Historical Markers and War Memorials in Elkhart County, Indiana
Goshen is the county seat for Elkhart County
Adjacent to Elkhart County, Indiana
Kosciusko County(39) ► LaGrange County(15) ► Marshall County(29) ► Noble County(25) ► St. Joseph County(91) ► Cass County, Michigan(44) ► St. Joseph County, Michigan(55) ►
Touch name on this list to highlight map location. Touch blue arrow, or on map, to go there.
Near County Road 44, 0.5 miles west of County Road 31, on the right when traveling west.
Jackson Cemetery
Established 1827
A Historic Cemetery Listed in Indiana's Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Installed 2005 Indiana Historical Bureau and William Tuffs Chapter . . . — — Map (db m68575) HM
On County Road 8, 0.3 miles east of County Road 131, on the right when traveling east.
Bonneyville Cemetery
Established 1848
A Historic Cemetery Listed in Indiana's Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Installed 2005 Indiana Historical Bureau and William Tuffs . . . — — Map (db m68707) HM
Cathcart Cemetery
Established circa 1834
A Historic Cemetery Listed in Indiana's Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Installed 2005 Indiana Historical Bureau and William Tuffs . . . — — Map (db m68706) HM
(Side One)
Buried in this cemetery were two soldiers. Befitting the honor due and so that future generations will always know this marker was dedicated July 4th 1956 by Charles W. Harker Post 143, American Legion, Bristol, Indiana.
. . . — — Map (db m68708) HM
On State Road 120 at State Road 15, on the right when traveling east on State Road 120.
Side One:
In 1847, three Kentucky men tried to capture Thomas Harris, fugitive slave in Bristol; a justice of the peace ruling freed Harris, who fled. In 1848, the Elkhart Circuit Court convicted the three men of causing a riot in 1847. In . . . — — Map (db m30744) HM
On County Road 123 at County Road 2, on the left when traveling south on County Road 123.
Trout Creek Cemetery
Established circa 1850
A Historic Cemetery Listed in Indiana's Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Installed 2005 Indiana Historical Bureau and Elkhart . . . — — Map (db m68638) HM
On County Road 8, 0.3 miles east of County Road 131, on the right when traveling east.
(Metal Tablet)
In Memory of
William Tuffs
A member of
The Boston Tea Party
Erected by
Improved Order of Redmen
(Stone Tablet)
William Tuffs
Born June 11, 1750
Died September 5, 1847
Aged 97 Years
His . . . — — Map (db m68709) HM
On W. Franklin Street, 0 miles west of S. 5th Street, on the right when traveling west.
Born in Ohio 1842; family moved to Kosciusko County, Indiana 1846. Bierce lived and worked in Elkhart 1860-1861. Union officer wounded in Civil War. Moved to California 1866; became nationally prominent as journalist, short story writer, and critic. . . . — — Map (db m44852) HM
On S. Main St at Harrison St, on the right when traveling south on S. Main St.
Bucklen Opera House
1884 - 1986
Main and Harrison Streets
Commissioned by: Herbert E. Bucklen
Architect: Unknown
General Contractor: Unknown
The Bucklen Opera House, built in 1884 on the northwest corner of Main and Harrison . . . — — Map (db m64642) HM
On East Jackson Boulevard at Elkhart Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East Jackson Boulevard.
Side One:
Charles Gerard Conn began the musical instrument industry in Elkhart; city has been called the Band Industry Capital of the World. By 1874 producing rubber mouthpiece; was granted patent 1875; began producing musical . . . — — Map (db m30747) HM
On South 2nd Street at West High Street, on the right when traveling north on South 2nd Street.
Born in Ohio, 1925, Gordone grew up in Elkhart and graduated from Elkhart High School in 1944. In the 1950s, he moved to New York City where he worked as an actor, director, and playwright. During the 1960s, he acted in the award-winning . . . — — Map (db m32734) HM
On E. Beardsley Ave at Grove St, on the right when traveling east on E. Beardsley Ave.
A Miles Laboratories research team led by Alfred and Helen Free developed the first diagnostic test strip, Clinistix(R), for detecting glucose in urine. Reagent-impregnated strips changed color based on the concentration of glucose. This . . . — — Map (db m64643) HM
On W. Franklin Street at S. 4th Street, on the left when traveling west on W. Franklin Street.
Side one:
Born circa 1845 in Ohio. Graduated from Rush Medical College 1874. Moved medical practice from Chicago to Elkhart 1875. Began The Dr. Miles Medical Company 1885 to sell Dr. Miles' Nervine, Restorative Nerve and Liver pills, and . . . — — Map (db m44877) HM
On South 2nd Street at West High Street, on the left when traveling north on South 2nd Street.
(Side one):
Added many buildings to the architectural significance of Elkhart, Goshen, and Nappanee. Born mid-1850s in England; his family moved to Elkhart early 1870s. In mid-1880s he moved to Chicago; worked until 1890 with architect . . . — — Map (db m32728) HM
On S. 2nd Street at W. High Street, on the right when traveling north on S. 2nd Street.
Elkhart Carnegie Public Library
1903-1963
Second and High Streets
Local Financial Supporters: A.H. Beardsley, G.B. Pratt, Sr. And the City of Elkhart
Head Librarian: Katherine Sage
In February 1901, backed by a promise from . . . — — Map (db m75445) HM
Near Middlebury Street at Grace Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
(Front (West) Panel)
Erected A.D. 1909, by the Ex-Soldiers and Sailors Association Elkhart Indiana
To the memory of our departed heroes of the Union Army. Their services to a grateful country were gallant and self sacrificing. May . . . — — Map (db m76220) WM
On S. 2nd Street at W. High Street, on the left when traveling north on S. 2nd Street.
Erected by
The William Tuffs Chapter
National Society
Daughters of the American Revolution
In Honor of the Revolutionary Soldiers
Buried in Elkhart County
William Tuffs • Walter Denny • John Proctor • Jacob Leer • John R. . . . — — Map (db m75444) WM
On S. 2nd Street at W. High Street, on the left when traveling north on S. 2nd Street.
Elkhart High School was designed and built to match the existing Central School Building (bottom photo), creating a unified pair of buildings covering the whole block of High St. between Second and Third Streets.
Central School became a . . . — — Map (db m75446) HM
Near South Elkhart Avenue south of Nibco Parkway, on the right when traveling north.
Dams have been used throughout the United States for a variety of reasons such as flood control and power generation. However, dams can greatly impact a river's ecology in three major ways: fish migration, habitat destruction, and water . . . — — Map (db m236150) HM
Near East Jackson Boulevard east of Marine Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
The old Indian trail which followed the Elkhart River, turned here to the northwest, and connected the “Miamis Fort” with “Fort St. Joseph”.
From the time of the French and Indian War in 1755 to 1763, up to the settlement of this section in . . . — — Map (db m200295) HM
East from this point, along the "Elkheart" River were located the wharves where produce and merchandise to and from the village of "Elkheart", 1835 to 1851, was carried by Keel and Steamboat. — — Map (db m61185) HM
Near Nibco Parkway just south of East Lexington Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Elkhart’s rise as an early industrialized community can be tied directly to its rivers and the power they provided. Water flowing through a system of dams and raceways, known as hydraulics, generated the power for many types of industry.
In . . . — — Map (db m236109) HM
On W. Beardsley Avenue west of N. Riverside Drive, on the left when traveling west.
In Honor of
Havilah Beardsley.
1795 – 1856
First physician of this township who purchased Section five of the Indians in 1829, and in 1832 laid out the original plat of Elkhart. Built the first saw mill in 1831; the first flour . . . — — Map (db m73147) HM
Island Park was given to the City of Elkhart in the Year 1887 by James Rufus Beardsley
It has been passed down through early Indian legions that the form of this island resembled an elk's heart - it is very probable, that from this source . . . — — Map (db m69774) HM
On Prairie Street at Chapman Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Prairie Street.
Elkhart became a major center for the Mennonite church after John and Salome Funk moved here from Chicago in 1867. He was founding pastor of Prairie Street Mennonite Church at this location in 1871. His Mennonite Publishing Company connected . . . — — Map (db m236149) HM
On Riverview Avenue south of Superior Street, on the left when traveling south.
This memorial is dedicated to the life of Lou Criger
Born in Elkhart, Ind., Feb. 6, 1872 to Charles J. and Lovina Stutsman Criger, the city's first major leaguer was known as one of the best catchers of his day and caught most of Cy Young's . . . — — Map (db m67096) HM
Main St. Memorial Bridge
1917 • Dedicated • 1918
To the Sons of Elkhart County
Who Died in the World War
Fravel Edward Alleman • Charles O. Anderson • Eugene J. Badina • John H. Berkey • Fred Leroy Bloom • Merrill Charles Bloss • . . . — — Map (db m73150) WM
Near E. Beardsley Avenue at Grove Street, on the left when traveling east.
Erected by Albert R. Beardsley
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places November 28, 1978 by the United States Department of the Interior in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic . . . — — Map (db m76259) HM
Near James Street at Blazer Boulevard, on the right when traveling north.
(Top Front Panel)
Lieut. Frank Baldwin
Killed in battle at Stone River
December 31st, 1862.
Aged 18 yrs.
(Bottom Front Panel)
Erected by Silas Baldwin in honor of the heroes who fought and the martyrs who fell in the . . . — — Map (db m76256) WM
Near W. Beardsley Avenue at N. Main Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Havilah Beardsley
House
102 West Beardsley Avenue
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1848 — — Map (db m76261) HM
Near Williams Lane, 0.4 miles east of County Road 3.
An Icy Beginning
Millions of years ago Elkhart was covered by glaciers. The Glaciers moved south, eroding the land collecting glacial drift.
9,000 BC
The glaciers eventually began to retreat north, leaving behind their glacial . . . — — Map (db m68532) HM
Near Nibco Parkway just north of South Clark Street, on the right when traveling south.
Here in Elkhart, raceways along the St. Joseph and Elkhart Rivers powered a series of early mills and factories in the 1800's. The last water-powered mill ran until 1955.
🅐 The headrace, formerly located on this site, ran parallel . . . — — Map (db m236110) HM
The Early Inhabitants of the Valley
Centuries before the area was settled by whites, at least two different native tribes inhabited the St Joseph Valley.
The Miami
The Miami were the first recorded tribe known to have lived in . . . — — Map (db m69777) HM
Near Riverwalk Drive south of East Sycamore Street, on the right when traveling north.
Transporting Goods on the Rivers
Long before the railroad came to the area, the settlers relied on the rivers to transport their products to other markets. This area was fortunate to have two navigable rivers. The smaller Elkhart River flowed . . . — — Map (db m236112) HM
Near Pacific Street, 0.1 miles west of N. Elkhart Boulevard, on the right when traveling west.
The Hydraulics
Elkhart's early development as an industrial city can be attributed to its proximity to several waterways. Before the advent of electric power, the early industry pioneers harnessed the power of the river flow to provide the . . . — — Map (db m69752) HM
Near Pacific Street west of N. Elkhart Avenue. Reported unreadable.
Island Park
The island formed by the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joseph Rivers could be said to be the birthplace of our community. According to folklore, the Native Americans living in the area named the Elkhart River, . . . — — Map (db m200294) HM
Near Indiana Toll Road (Interstate 80), on the right when traveling west.
Born 1 December 1969 Killed in the line of duty on the Indiana Toll Road St. Joseph County 4 March 1999 Served the Indiana State Police from 13 December 1998 to 4 March 1999 — — Map (db m88601) HM
On E. Beardsley Avenue east of Montessori Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Pulaski post office established here 1829. Fort Wayne Road, to Chicago-Detroit Road and Niles, forded the river at this point. Village of Elkhart was laid out in 1832 and post office name changed to Elkhart in 1839. — — Map (db m69729) HM
Near S. Main Street (State Road 15) south of Westwood Road.
In the early 1900's, Indiana had more miles of electric train lines than any other state in the United States. The lines blossomed primarily at Indianapolis, radiating out to transport people and goods to and from the bustling city. Indianapolis . . . — — Map (db m74203) HM
Near S. Main Street (State Road 15) 0.2 miles south of E. Kercher Road.
(Side One)
A History of the Winona
In the early 1900's, Indiana had more miles of electric train lines than any other state in the United States. The lines blossomed primarily at Indianapolis, radiating out to transport people . . . — — Map (db m70504) HM
On U.S. 33 at County Road 28, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 33.
Amos E. Kunderd (1866 - 1965) owned and resided on a 100-acre farm on this site. Respected internationally for hybridization of varieties of gladioli which were exhibited, and grown in gardens, throughout the world. Originated the ruffled and . . . — — Map (db m30161) HM
On Bridge Street east of N. Cottage Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
On February 21st, 1837, the Buffalo & Mississippi Railroad first met in South Bend, Indiana to discuss the development of a rail system that would connect the county seats between Chicago, Illinois and Toledo, Ohio. After the State of Indiana denied . . . — — Map (db m72700) HM
On W. Clinton St at N. Main St (U.S. 33), on the right when traveling east on W. Clinton St.
Considered to be one of the most attractive county buildings in the State of Indiana, the Elkhart County Courthouse is also one of the oldest buildings in Goshen. The original courthouse was built in 1831 by Jacob Studebaker, who (it is said) . . . — — Map (db m64233) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 33) at Lincoln Avenue (State Road 4) on Main Street.
Elkhart County was formed by the Indiana General Assembly 1830; the first county seat was located in Concord Township. County commissioners relocated the county seat to Goshen 1831. Jacob Studebaker, Goshen, designed first brick courthouse, . . . — — Map (db m30157) HM
Elkhart County Home Cemetery
Established 1887
A Historic Cemetery listed in Indiana's Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Installed 2004 Indiana Historical Bureau, Elkhart . . . — — Map (db m68362) HM
On North Main Street south of Clinton Street, on the right when traveling south.
(( Center Plaque ))
This Memorial Dedicated by
The Citizens of Elkhart County
to perpetuate the memory of our
Valiant Citizens who sacrificed
their lives for God and Country
and Honoring those who served
in our . . . — — Map (db m68805) WM
On S. 15th Street at Greencroft Drive, on the right when traveling south on S. 15th Street.
Goshen College began as the Elkhart Institute of Science, Industry and the Arts on Elkhart's South Main Street in 1894, but moved to the Maple City and changed its name in 1903; the location chosen was easily accessible to rail transportation. The . . . — — Map (db m72592) HM
On S. 5th Street at Washington Street, on the right when traveling north on S. 5th Street.
Indiana's first Carnegie library opened here 1903 with 3, 000 volumes. Goshen Library Association received $25, 000 in Carnegie grants 1901. Public donations, land purchase, and tax levy met Carnegie grant conditions. Architects Patton & Miller, . . . — — Map (db m32724) HM
On South 5th Street at East Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling north on South 5th Street.
Born 1896 in house on this site into locally prominent family. Moved with parents to Neenah, Wisconsin 1899 and to Pasadena, California 1906. Hawks - director, producer, screenwriter - is recognized as one of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers. His . . . — — Map (db m30407) HM
On U.S. 33, 0.3 miles north of County Road 17, on the right when traveling south.
The boundary between Indiana and Michigan territories was established in 1805. Just before Indiana became a state in 1816, the line was moved ten miles north to give Indiana frontage on Lake Michigan. — — Map (db m44849) HM
On S. 8th Street at E. Purl Street, on the right when traveling south on S. 8th Street.
The current Chandler School is located on the site of the former Madison Street School, one of Goshen's first schools, opened in 1849. Miss Emma Chandler was the first principal from 1871 to 1898. In 1874, a four room addition was completed, but the . . . — — Map (db m69804) HM
Built as a source of hydraulic power for Goshen's industries, the Millrace Canal gave rise to a new form of energy in the late 1890's - electricity. In 1898 the energy of the canal was harnessed by the Hawks Electric Company's central generating . . . — — Map (db m64232) HM
On N. 1st Street north of River Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
The earliest known burials at Oakridge date to 1832. The trustees of First Church founded the cemetery in 1839. It was ceded to the City of Goshen in 1859. — — Map (db m72699) HM
Near S. Main Street (State Road 15) at River Vista Drive, on the right when traveling north.
The folk lore concerning this cemetery has been handed down through generations by word of mouth. Most of it has proved to be factual through the efforts of Gordon Treesh, who researched old records and diaries.
This is not a family cemetery, . . . — — Map (db m74217) HM
Near W. Plymouth Avenue west of S. 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
Established in 1958, Shanklin Park was named after respected Goshen High School English teacher, Merle Shanklin. Formerly serving as the site of Goshen's landfill, the park has grown into the city's largest and most popular park. Located within . . . — — Map (db m68836) HM
Near County Road 32 at County Road 15, on the right when traveling west.
St. John's
Lutheran Church
Built 1852
Has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
By the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m74199) HM
Ox Bow Park was once the site of the County Farm. The farm provided a residence for those who could not support themselves. Residents helped run the farm, grew food and generated income.
The Elkhart County Farm
The Elkhart County Farm was . . . — — Map (db m73482) HM
On E. Kercher Road, 0.1 miles east of S. Main Street (State Road 15), on the right when traveling east.
The Winona Interurban Railway once ran along this corridor. The passenger and freight service was initially powered by electricity and later by internal-combustion engines until its demise.
The Winona Interurban Railway was created just as . . . — — Map (db m69803) HM
Construction of the Goshen Dam and Millrace Canal began in March of 1867 and was completed on April 18, 1868, the same day Goshen was incorporated as a city. The project was built by a 40 man crew using horses and plows to excavate the canal bed. . . . — — Map (db m64230) HM
On S. 5th Street at E. Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north on S. 5th Street.
This building served as Goshen High School from 1904 until the spring of 1923. Construction was completed in 1904 with a budget of $50,000. By 1920 this building was considered too small and land was purchased from the Wurster Estate on Lincolnway . . . — — Map (db m72594) HM
Near W. Jefferson St, 0.1 miles west of S. 3rd St.
Several bridges have been built across the Millrace Canal at various stages throughout its history. Most of these bridges were built for transportation purposes (first horse and carriage, then railroads and automobiles), although some were built . . . — — Map (db m64231) HM
Settler John Cripe who died in 1841 is believed to be the first burial at West Goshen. The site was purchased and used by the German Baptist Church beginning in 1859. The cemetery was ceded to the City of Goshen in 1975. — — Map (db m74219) HM
On Railroad Street at W. Bristol Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Railroad Street.
Dan West was a resident of the Middlebury area when, in 1944, he created the Heifer Project, now Heifer International, an international relief program. This program sends pregnant cows, as well as other livestock, throughout the world to relieve . . . — — Map (db m72736) HM
Near Bristol Avenue at Krider Garden Lane, on the right when traveling west.
These gardens, displayed in the 1934 Chicago “A Century of Progress” World’s Fair, gave Krider Nurseries nationwide prominence. After showcasing an immaculately designed garden as a promotion at the fair, Krider Nurseries brought parts . . . — — Map (db m72768) HM
On Bristol Avenue at Railroad Street, on the right when traveling north on Bristol Avenue.
Side One:
Krider Nurseries constructed and exhibited Krider's Diversified Garden at Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago 1933-1934. Some plants and structures were returned to Middlebury, and garden was reconstructed . . . — — Map (db m30745) HM
On Main Street (State Road 13) at Bristol Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
Roll of Honor
Citizens of
Middlebury and York Township
Who Served Our Country in World War II
Albert, Thurland • Allman, Don • Artley, Randall • Artley, Russell • Balyeat, Byron • Beall, William • Beck, Charles • Bender, Gordon • . . . — — Map (db m72743) WM
Near Bristol Avenue at Krider Garden Lane, on the right when traveling west.
In 1893 Vernon marched proudly off the rostrum with his high school sheepskin tucked under his arm. He was sure he was going away to school to become a physician. However, the country was in a depression, so his family could not afford to pay for . . . — — Map (db m72767) HM
On North Main Street (State Road 19) at Walnut Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street.
(Side one):
Merrill Blosser was first Nappanee artist to gain national recognition as a professional cartoonist. Freckles and His Friends, his most popular cartoon, ran from 1915 to 1973, syndicated by Newspaper Enterprise Association. In . . . — — Map (db m31478) HM
On E. Market Street (U.S. 6) at S. Summit St, on the right when traveling east on E. Market Street.
Side one:
Nappanee platted 1874 on Baltimore & Ohio Railroad line. Sawmill opened 1873 produced ties for railroad construction. Coppes and Mutschler brothers were partners in lumber, milling, and furniture business, 1902-1913, becoming . . . — — Map (db m62666) HM
On W. Lincoln Street at S. Nappanee Street, on the right when traveling west on W. Lincoln Street.
In Memory of those from this community who gave their lives in the World Wars
Orval H. Andrews • William G. Anglin • Arthur Buss • Robert W. Chambers • Dale Junior Cleveland • Robert W. Geyer • Devon R. Hall • Russel R. Huff • Dean M. . . . — — Map (db m74220) WM
Near N. Arnott Street (County Road 3) at W. Market Street (U.S. 6), on the right when traveling north.
Amish pioneer Christian Stahly purchased this 80 acre farm for his son Moses in 1873. The year before the village of Nappanee was established on the new northern route of the B&O Railroad. Three generations of related Amish families have lived here. . . . — — Map (db m74075) HM
On County Road 142, 0 miles east of County Road 29, on the left when traveling east.
Near this spot stood the village of the
Potawatomi War Chief Five Medals, whose
Indian name was Onaska. This chief ceased
hostilities against the United States
government after signing the Greenville Treaty, 1795.
He met with Presidents . . . — — Map (db m30172) HM
On Clinton Street south of Market Street (County Road 46), on the right when traveling north.
★ World War II ★
In Memoriam
Baringer, Philip H. • Frederick, Clifford • Miller, Harold • Reed, Melvin, Jr. • Stiver, William J. • Weaver, Glen C.
★ ★ ★
Aschliman, Walter • Baringer, Joseph W. . . . — — Map (db m72513) WM
On County Road 44, 0.3 miles east of County Road 7, on the left when traveling east.
Bull Cemetery
Established circa 1848
A Historic Cemetery Listed in Indiana's Cemetery and Burial Grounds Registry of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Installed 2009 Indiana Historical Bureau and James G. Hermsen . . . — — Map (db m68576) HM
On Violett Rd, 0.3 miles south of County Road 38, on the right.
John M. Violett acquired this land from the U.S. Government in 1833 and the original plot of this cemetery on the east bank of the Elkhart River consisted of 10.7 acres.
One of the oldest graves here is that of James H. Violett who died in . . . — — Map (db m62667) HM
Near S. Main Street (State Road 15) north of Egbert Road, on the right when traveling north.
The history of Waterford School dates back to a log cabin one mile west of town in about 1830. The first school built in town was a frame building erected on the southwest corner of Egbert Road and South Main Street in 1836. A new one-story brick . . . — — Map (db m69802) HM
