Near Park Street north of Oak Street, on the left when traveling north.
Detachment A-Team
101 Company C
5th Special Forces
came under
attack by a North Vietnamese tank unit on
February 6, 1968 in the Battle of Lang Vei.
LaPorte native, Green Beret Master Sergeant.
Charles W. Lindewald
was . . . — — Map (db m77158) WM
On State Road 39 south of County Road W250S, on the left when traveling south.
Proposed in 1905 as a 742 mile, straight-line, high speed route, without crossings; estimated ten hours travel time at a cost of ten dollars. Just under twenty miles, between La Porte and Chesterton, were constructed, 1906-1911. — — Map (db m43376) HM
On State Road 2 at Colfax Avenue, on the right when traveling west on State Road 2.
Two Civil War training camps: Colfax and Jackson, were located near La Porte. The 9th and 29th Indiana Volunteer Infantry regiments were organized and trained here. — — Map (db m43375) HM
On W. Joliet Road west of Long Lane, on the right when traveling west.
(Left Tablet)
The LaPorte Historical Society
Here places the names of the men who built the stockade:
A.P. Andrews, Jr. - Commander -
Peter White - Captain -
William Adams • Elijah Brown • Daniel Carpenter • Jacob Coleman • . . . — — Map (db m77076) HM
On W. Joliet Road at County Road S 350W, on the right when traveling west on W. Joliet Road.
1832 - First log school
1883 - Two story brick school for grades 1 - 8
1900 - Grades 9 - 11 added
1912 - Grades 9 - 11 discontinued
1948 - New one story school with 4 classrooms and gym
1955 - Four classrooms added
1963 . . . — — Map (db m77098) HM
On Michigan Avenue at Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on Michigan Avenue.
LaPorte Centennial
1832 – 1932
On this site was built
the first log cabin in LaPorte
Here was held the first session
of the County Commissioners
Erected in memory of the pioneers
by Miriam Benedict Chapter
Daughters of . . . — — Map (db m77178) HM
On Grangemouth Road, 0.1 miles north of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling north.
The Ordinance Line located here was intended to form northern borders of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, but these resp. borders were shifted northward at statehood. Called “Indian Boundary Line” in Indiana, it formed here borders between . . . — — Map (db m77262) HM
On Pine Lake Avenue north of Weller / Truesdell Ave., on the right when traveling north.
Side One
Northwest Territory formed 1787; Indiana Territory formed 1800. Admission of Ohio 1803 and formation of Michigan Territory 1805 established Indiana Territory's northern boundary at southern tip of Lake Michigan. When Indiana became . . . — — Map (db m43369) HM
Near Lake Shore Drive at Pine Lake Avenue (U.S. 35), on the left when traveling west.
(Front Side)
Afghanistan
Iraq Kuwait
A nation that forgets its defenders
is a nation itself that
will be forgotten
(Rear Side)
Fallen Heroes
Sgt. David M. Heath
Cpl. Sascha Struble
Sgt. Kraig D. . . . — — Map (db m78201) WM
On Harrison Street at Clay Street, on the right when traveling east on Harrison Street.
La Porte University. La Porte University was established in the early 1840s to include law, literary, and medical departments. The medical department, later Indiana Medical College, began classes by 1842. Its distinguished faculty attracted . . . — — Map (db m202849) HM
Near Lake Shore Drive at Pine Lake Avenue (U.S. 35), on the left when traveling west.
(Panel 1)
Dedicated to Viet Nam Veterans
We gave our full measure of devotion
Veterans helping veterans
(Panel 2)
Together We Can
Viet Nam Veterans
Chapter Three
LaPorte Co. Indiana
"Honor to those . . . — — Map (db m78202) WM
Near Lake Shore Drive west of Pine Lake Avenue (U.S. 35), on the left when traveling west.
In Honor Of
Wilbur A. Higlendorf
Arthur C. Woodcox
Robert J. Hartman
Clarence G. Niendorf
Who in the time of our country’s need, willingly laid aside their duties, to enter the military service, offering their lives, fortunes and sacred . . . — — Map (db m77332) WM
On Lincolnway west of Michigan Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Side One
County formed by Indiana General Assembly and La Porte selected county seat 1832. Three courthouses built on this site: first 1833, second 1847-1848. Present courthouse constructed 1892-1894 of Lake Superior Red Sandstone; designed . . . — — Map (db m43373) HM
On Indiana Avenue south of Maple Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Side One
La Porte's first public library was established 1896. La Porte City School Board was awarded $27, 500 Carnegie grant 1916; by 1919 local support had been secured to meet grant requirements. Architect Wilson B. Parker designed the . . . — — Map (db m43371) HM
1 Potawatomi Indian Women
2 First Log Cabin
3 Paul Bowman, early mail carrier
4 Aerial view of Pine Lake and Holmes Island
5 Girl riding Crown Bicycle
6 The Door Prairie Barn, 1876
7 Cart from Belle Gunness farm
8 1921 girl reading the . . . — — Map (db m242135) HM
On Madison Street at Lincolnway, on the right when traveling south on Madison Street.
Meinrad Rumely
Meinrad Rumely was the founder and guiding spirit of the Rumely Companies for more than 50 years. He came to America from Germany in 1848, and in 1853 on this site opened a blacksmith shop that was to grow into a large . . . — — Map (db m43463) HM
Near Lake Shore Drive west of Pine Lake Avenue (U.S. 35), on the left when traveling west.
A tribute to
Harry August Backus • John William Burns • Chester L. Coplin • Hamon Gray • John E. Hawn • William L. Hubner • John E. Hunt • Chester Stewart Kiff • George Luebker • John C. Naill • Louis Edward New • Roy E. Newell • Norman Lay . . . — — Map (db m77331) WM
Near Lake Shore Drive at Pine Lake Avenue (U.S. 35), on the left when traveling west.
(Front Side)
Operation
Desert Storm
1991
Duty, Honor, Country
(Rear Side)
In Honor
Of the LaPorte County
Servicemen and Women
Who, Through
"Operation Desert Storm",
Participated in
The Liberation of Kuwait . . . — — Map (db m78203) WM
Near North Wozniak Road, 0.3 miles south of County Road W 125N, on the right when traveling north.
The Pinhook Bog area features two very different habitats. The Upland Trail highlights a rich Beech and Maple forest growing on top of a glacial moraine formed about 15,000 years ago. The Bog Trail leads to a depression in the moraine created when a . . . — — Map (db m75623)
On Park Street at County Road N 100W, on the left when traveling north on Park Street.
Near here settled pioneer Quakers, including the Aaron Stanton Family. In 1836 William Bond agreed to convey the Society of Friends three acres of land for a meeting house lot and burial ground. Bond died in 1837 and in 1841 the La Porte Circuit . . . — — Map (db m77105) HM
On Madison Street at Madison Street, on the right when traveling west on Madison Street.
This marks the site of Meinard Rumely’s Blacksmith Shop where in 1853 he built his first threshing machine.
In the factory later erected here were produced pioneering steam engines and steam plowing engines, and in 1908 parts for the first . . . — — Map (db m43432) HM
Near Michigan Avenue at Washington Street, on the left when traveling north.
How It All Began
The time was 1912. One million plus motor vehicles were in use in America, primarily in urban settings. To that time only eight recorded motor car travelers had ventured a trip across America. Paved roads were . . . — — Map (db m77213) HM
Near Michigan Avenue at Washington Street, on the left when traveling north.
French fur traders came to Northwest Indiana in the 1600's. A natural opening through the forest served as a gateway to the prairies beyond. They called this opening, La Porte, meaning, “the door”, from which the county received its . . . — — Map (db m77215) HM
On Madison Street at Madison Street, on the right when traveling west on Madison Street.
Meinrad Rumely (1823-1904), a German immigrant, founded a blacksmith shop here 1853, which grew into a dominant company through reorganizations and acquisitions. Rumely companies in La Porte benefited from available rail transportation plus . . . — — Map (db m43362) HM
On Washington Street at W. 7th Street, on the right when traveling south on Washington Street.
Given to the people of Michigan City as a cultural and civic center by Mrs. Catherine Barker Hickox in 1968. The original house was built on this site (circa) 1858 by John Barker Sr. (1814-1878). It was reconstructed in 1901 by John H. Barker . . . — — Map (db m77403) HM
On Washington Street just west of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north.
The mansion before you was built by freight car magnate John Barker, Sr. in 1857.
Barker lived in this home with his wife, Katherine, and daughter, Catherine. Tragically, both parents died in 1910, making Catherine the world's richest . . . — — Map (db m244961) HM
On Liberty Trail at E. 8th Street, on the right when traveling north on Liberty Trail.
In the aftermath of George Rogers Clark’s conquest, skirmishers from Cahokia led by Capt. B. Hamelin and Lt. T. Brady, who had raided Fort St. Joseph, were defeated and captured near here by fur-trader Etienne Champion and Potawatomi allies of the . . . — — Map (db m72908) HM
On East Michigan Avenue (U.S. 35) at Carroll Avenue on East Michigan Avenue.
One of three Civil War training camps in La Porte County. Site is one fourth mile west. Named for Colonel Edward Anderson. Used 1863-1864 to train Indiana Union volunteers of the 127th, 128th, and 129th regiments. — — Map (db m969) HM
On East Michigan Boulevard east of West Michigan Boulevard (U.S. 12), on the left when traveling east.
Westcott Park, a gateway to Michigan City, is dedicated in memory of Charles R. Westcott, whose lifetime of extraordinary service, especially to children, significantly enriched our community.
For nearly 50 years, Westcott . . . — — Map (db m202852) HM
On East 8th Street at Spring Street, on the right when traveling east on East 8th Street.
The role of education is well-evidenced in two of the largest buildings in the district. The Public Library and the Central School were constructed on opposite sides of East 8th Street. While other schools were constructed in Michigan City, . . . — — Map (db m202871) HM
In 1845 Lodner Darvontis Phillips invented and launched the first submarine on the Great Lakes in Trail Creek at the foot of the Old Lighthouse. Phillips designed his submarines for salvage and warfare. His cigar-shaped design was the forerunner of . . . — — Map (db m244320) HM
On Wabash Street north of West 6th Street, on the right when traveling north.
The original plat of Michigan City was enlarged during the 1850s on the east and west sides. The Haskell & barker Historic District comprises approximately twenty-five blocks lining Washington and Wabash Streets on the near west side of downtown . . . — — Map (db m244464) HM
Hoosier Slide was located directly across the harbor. Standing over 200 feet high, it was for centuries a landmark for the Indians traveling the lake and later for French explorers. In modern times it was a great tourist attraction. With the . . . — — Map (db m244319) HM
On W. Michigan Blvd (U.S. 12) at Washington Street, on the right when traveling east on W. Michigan Blvd.
Presented by
The Daughters of Union Veterans
of
the Civil War - 1861-1865
In memory of
our Fathers and
The Grand Army of the Republic
June 12, 1939 — — Map (db m72910) WM
(South Face)
One Country
One Flag
Sponsored by the Woman's Releif Corps
Geo. V. Rawson Post
46 Dept. Ind. G.A.R.
(East, North, and West Faces)
(List of Names) — — Map (db m77435) WM
Near Lake Shore Drive, 0.1 miles west of Franklin Street.
This lighthouse built in 1858 replaced 1837 lighthouse built at water's edge. Remodeled in 1904. Light placed at end of pier. Seven keepers and fourteen assistant keepers served here 1837-1940. — — Map (db m75722) HM
1941 — 1945
Dedicated To
The Memory
Of These
Our Boys
And All Who Served in
World War II
Gilford Albertson S.M. 3/C • Sgt. James Allie • Lt. Walter Baranowski • Cpl. Stanley Batuzik • Pvt. Bernard Baxter • Ens. John T. . . . — — Map (db m77402) WM
On Franklin Street, 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling south.
This historic site once the location of the Smith Brothers Cough Drop Factory, has been dedicated by the city of Michigan City for the use and enjoyment of all of its
citizens and visitors. We commemorate the celebration of the New Millennium and . . . — — Map (db m163390) HM
On East Michigan Boulevard east of West Michigan Boulevard (U.S. 12), on the left when traveling east.
Naomi Bowman Talbert Anderson was born on March 1, 1843, in Michigan City, Indiana. Her parents, Elijah and Guilly Ann Bowman were born free people of color. Although schools in Indiana were segregated, Naomi was invited to enroll in Michigan . . . — — Map (db m202851) HM
Near Lake Shore Drive, 0.1 miles west of Franklin Street, on the left when traveling west.
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Headquarters and Service Company, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Place and Date: Fire Support Base Tomahawk, Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam. 1 March 1969. . . . — — Map (db m77364) HM WM
On Franklin Street, 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Roger McKee was a talented and visionary civic leader. This fountain
is dedicated to his decades of public service and humanitarian causes.
His proudest accomplishments were the preservation of the land
which this Millennium Plaza is located . . . — — Map (db m163391) HM
The S.S. Eastland was a Great Lakes excursion ship bound for Michigan City, Indiana from Chicago, Illinois on July 24, 1915.
With 2,501 passengers on board, the ship capsized during boarding while in the Chicago River. Tragically, 844 lives . . . — — Map (db m244411) HM
Near Greenwood Avenue at Wrobel Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In Memory of Our Heroes
Who Died for Their Country
In World War II
May They Rest in Peace
T/SGT. Frank Skwiat 5–1943 • ENS. Ed. P. Komasinski 12–1943 • G.M. 1/C Ted. Pytynia 1–1944 • E.M. 2/C Matthew S. . . . — — Map (db m77445) WM
Near W. 10th Street at Buffalo Street, on the right when traveling east.
(Front Panel)
1917 1919
In Piam Memoriam
Erected to the greater glory
of God
And in memory of these four
young men of St. Mary's Parish
who made the supreme sacrifice
of their lives for God and Country
. . . — — Map (db m77393) WM
On East Michigan Boulevard (U.S. 12) at Pine Street on East Michigan Boulevard.
Assassinated President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral was April 19, 1865 at the White House. The funeral train left for Springfield, Illinois April 21 directed by military; stops en route allowed the public to pay homage. From Indianapolis, train . . . — — Map (db m60670) HM
On Franklin Street, 0.1 miles south of Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Constructed on the east side of Trail
Creek, Washington Park has been Michigan
City's dominant playground for over 100
years. The park's lakeside setting includes
the Michigan City Lighthouse and Pier
built in 1858/1904. First established as . . . — — Map (db m163374) HM
On Lake Shore Drive, on the right when traveling west.
The Washington Park Zoo began in 1928, due in large part to cast-off or injured exotic animals and pets once cared for by the fire department. During the Great Depression, New Deal programs under the Works Progress Administration assisted the . . . — — Map (db m201678) HM
On U.S. 20 west of State Road 2, on the right when traveling east.
Sauk (sac) Indian Trail, a southwest fork of the Fort Wayne-Fort Dearborn Trail, was an early route travelled by Indians from Rock Island, Illinois to Detroit, Michigan to collect their annuities from the British for their services in the . . . — — Map (db m211429) HM
On E. Michigan Street, 0.1 miles east of Hatfield Street, on the left when traveling east.
1834 - First School
1876 - School at Present Location
1884 - First Graduate
1894 - First Brick School
1896 - School Rebuilt
1907 - Four Year High School
1936 - Gymnasium Addition
1941 - Sectional Basketball Champs
1951 - . . . — — Map (db m73879) HM
On E. Michigan Street, 0.1 miles east of Hatfield Street, on the left when traveling east.
Honor Roll
Fallen Members of
Rolling Prairie School
James A. Brown • Edwin D. Buell III • Clyde E. Gourley • Donald R. Harley • Merle C. Hendricks • Dale D. Hicks • Michael E. Kelly • Jack B. Meyers • Billy Parker • Forrest M. Sayles • . . . — — Map (db m73878) WM
On West Cross Street near North Illinois Street. Reported permanently removed.
On this spot where the Wanatah Station of the Monon Railroad once stood, the Lincoln funeral train made a brief stop on the morning of May 1, 1865 at approximately 7:40 a.m. The funeral train traveled 1,700 miles of its journey from Washington, DC . . . — — Map (db m3810) HM
Near North Illinois Street at West Railroad Street, on the left when traveling north.
At approximately 7:30 A.M. on the morning of May 1, 1865, the train that bore the body of Abraham Lincoln passed through Wanatah on its way from Washington to Springfield, Illinois. The train did not stop here, but slowed down to 5 miles per hour . . . — — Map (db m207793) HM
On W. Main Street at Monon Street, on the right when traveling west on W. Main Street.
On Monday May 1, 1865, shortly before 8:00 a.m., the train bearing the body of President Lincoln stopped briefly at this site.
This marker, erected by the Westville Women's Club, honors the centennial anniversary of this event. — — Map (db m77449) HM
