Greenfield in Hancock County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Birthplace, James Whitcomb Riley
“The Hoosier Poet”
— October 7, 1849 – July 22, 1916 —
James Whitcomb Riley
“The Hoosier Poet”
October 7, 1849–July 22, 1916
Editor, author, poet, lecturer and entertainer. One of the best known Hoosiers of all time, Riley first wrote under the name "Benj. F. Johnson of Boone" and was famous for his use of the Hoosier dialect.
Erected 1966 by Indiana Sesquicentennial Commission. (Marker Number 30.1967.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 22, 1801.
Location. 39° 47.106′ N, 85° 46.408′ W. Marker is in Greenfield, Indiana, in Hancock County. Marker is on West Main Street (U.S. 40) west of Pennsylvania Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 250 West Main Street, Greenfield IN 46140, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Old Hancock County Seminary (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); John William “Will” Vawter (approx. 0.2 miles away); A Barefoot Boy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert Frost (R.F.) Dagget (1875-1955) (approx. 0.2 miles away); John Henry Felt (approx. 0.2 miles away); George William Gordon (1872-1935) (approx. 0.2 miles away); Louis H. Gibson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Greenfield.
More about this marker. Marker is in front of the house. Next door is the Riley Museum.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Biography. from The Cambridge History of English and American Literature. (Submitted on April 19, 2006.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,348 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. It was the Marker of the Week January 8, 2023. Photos: 1. submitted on December 4, 2018, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 19, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on January 3, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 6, 7. submitted on December 4, 2018, by Lugnuts of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.