Historical Markers and War Memorials in Richmond, Indiana
Richmond is the county seat for Wayne County
Richmond is in Wayne County
Wayne County(103) ► ADJACENT TO WAYNE COUNTY Fayette County(23) ► Henry County(38) ► Randolph County(38) ► Union County(12) ► Darke County, Ohio(90) ► Preble County, Ohio(38) ►
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In memory of the forty-one persons who lost their lives in the tragic downtown explosion April 6, 1968 and with everlasting gratitude to those who helped give rebirth to this city — — Map (db m21999) HM
Side A As a traveling missionary and
preacher, Quinn helped establish
the African Methodist Episcopal
Church (AME) in free and slave states
before the Civil War. He
influenced the faith, community, and
education of thousands of . . . — — Map (db m120251) HM
Civil War training camp for the then 5th Congressional District was located on the old fairgrounds. The 16th, 36th, 57th, 69th, 74th, 84th, and 124th regiments of Indiana Volunteers were organized and trained here. — — Map (db m133615) HM
Suffragist & journalist
Est. "The Little Paper" 1915. In which she advocated for women's rights & suffrage. Former home on this site. — — Map (db m232951) HM
Donated and built by
The Citizens of Wayne County
in grateful appreciation and eternal remembrance of
Wayne County Veterans,
of all wars, killed in action or declared missing,
who have made the supreme sacrifice
that freedom . . . — — Map (db m22002) HM
As German immigrants entered the United States in large numbers in the mid 19th century, many found their home in Richmond. Here, the city's trade and industrial opportunities offered a favorable climate for German residents looking to start a new . . . — — Map (db m232949) HM
Side A
Standing Tall
Dedicated on October 28, 1928, this Madonna statue is a tribute to the pioneering
spirit of women.
In 1911 the Daughters of the American Revolution proposed a “model highway” from
Washington, DC, to Los . . . — — Map (db m139349) HM
An Important Road
The National Road is a true American icon, conceived by George Washington,
authorized by Thomas Jefferson, and traveled by Abraham Lincoln.
In 1806 construction of the National Road was approved by the US Congress . . . — — Map (db m139348) HM
During every conflict Women were there
Prior to 1900 women participated in all armed conflicts, but only in support roles, mainly as nurses. Women were officially barred from serving in the military, but many disguised themselves as men . . . — — Map (db m232133) WM
In 1946, Indiana University joined Earlham College to form an extension center in Richmond to meet the regions educational needs. The center offered the first two years of college credit through evening classes held at the Earlham campus. In . . . — — Map (db m238570) HM
(Southwest Face) N.S.D.A.R. Memorial to the Pioneer Mothers of the Covered Wagon Days.
(Northwest Face) A Nation's Highway! Once a wilderness trail over which hardy pioneers made their perilous way seeking new homes in the dense forests of the . . . — — Map (db m244) HM
The Madonna of the Trail statue, commissioned by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, was designed and sculpted by August Leimbach of St. Louis, Missouri. It symbolizes the courage, faith, and spirit of the pioneer mothers who . . . — — Map (db m138880) HM
A premier suffragist and advocate of womens rights, Mary B. Thistlethwaite Birdsall was the womens editor of the Indiana Farmer and in 1855 became editor and proprietor of the “Lily”, a nationally distributed magazine devoted to the . . . — — Map (db m138968) HM
On October First, 1842, in what was then an open tract in this city
square. Henry Clay, the leader of the Whig Party, delivered an
address to an immense multitude and Hiram Mendenhall, a Quaker
abolitionist, presented to him on behalf of the . . . — — Map (db m138953) HM
Upon this hallowed and
historic ground was
organized and mustered
into the volunteer service,
for the preservation of
the Union, the loyal and
patriotic men composing
the following regiments:
16th Indiana Vol. Inf.
36th Indiana . . . — — Map (db m138927) WM
Located south of Richmond's historic downtown, the Old Richmond Historic District encompasses more than 200 acres and 500 buildings associated with the development of Richmond from 1819 to 1935. The district includes the land associated with the . . . — — Map (db m232950) HM
In honor of those
who gave their lives
for their community
Amos Markle, Mar. 13, 1884
George Little, July 8, 1916
Elmer Stephenson, July 8, 1916
John Hennigar, Oct. 21, 1924
Police Officer's Prayer
“Lord I ask for courage . . . — — Map (db m22017) HM
Named for John Sailor, Richmond's first mayor after incorporation in 1840.
As taverns required a back entrance on a street, this alley north of Main, from 7th to 11th, was named Sailor Street.
This site is where the Starr House, noted hotel . . . — — Map (db m41478) HM
This Tablet Marks
the Boundary Line Between
Government and Indian Lands
fixed by
Gen. Anthony Wayne and
Twelve Tribes of Indians
in the Greenville Treaty 1795
also
The Site of Salisbury
1/3 mile south east ---- the first . . . — — Map (db m120635) HM
The four boulders forming the base of this marker were the corner stones of the Bulla- Hoover school built by the first settlers in 1809, one hundred forty feet east of this spot, on the line between the Hoover and Clawson grants of land. This land . . . — — Map (db m138708) HM
On this site in 1854 Timothy Thistlethwaite and his brother-in-law Joseph Ratliff dammed the water of the river with the use of farm teams, placing large boulders at the bottom of an earth and stone fill in the river channel; this changing the . . . — — Map (db m138711) HM
A living memorial dedicated in commemoration of those who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II from Wayne Township
In grateful tribute to all men and women of this area who have or will serve in defense of our country
Rededicated by . . . — — Map (db m22009) WM
In 1971, the Trustees of Indiana University, with significant financial assistance from local residents, purchased land for a new campus in Richmond. Breaking ground in 1972, the main building of Indiana University East was dedicated by IU President . . . — — Map (db m169366) HM
7 Aug - 22 Dec 1942
First ground offensive in Pacific
US KIA 620 WIA 1517
Japanese KIA 30,000
Awarded Presidential Unit Citation
SSG Joseph A. Burgess 41-44
1st BN 1st Marines 1st Marine Div
[Second bench]
LTC Crozier A. . . . — — Map (db m222154) HM WM
Considered the first lady blues singer, Hunter had a long career as a singer, a composer and an actress. She recorded for Gennett in 1924.
Donated in honor of Alberta Hunter, female pioneer who sang songs inspiring brotherhood and love, by the . . . — — Map (db m221923) HM
Artie Shaw was one of the greatest clarinetists, composers, and bandleaders of the 20th century. He made his first recordings in 1928 at the Gennett Studio in Richmond.
Dedicated to Linda Gennett Irmscher, to assure that she will be remembered . . . — — Map (db m221911) HM
It was sent to Vietnam in June 1967. It was stated at An Son
air base in Vietnam. It had over 1400 hours combat flying time.
There were more than 16,000 Huey's produced. Throughout the
Vietnam war, the Huey was used by all 5 branches of the . . . — — Map (db m222058) HM
Big Bill Broonzy recorded for the Champion label in Richmond from 1930 to 1932 and helped create the Chicago blues sound.
Donated in memory of John Lumsden, first president of Starr Piano, Inc., by Brian Henry Martin, sixth president, Pacific . . . — — Map (db m221910) HM
In 1924 groundbreaking jazz cornetist Bix Beiderbecke made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label as a member of the Wolverine Orchestra.
Donated in memory of Henry Gennett Martin, fifth president of Starr Piano, Inc., by his wife . . . — — Map (db m221913) HM
Blind Lemon Jefferson was widely influential as a country blues singer, guitarist and songwriter. His final songs were recorded in Gennett's Richmond studio in 1929.
In honor of the music-loving family and friends of Betty Blunk and in memory of . . . — — Map (db m221901) HM
A guitarist, folk singer, and ballad collector, Bradley Kincaid was the first big country star in radio. He made his first recordings at Gennett's Chicago studio in 1927.
In loving memory of Bill and June Lingle by Paul and Pat Lingle. — — Map (db m221899) HM
As the first great Mississippi Delta bluesman, Charley Patton greatly influenced future performers. A singer and guitarist, he recorded at Gennett's Richmond studio in 1929.
Memory of Dora Bowling, and Billy and Glenna Phillips, by Rancer and . . . — — Map (db m221919) HM
U.S. Civil War
1861 - 1865
3,217,000 served
620,000 died
320 died from Wayne Co.
Erected 2008
by
Wm. P. Benton Camp 28
Sons of Union Veterans
of the Civil War — — Map (db m222117) WM
Coleman Hawkins transformed the tenor saxophone from a novelty instrument into a cornerstone of jazz. He recorded with Fletcher Henderson's orchestra for Gennett in 1926.
Paul and Pat Lingle community stewards and friends of Starr-Gennett — — Map (db m221897) HM
A jazz composer, pianist and bandleader, Edward Kennedy Duke Ellington was among the most accomplished musicians of the 20th century. He recorded for Gennett in 1926.
Dedicated to Duncan Schiedt, photographer, jazz archivist and author of The . . . — — Map (db m221921) HM
Ernest Pop and Hattie Frost Stoneman, along with their children, became famous in broadcast country music as the Stoneman Family. Ernest and Hattie recorded for Gennett in the mid-1920's.
Donated in loving memory of Lizeta Campbell Johnson by . . . — — Map (db m221918) HM
Thomas Fats Waller was a gifted jazz pianist and singer as well as a versatile, prolific and influential composer. He recorded for Gennett in 1924.
In memory of Roland H. Doc Cutter, mayor of Richmond, 1956-1963. Donors: Nancy Cutter Turula, . . . — — Map (db m221917) HM
A superb arranger, bandleader and pianist, Fletcher Henderson helped create big band jazz. He recorded for Gennett in New York City with Coleman Hawkins in 1926.
Donated in memory of Sam Meier, historian and Starr employee, by the Starr-Gennett . . . — — Map (db m221914) HM
Early country music star Gene Autry first recorded for the Gennett label in 1929. Many of his recordings were issued on Gennett's Champion label.
Donated in memory of Harry Gennett Jr. by his family — — Map (db m221916) HM
[Side one] This sign marks the north wall of the
studio's reception room and engineering
office, a 20 x 30 foot space. To the right
was a small waiting room that led to the
studio entrance door. Just outside the
door lay the railroad . . . — — Map (db m221890) HM
Thomas A. Dorsey recorded blues for the Gennett label from 1928 to 1930, using the name Georgia
Tom. After 1932 he was most famous for writing and performing gospel music.
Donated by First Bank Richmond — — Map (db m221893) HM
A Canadian, Guy Lombardo founded a perennially popular dance band known as the Royal Canadians. Their first recordings were made in Gennett's Richmond studio.
Donated in memory of Alice Lumsden (wife of Henry Gennett), by Roseanne Karlebach . . . — — Map (db m221895) HM
In 1925 native Hoosier Hoagy Carmichael made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label and first recorded his famous song Stardust for Gennett in 1927.
Donated in memory of Harry Gennett, third president of Starr Piano, Inc., by . . . — — Map (db m221925) HM
A gospel singer, composer and publisher, Homer Rodeheaver was evangelist Billy Sunday's music
director for twenty years. He recorded for Gennett from 1921 to 1924.
Dedicated to Harry Leavell, faithful and trustworthy friend of the Gennett family . . . — — Map (db m221924) HM
In 1923 Jelly Roll Morton recorded in Richmond for the Gennett label with The New Orleans Rhythm Kings and on solo piano, recording many of his celebrated original songs.
Donated in memory of Rose Gennett Martin, fourth president of Starr Piano, . . . — — Map (db m221920) HM
In 1923 jazz pioneer King Oliver made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label as the leader of King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.
Donated by Optical Disc Solutions — — Map (db m221896) HM
Lawrence Welk is best known for the television program, The Lawrence Welk Show, but he made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label in 1928.
Donated in memory of Clarence Gennett by his family — — Map (db m221904) HM
Johnson was among the great blues performers of the 1920's. Best known for his guitar playing, he also played violin, piano, and celeste on anonymous recordings for Gennett in 1927.
Donated in loving memory of Ruth Gennett Roller, Cousin Bunny . . . — — Map (db m221906) HM
In 1923 jazz legend Louis Armstrong made his first recordings in Richmond for the Gennett label as a member of King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band.
Donated in memory of Henry Gennett, second president of Starr Piano, Inc., by Brian Henry Martin, sixth . . . — — Map (db m221898) HM
The New Orleans Rhythm Kings made their recording debut at Gennett's Richmond studio in 1922. Their work influenced famous jazz musicians such as Bix Beiderbecke, Benny Goodman, and Jimmy McPartland.
Dedicated to Florence Dingley Gennett (wife of . . . — — Map (db m221915) HM
1Lt Nate Nocton Inf Army Guard ENCO 13/13 2009/10 William C. Presley SSg 1438 Trans Iraq 05-06 Ret Jason D. Kates 1995 USA 2003 Iraqi Freedom Brian K. Love 140983-311203 US Army 88m32 Jamie E Hobbs LCpl US Marine Iraq 09-10 Johnathan H . . . — — Map (db m222060) WM
In 1925, Charles Henry Pace organized the Pace Jubilee Singers. Recording for Gennett in 1927-28, this Chicago group was among the first to record gospel hymns composed by African Americans.
Donated in honor of my loving mother, Laurel Gennett . . . — — Map (db m221903) HM
In 1922 jazz cornetist Loring Red Nichols made his recording debut in Richmond. His many later releases from Gennett's New York studio anticipated a remarkably productive career.
Dedicated to Wayne Vincent, restorer of the Gennett Mansion and . . . — — Map (db m221912) HM
Behold friend
you are on
hallowed ground
for here burns
freedom's holy light
A memorial to the
American Revolutionary War
War began April 9, 1775
War ended September 3, 1783
Memorial Dedicated November 11, 2020
Nicklaus T. . . . — — Map (db m222144) WM
In 1924 Sidney Bechet recorded for Gennett in New York with the Red Onion Jazz Babies. He is most famous for playing clarinet and soprano saxophone.
Donated by West End Bank, S.B. — — Map (db m221909) HM
The Gennett recording studio once stood on this spot. A division of the Starr Piano Company, Gennett Records produced phonograph records from 1916 until the Great Depression. The recording studio was a long, rectangular building once used as a kiln . . . — — Map (db m221902) HM
The Starr Piano Company began operations on this site in the 1870's. The company gained an international reputation for Starr pianos, phonographs, and its recording division, Gennett Records.
The building with the Gennett Records parrot logo . . . — — Map (db m221926) HM
A skilled banjo player and master showman, Uncle Dave Macon was the earliest celebrity of the Grand Ole Opry. He recorded for Gennett in 1934.
Donated by Primex Plastics Corporation — — Map (db m221905) HM
Vernon Dalhart began recording for Starr Piano in New York. He recorded many sides for Starr Piano and Gennett and was the best selling early country artist of the 1920's.
Donated in memory of Fred Gennett by his family — — Map (db m221907) HM
The Forgotten War
1950 1953
United Nations Allies
South Korea United States England France Canada Netherlands Belgium Luxembourg Greece Australia New Zealand Turkey Thailand Philippines Colombia Ethiopia . . . — — Map (db m222076) WM
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Dedicated June 02 2001
Duty Honor Country
It is one thing to say it another to live it
Richmond Indiana
Curtis L. Foster 06 Jun 65 Jon D. Vannatta 18 Aug 65 Karl E. Klute+ 14 Mar 66 Jesse F. Wages 16 . . . — — Map (db m222068) WM
Songwriter and radio music host Wendell Hall played many instruments, but most notably the ukulele. His first recordings, made at Gennett's Richmond studio in 1923, helped popularize the "uke."
Honoring Mrs. Henry Gennett Martin (Laurel), . . . — — Map (db m221894) HM