was an industrialist and a Dowagiac city alderman in the 1880's. Mr. Farr was a partner in Dowagiac Manufacturing Co., a maker of grain drills. . . . — — Map (db m202749) HM
"The Old Rugged Cross" composed by George Bennard was first sung in this church by a choir comprised of Frank Virgil Olive Marrs Clara Virgil Wm Thaldorf Florence Jones - organist Arthur Dodd - violinist
1913 — — Map (db m218112) HM
The Old Rugged Cross Church has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior
1876 — — Map (db m217932) HM
This late-Victorian schoolhouse was built in 1874-75. Constructed at a cost of $3,000, it is made of locally manufactured yellow and red brick. The 1882 Cass County History described it as "the best rural schoolhouse in the State." Its two . . . — — Map (db m64644) HM
The District No. 5 bell was originally installed in 1875. The Bell was removed from the building in 1964, during remodeling, and sold to a local farmer. It was later sold to James Loop, who took it to his home in Wichita, Kansas. In 1996, the bell . . . — — Map (db m64646) HM
The first Methodist church in Milton Township was organized in 1839. The following year, this church was built and named Smith's Chapel to honor Canon Smith, who had contributed generously to the construction of the church. Smith, a native of . . . — — Map (db m64740) HM
In 1831, Luther Humphrey of the American Home Missionary Society organized the Presbyterian Church of Edwardsburg. He described the village as "a few log cabins...standing amongst the bushes and brush." Members worshipped in homes until the chapel . . . — — Map (db m122217) HM
The first white settlers located in this vicinity about 1826. The first school was held in an abandoned log cabin in the northwest part of the township in 1833. Howard Township was organized by an Act of the Territorial Legislature on March 7, 1834. . . . — — Map (db m64741) HM
In 1835, George Poe (1779-1851) emigrated from Crawford County, Ohio, and settled on land deeded to him by the U.S. government. Within two years he acquired 520 acres of land in Newberg Township. Many members of the Poe family settled in this . . . — — Map (db m64546) HM
War of 1812
John M. Bauder Samuel Bridge J. Haley Brown Edward Littell John Savage Justus Sheffield Fordice Sheldon
Black Hawk War
Joseph Bair
Civil War
Benj. F. Adams Wm. P. Akerly Hugh Anderson . . . — — Map (db m75288) WM
World War II
Harry H. Abrams Jack Abrams Jr. John R. Allyn Amy Wells Anderson ★ Richard J. Anderson Edwin Hugh Anthony George A. Arnott Floyd Artis Bert Bainbridge ★ Paul Bainbridge Duane W. Bair Lee L. . . . — — Map (db m75326) WM
Methodist Episcopal Church
Circuit-riding Methodist ministers held religious services in Pokagon Township during the 1830s and 1840s. A class was organized in Sumnerville in 1840. In 1876 the Methodists purchased this building, which had . . . — — Map (db m64747) HM
(Obverse Side)
Sumnerville Mounds
Between the first and fourth centuries A.D. Hopewell Indians built nine burial mounds near here. The six remaining earthen mounds reflect the Hopewellian culture, which flourished in the Eastern . . . — — Map (db m64742) HM
This boulder commemorates a station of The Underground Railway used from 1840 to 1850. It was the home of Stephen Bogue who aided runaway slaves on their way to freedom. — — Map (db m201671) HM
Quakers from the mid-Atlantic region settled here during the 1830's. This is the site of the meeting house, built in 1856, which replaced a log cabin dating from 1837. The congregation contained many active Abolitionists, and this area soon became . . . — — Map (db m68407) HM
In 1847, black and white residents of Vandalia and Cassopolis stood up and stopped 13 slave catchers from taking 9 kidnapped slaves back to Kentucky. They showed great courage and determination in stopping what they saw as a grave injustice. . . . — — Map (db m201653) HM
Vandalia, prior to the Civil War, was the junction of two important "lines" of the "Underground Railroad." Slaves fleeing through Indiana and Illinois came to Cass County, where Quakers and others gave them shelter. Fugitives seeking a refuge in . . . — — Map (db m201617) HM
