On East State Street (U.S. 205) just west of North Main Street (U.S. 33), on the right when traveling west.
The depot was located where the current Post Office is located. The Stites Hotel was located to the immediate north. The Detroit, Eel River and Illinois railroad came to town in 1853, and was a vital reason for the growth of the town. the depot . . . — — Map (db m174729) HM
On Main Street (U.S. 33), on the right when traveling north.
This tablet erected to perpetuate the memory of those who sacrificed their lives and honoring those who served in our armed forces.
World Wars I & II
This tablet is dedicated to amend the above tablet to include the Korean and Viet Nam . . . — — Map (db m16274) WM
On County Road E150N at North Johnson Road, on the left when traveling east on County Road E150N.
First Church Site in Whitley County.
July 30, 1839, Jacob and Chatherine Van Houten
deeded 1/4 acre land here on the northeast
corner to the Methodist Episcopal Church
for a house of worship named Concord. A
log church served until . . . — — Map (db m67207) HM
On West Washington Street just west of Lincoln Highway (U.S. 33), on the left when traveling west.
This DX Station was located at the corner of W. Washington and N. Main. This was taken in 1938 when Dale Sprouls owned the station.
Later Bob Overholser took possession. He operated the station until the late 1960's. This station had an . . . — — Map (db m174730) HM
On Lincoln Highway (U.S. 33) at East State Street (Indiana Route 205), on the left when traveling north on Lincoln Highway.
Shortly after the town's founding an application was made to the postal authorities at Washington for a post office under the name "Franklin".
It was refused because a Franklin post office already existed in Indiana and the department would . . . — — Map (db m174726) HM
On North Main Street (U.S. 33) at North Line Street (County Road 900), on the right when traveling north on North Main Street.
Peacemaker
"First Great Hoosier"
In 1795, Chief Little Turtle realized his confederacy of Indian warriors could not defeat General Anthony Wayne's U.S. Army and the large influx of settlers moving into Indiana and the Midwest. After he . . . — — Map (db m232397) HM WM
On East State Street (Indiana Route 205) just west of Lincoln Highway (U.S. 33), on the right when traveling west. Reported permanently removed.
Operated on this corner by Clarence and Fern Brumbaugh from 1929 until 1942. They were a blind couple. Clarence lost his sight at the age of 12 and Fern at age 8.
Their home was on West Pleasant Street in Churubusco.
They made rugs and . . . — — Map (db m232393) HM
On John Krieger Drive south of North Main Street (U.S. 33), on the right when traveling south.
The R.J. (Jerome) Krider family has been instrumental in the development of the Churubusco Community Park since the Park was established in 1949. Jerome Krider not only assisted in the Parks overall establishment, but as the president of Turtle . . . — — Map (db m232427) HM
Johnny was a well-known resident in Churubusco and "All around nice guy". Born with down syndrome, his parents opted to raise him at home instead of institutionalizing him, as was the practice during the time. The community adopted him and through . . . — — Map (db m232398) HM
On West Washington Street at North Main Street on West Washington Street.
Clarence and Fern Brumbaugh, a blind couple, ran a popcorn stand one block south of here on the corner of W. Whitley and N. Main from 1929 to 1942. Clarence was born in Whitley County in 1880 and Fern in Wabash County in 1887. They met at the School . . . — — Map (db m232394) HM
On County Road 150 N east of North Johnson Road, on the right when traveling west.
2-13 Joseph Depoy 01/18/1865 31
Company F. 12th Indiana Volunteers
2-12 William H. Depoy 02/06/1864 23
16th Indiana Battalion. Died at Ft. Washington, MD.
13-6 Alfred Eberhart 01/05/1871 33
Served in Ohio
10-9 Joseph Hickman . . . — — Map (db m232429) WM
Near West Jefferson Street west of North Main Street (Indiana Route 9), on the right when traveling west.
1. Robert Adams 1783-1854 Reared in Putnam County, New York. Raised family in Delaware County, Ohio; moved to Whitley County in 1838, buying land for $2.50 an acre. Seven children Lewis, Allen, Levi, Rachel, Eliza (Hartstock), Zillah (Thinkham), . . . — — Map (db m226588) HM
On De la Balme Road at East Old Trail Road, on the right when traveling north on De la Balme Road.
[Front Side of Marker];
With recommendation from Benjamin Franklin, Augustin de La Balme, former French Cavalry officer, came to America to assist in the American Revolution.
In November 1780, allegedly under secret orders from . . . — — Map (db m52817) HM
On North Main Street (State Road 9) at North Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street.
Lloyd Cassel Douglas, minister and author, was
born on this site, August 27, 1877. His father
A. J. Douglas, was pastor of Grace Lutheran
Church at that time.
Lloyd Douglas became a minister and served a
number of Lutheran and . . . — — Map (db m67209) HM
After General William Henry Harrison relieved Fort Wayne, he ordered Colonel James Simrall in September 1812 to prevent further Miami Indian attacks in the area. The Miamis fled as troops destroyed villages, crops, and supplies along Eel River; . . . — — Map (db m1335) HM
Ten Rods North. Site of a Miami trading post 1762. Fortified by Chief Little Turtle 1779. House built for him after Greenville Treaty. Spared when Fort Razed by Colonel Simrall. Sept 1812.
Funded by Col. Augustin de le Balme Chapter, Daughters . . . — — Map (db m222041) HM
On West Jefferson Street east of North Main Street (State Road 9), on the right when traveling west.
Born in North Manchester, March 14, 1854, he practiced law in Columbia City until his election as Governor of Indiana (1909–1913). Served two terms as Vice-President (1913–1921). Died June 1, 1925, and was buried in Indianapolis. — — Map (db m1334) HM
On East de la Balme Road west of South Johnson Road, on the right when traveling west.
In Memory of
Col. Augustin de La Balme and his
Soldiers who were killed in
Battle with the Miami Indians,
Under Little Turtle, at this place,
November 5th, 1780 — — Map (db m52758) HM
On De la Balme Road north of East Old Trail Road, on the left when traveling north.
1752.......................1812
Site of British Fort
and
Last Home of
Chief Little Turtle
(Me-she-me-noc-quah)
1795.......................1812 — — Map (db m52803) HM
On Chauncey Street at Van Buren Street (State Road 30), on the left when traveling north on Chauncey Street.
Offices of this once prominent group were above - second floor front from 1889 - 1908.
Thomas R. Marshall (1854 - 1925) Governor of Indiana 1909 - 1913 and U.S. Vice President with Pres. Woodrow Wilson two terms 1913 - 1921.
William F. . . . — — Map (db m16273) HM
On South Line Street north of West Market Street, on the right when traveling south.
Come home there's a welcome for Old Settlers Day Legion Roundup Columbia City, Indiana August 11-12-13-14-1954
Come home there's a welcome for you Old Settlers Day Legion Roundup Aug 13,14,15-1959 Columbia City, Ind
Celebrate a Proud . . . — — Map (db m228153) HM
On East Van Buren Street (Indiana Route 205) west of North Madison Street, on the right when traveling west.
On this site Whitley County's Pioneers used these stones in this monument for the foundation of a residence constructed among the first buildings in the town of Columbia. As a continuing tribute to their workmanship and foresight for the future of . . . — — Map (db m232431) HM
On East North Street at North Main Street (Indiana Route 9), on the left when traveling east on East North Street.
Dedicated to the Glory of God this day 2-12-95 in honor of pastors who have served Zion Lutheran Church
O. Reichardt 1861-1876 J. Hasbold 1876-1877 K. Seitz 1877-1880 J. Zimmermann 1880-1883 T. Thieme 1883-1889 H. Jungkuntz . . . — — Map (db m232656) HM
On Van Buren Street east of Chauncey Street, on the right when traveling east.
Columbia City attorney and banker, Gates (1893-1978) was elected State Commander of American Legion, 1931. In 1944, he led Republican Party to control of state offices and Indiana General Assembly. As Governor (1945-1949), he created state . . . — — Map (db m67886) HM
On East Old Trail Road east of County Road 300 East, on the left when traveling west. Reported missing.
This area is within the territorial limits of Seek's Village Miami Indian Reservation. The tribe, ordered by the U.S. government to a reservation near Leavenworth, KS, left in 1837. — — Map (db m232343) HM
On East Cider Mill Road at Widman Road, on the left when traveling east on East Cider Mill Road.
This site, comprising 240 acres, was obtained
from the government in 1836 by Richard Baughan.
Here in 1841 he constructed the first flour
and saw mill. Flour was of inferior quality
and production was soon terminated. The saw
mill was . . . — — Map (db m67218) HM
On North Line Street just north of West Van Buren Street (Business U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north.
Erected by Columbia City Lodge #189 F. & A.M. Chartered May 27, 1856 James S. Briggs First Worshipful Master Dedicated Oct. 2, 1971 — — Map (db m175645) HM
Little Turtle (Mishikinoqkwa), c. 1747–1812, was born and raised here on the Eel (Kenapocomoco) River. The Miami village was destroyed by American troops in 1812 and most of the tribe was removed from Indiana by 1843. — — Map (db m1336) HM
On State Road 9, 3.4 miles north of State Road 14, on the left when traveling north.
This area of high ground, over 300 acres south of the Eel River, is called "The Island". It was once a principal stronghold of the Miami Indians under Chief Little Turtle. It was a boundary line for lands between the Pottawattomis and Miamis, an . . . — — Map (db m29996) HM
On West Van Buren Street, 0 miles east of Chauncey Street, on the left when traveling west.
Whitley Countys most distinguished citizen was a Columbia City resident active in civic affairs for 33 years. Born at North Manchester March 14, 1854. Spent boyhood years at nearby Pierceton and youth at Wabash College at Crawfordsville. . . . — — Map (db m12269) HM
On West Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling west.
Dedicated to the
Valiant Men and
Women of
Whitley County
Who served their
Country and the
Cause of Freedom in World Wars I and II
(Left Side):
They Gave their Lives only Yesterday
(Right Side):
For a . . . — — Map (db m12244) WM
On West Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling west.
This County was named for Colonel William Whitley, who was born in Virginia, August 17, 1749, and moved to Kentucky in 1775. He built Whitley House, the first brick house West of the Alleghenies, near Sanford, Kentucky.
This adventurous . . . — — Map (db m12239) HM
On West Van Buren Street west of Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
( Front / North Side - Memorial )( Right Edge )
__ Brown - Co _ 187 Ind Reg - Watters Brigade J. Washburn - Co. F 12 Reg. I.V.I. - Co _ 132 Reg. I.V.I. _ N Hughes - Co. E 30 Reg I.V.I. - Enlisted Sept. 24, 1861 - Discharged . . . — — Map (db m13227) WM
On South Main Street (Business U.S. 30) just south of West Van Buren Street (Indiana Route 205), on the right when traveling south.
This historic courthouse is the third iteration of the Whitley County Courthouse to serve this county. The first building was a wooden structure built in 1841. In 1850, a second courthouse was built on this public square. The structure was a . . . — — Map (db m175638) HM
On South Washington Street north of East Ellsworth Street, on the left when traveling north. Reported missing.
The first public building in Whitley County
was a log jail built in 1840 on the southeast
corner on what is now the courthouse square.
That jail cost $490. It was burned in 1855
by a prisoner awaiting trial.
A second two story jail was . . . — — Map (db m226449) HM
On West Van Buren Street (Business State Road 30) west of South Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
Freedom is not Free
Korean War Memorial
Dedicated to all Who Served
1950 - 1953
We Remember
By: M. Garvey
Those we left there is the cold
We remember We remember
Have no fears of growing old
oh do we remember . . . — — Map (db m13044) WM
Near East Van Buren Street (Indiana Route 205) at Towerview Drive, on the right when traveling west.
To the men of Whitley County who gave their lives during the Korean Conflict so that mankind might live in Freedom.
William George Joy Glen Garland Kemery Lavan Roger Kitson Gene Robert Ruby — — Map (db m232430) WM
On East Van Buren Street (State Road 205) west of Towerview Drive, on the right when traveling west.
To the men of Whitley County who gave their lives during the Viet Nam Conflict so that mankind might live in freedom
Gary M. Archibald Kinsley B. Brennan Roger Egolf Lynn Harris Max Johnson Dennis Kneller Douglas Kreider Dale E. . . . — — Map (db m80554) HM
Miami captive at 14; adopted by Little Turtle; appointed chief scout by Wayne in 1793; granted farm near Ft. Wayne by Congress for "valiant and conspicuous service." Died in Ft. Dearborn Massacre. — — Map (db m58108) HM
On East North Street at North Main Street (Indiana Route 9), on the left when traveling east on East North Street.
This bell began to call people to worship in 1891, at Zion Lutheran Church at 203 E. Ellsworth Street.
It is given as a memorial to Rev. Ottomar and Ottilie Stamm and Dr. Otto and Grace Lehmberg by William O. Stamm — — Map (db m232655) HM
On West Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east.
Built in 1866 By Columbia City, Indiana banker Franklin H. Foust Purchased in 1915 By John C. & Fanny Myers Gifted in 1936 To their daughter, Mary B. Anthes 2003 - 2005 Saved from destruction, Moved, & rebuilt by her grandson & his wife, Greg . . . — — Map (db m228157) HM
Near West Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
I first met Shinzo Ohki in the early summer of 1942. My family had moved to 203 Brownwood Avenue in Columbia City and the Ohki's were neighbors. I was about 9 years old at the time. My brother, Harrison, and I developed a neighborhood business of . . . — — Map (db m228160) HM
Near West Van Buren Street, on the left when traveling east.
Ohki Alley is named after Mr. Shinzo Ohki, a Japanese immigrant, artist and businessman who came to Columbia City in the early years of the 1900s. Coming by a rather circuitous route, he came first to Seattle at the age of 13, having earned . . . — — Map (db m228159) HM
On West Jackon Street at North Main Street on West Jackon Street.
Whitley County Funeral Directors Since 1851 Constructed on this site by local lumberman and philanthropist Simon J. Peabody and served the community from 1919 to 1999 — — Map (db m226587) HM
Near West Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east.
In 1915, Vice President Thomas Marshall traveled to Indiana to participate in dedication ceremonies in Hoosier cities that were celebrating the Lincoln Highway. In 1928 concrete markers provided by the Lincoln Highway Association were planted along . . . — — Map (db m228156) HM
On West Van Buren Street at S. Chauncey Street, on the right when traveling west on West Van Buren Street.
Reino A Panula James R Parrett Terry T Wricht Rodger L Egolf Lynn A Harris Stephan C Himes Robert W Wilfong Dale F Mills Gary M Archibald Max A Johnson Everett T Culp Avery M Nye III Rickey L Scott Lyle E Smith Roy D . . . — — Map (db m228154) WM
On West Van Buren Street, on the right when traveling north.
Building erected late 1800's.
1915 Grocery opening.
1915 Staff posing for a
photo ready for their
first customers.
Columbia House Interiors
1964 - 2016
Photo of Columbia House Interiors
after remodeling 1981.
Ribbon Cutting . . . — — Map (db m228151) HM
On Etna Road north of Road W750N, on the left when traveling north.
Originally a part of Noble County, it joined
Whitley County in 1860. The town of Etna,
surveyed by John H. Alexander in 1849, was
named by Lafayette Lanson for his former home
in Ohio. Due to the layout of the township
roads, five school . . . — — Map (db m67217) HM
On Etna Road south of County Road 700 North, on the right when traveling south.
was the first white child born in
Troy Township, Whitley County,
June 23, 1838, near this site.
Thomas Estlick Sr., his father, pur-
chased 120 acres of U.S. Government
land at $1.25 per acre and settled here.
He named Goose and Loon . . . — — Map (db m67236) HM
On U.S. 30 at County Road N650W, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 30.
Located on the side of this hill, operated by Dr. and Mrs. Michael Gutscher, Dutch natives of eastern Ohio, 1895 until his death, May 1, 1904. Tea, made from various kinds of tree bark, used in steam treatments, cured acute and subacute diseases. . . . — — Map (db m226586) HM
On Center Street (State Road 5) north of North Street, on the left when traveling north.
Larwill, formerly Huntsville, was laid out
on November 13 1854 along the Pittsburg, Fort
Wayne, and Chicago Railroad. It was located at
the corners of four farms - Henry McLallen, Sr.
Jesse S. Perrin, Thomas J. Hammontree, and
Truman . . . — — Map (db m67235) HM
Near East Front Street east of South Street (State Road 5), on the right when traveling east.
F - 84 Thunder Streak
Served Korean War
In Memory of Those who Served
our Nations Cause
in All Conflicts
Past - Present - Future
Veterans of Foreign Wars
of the United States
Dedicated September, 1985 . . . — — Map (db m67219) WM
Near East Front Street east of South State Street (State Road 5), on the right when traveling east.
In 1837 Joseph Parrett caused to be surveyed
and platted 42 lots on the north bank of Eel
River and named the town Springfield. Also
in 1837 a post office was established and
named Whitley by the department, there being
another . . . — — Map (db m226447) HM
Near E. Front Street east of S. State Street, on the right when traveling east.
This mill stone was used by the South Whitley Mill, built on this site by W.W. Arnold and Brothers in 1848. It was originally powered by water from the Eel River with the aid of a wooden dam. One of its products was "Sunshine Flour". The mill . . . — — Map (db m68032) HM