On West Street north of Summit Street, on the right when traveling north.
Coeducational school founded 1884 by William W. Borden primarily to serve children of southern Indiana farmers. Low-cost, progressive program included teacher preparation and laboratory-based scientific studies. School closed 1906. Borden also . . . — — Map (db m74115) HM
Near Market Street at E. Main Street, on the left when traveling north.
Old Borden Tavern
Here William W. Borden’s mother kept a tavern 1824 to 1851. As a memorial to his parents, the Old Tavern, which was built in 1819, was incorporated into the buildings of the Borden Museum.
Borden Museum
Erected . . . — — Map (db m74116) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Steamboats brought crowds to Rose Island.
Most visitors traveled to Rose Island by steamboat. The steamer Idlewild made the 90-120 minute trip from Louisville every day of the season. Steamers like the Liberty and the Sunshine shuttled . . . — — Map (db m304151) HM
The Dinner Crowd
The Rose Island Restaurant could seat 500 guests at one time. An equal number could be accommodated in the outdoor dining room and in the dance hall, bringing the total seating to more than 1,600.
[Caption]: The outdoor . . . — — Map (db m304127) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, in the median.
Creating a Tourist Mecca
David B.G. Rose (below left) bought the acreage in 1923 and renamed it Rose Island. Rose developed the peaceful picnic grounds into Rose Island Amusement Park – a major tourist destination for residents of the river . . . — — Map (db m303868) HM
On Jersey Avenue east of Ohio River Scenic Byway (Indiana Road 62), on the left when traveling east.
Nearby is site of former popular Ohio River regional recreation area known from 1880s as Fern Grove. David Rose expanded facilities in 1923 – including an amusement park and a swimming pool – and named it Rose Island. Major access was by car to . . . — — Map (db m206818) HM
On Main Street east of Main Cross Street, on the right when traveling east.
Historic Charlestown was the seat of the Grand Lodge of Indiana its first year, 1818. In this frontier village Alexander Buckner, first Grand Master of Masons and later U.S. Senator from Missouri, practiced law. — — Map (db m206895) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling south.
Tickets Please
A wooden ticket booth (left) stood near the suspension bridge. Visitors arriving to Rose Island paid their entry fees here, then set off for a day of adventure at the park.
Watch Your Step
Look closely at the . . . — — Map (db m303890) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling south.
An Adventure to Begin the Day
To get to Rose Island, visitors drove a steep and winding road from Highway 62 to the west side of Fourteen Mile Creek. After parking their cars on the creek’s banks, visitors crossed the creek on a wooden . . . — — Map (db m303889) HM
On Market Street (State Road 3) 0.2 miles south of Clark Road, on the right when traveling south.
Indiana Territorial Delegate to
Congress, 1809-1816.
President of Indiana Constitutional
Convention, June, 1816.
First Governor of Indiana, 1816-1822.
Member of Congress, 1822-1830. — — Map (db m206887) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
70% of Louisville was under water
Following weeks of heavy rains, the Ohio River swelled over its banks in the Great Flood of 1937. Ranging from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Ill., the flood is considered one of the most powerful of the 20th . . . — — Map (db m304153) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Road, on the right when traveling east.
Did You Know?
In the late 1800's there was no television and radio was in an experimental stage. The motion picture industry was still in its infancy. There were no computers, Internet or airplanes. Telephones did exist, but very few people . . . — — Map (db m304124) HM
Near Jersey Avenue 1 mile south of Ohio River Scenic Byway (Indiana Road 62), on the right when traveling south.
… our parks and preserves are not mere picnicking places. They are rich storehouses of memories and reveries. They are a solace to the aged and an inspiration to the young. – Richard Lieber, Founder, Indiana State . . . — — Map (db m206872) HM
On Tunnel Mill Road, on the right when traveling south.
John Work, born 1760 in Pennsylvania, came with family to Clark County, Indiana Territory circa 1804. He purchased land along Fourteen Mile Creek in 1805 and later acquired extensive property in the county. Federal-style brick home here built circa . . . — — Map (db m206815) HM
On Main Street at Short Street, on the left when traveling east on Main Street.
Women’s rights activist and political strategist Mary Garrett Hay was born in Charlestown. She worked with the WCTU here and in Indianapolis in the late 1800s, honing her leadership and speaking skills and advancing women’s suffrage. Susan B. . . . — — Map (db m206885) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Catching a Steamer to Rose Island
Families eager to escape the heat in the city looked forward to a trip to Rose Island. They woke early, packed a picnic, and headed to the riverfront to catch a steamer. Jammed with people, the steamboat . . . — — Map (db m304131) HM
Near Patrol Road 0.7 miles north of Collector Wells Road, on the right when traveling north.
Since the beginning of history, people have been drawn to the river for water, food and transportation.
1. The Earliest People Several archaeological sites at Charlestown reveal stories of temporary camps. Mounds in this region date from the . . . — — Map (db m206831) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, in the median.
All that remains
Building foundations, stone walkways, and the concrete swimming pool are all that remain of Rose Island Amusement Park. The natural succession from resort to field and forest, as well as the forces of the mighty Ohio River, . . . — — Map (db m303866) HM
Near an unnamed road 0.5 miles east of Jersey Avenue.
From the 1880s until the 1930s, a trip to either Fern Grove or Rose Island would not be complete without either a ride on a steamboat or a walk across a suspension bridge, along with a basket of fried chicken and a dance in the dance hall. . . . — — Map (db m206833) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
From a Child’s Point of View
A day trip to Rose Island Amusement Park was easily the high point of the summer for many children. Decades later, every detail of the adventure is vividly recalled.
Recollection of Louis Deca, Jefferson . . . — — Map (db m304148) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
A Charming Summer Home
With porches overlooking the Ohio River, 20 quaint cottages were available for rent as summer homes. Set just 100 feet from the river, the four-room bungalows were charming and comfortable, with a fantastic view. . . . — — Map (db m304129) HM
Perfect Ending to a Perfect Day
For guests at the Rose Island resort, an evening in the Dance Hall was the perfect end to a summer day. While live music played, couples waltzed and tangoed across the dance floor. By the late 1920s and early . . . — — Map (db m303893) HM
On State Park Drive 0.1 miles east of Jersey Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
From the 1880s until the 1930s, the Fern Grove and Rose Island resorts provided good fun and lively entertainment for generations. This trail will lead you down to the form site of these two parks, and take you back to the laughter and noise of a . . . — — Map (db m303860) HM
On Water Street at Harrison Street, on the right when traveling west on Water Street.
Built in 1812 by James Bigger
Scene of inaugural ball
held in 1816 for Jonathan Jennings
Indiana's first governor
and scene of infare for his marriage
with Clarissa Barbee in 1826 — — Map (db m206889) HM
Breezy river views
Perched at the base of the cliff but well above the high water mark, a quaint hotel offered grand views from its location just north of the Ohio River Gateway. Guests enjoyed cool river breezes from the hotel’s verandas and . . . — — Map (db m304157) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Making a Splash!
At a time when homes had no air conditioning, a dip in Rose Island’s swimming pool was the ultimate way to cool off on a hot summer day. Simmers could climb onto a round platform in the pool’s center and spin round and . . . — — Map (db m304122) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling west.
Animals all around
Zoos and exotic animals were popular amusements in the early 20th century, and Rose Island was part of the trend. Monkeys, raccoons, wolves, a groundhog, and alligators were among the menagerie. The best known resident of . . . — — Map (db m304149) HM
On Trail #7 east of State Park Drive, on the right when traveling east.
Trace the history of Rose Island through time. As time marches on, so does the history of this former resort. As you explore the park, find the reclamation logo and look around to see how nature is slowly reclaiming the land.
1700
Indian . . . — — Map (db m303869) HM
On Trail #7 north of Jersey Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
A Link to the Past
As you tour historic Rose Island, imagine crowds of visitors enjoying this bustling summer playground in the 1920s and 30s. Discover how people traveled to the park, and visit the places where they at, slept, and played. . . . — — Map (db m303863) HM
On Trail #7 north of Jersey Avenue, in the median.
Steamboats brought the visitors on day trips
Between 1923 and 1937, most visitors came to Rose Island by steamboat for day trips. Others rented cottages or stayed in the grand hotel. Rose Island was the most popular destination for miles . . . — — Map (db m304121) HM
On West Harrison Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
First American settlement in the Northwest Territory. 150,000 acres granted to George Rogers Clark and his troops by Virginia in 1781 for war services. Town named and tracts occupied by 1784. — — Map (db m292055) HM
On West Washington Street east of North Taggart Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
In commemoration of her visit to Clarksville High School, on June 16, 1958. Eleanor Roosevelt entered these doors to speak inside the Clarksville High School Gymnasium.
A crowd of nearly 1000 people, including Supreme Court Justice Sherman . . . — — Map (db m206964) HM
Near West Riverside Drive north of West Winbourne Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
Falls of the Ohio Fossil Beds
has been designated a
National Natural Landmark
This site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of the . . . — — Map (db m291783) HM
On Ohio River Scenic Byway 0.4 miles west of Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
By the Way: Lewis and Clark began their famous expedition from this area on October 26, 1803.
Almost 400 million years ago, during the Devonian age, future states Indiana and Kentucky were asleep beneath a warm tropical sea, located about . . . — — Map (db m206956) HM
Near Harrison Avenue west of Bailey Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Near this site stood the home
of General George Rogers Clark
Pioneer - Soldier - Patriot
Conqueror of the Northwest Territory
who with dauntless heroism during the Revolutionary War invaded the enemy territory, captured the posts of . . . — — Map (db m245088) HM WM
On W. Winbourne Avenue at W Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling south on W. Winbourne Avenue.
History’s Great Explorers
Lewis & Clark
Acclaimed National Heroes
The Eastern Legacy
October 14, 1803
Meriwether Lewis came from Washington, D.C. and
met William Clark at the Falls of the Ohio
“When they shook hands, the Lewis . . . — — Map (db m103856) HM
Near West Riverside Drive north of West Winbourne Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
…our parks and preserves are not mere picnicking places. They are rich storehouses of memories and reveries. They are a solace to the aged and an inspiration to the young.
Richard Lieber, Founder
Indiana State . . . — — Map (db m290849) HM
Near West Riverside Drive north of West Winbourne Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
US Life Saving Station #10
The station was installed by the United States Life Saving Service on the banks of the Ohio River in 1881. Life Saving Station #10 was the only inland Life Saving Station in the U.S. It was located at the most . . . — — Map (db m290959) HM
Near Harrison Avenue west of Bailey Avenue, on the left when traveling west.
Near this site on October 26, 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with the nucleus of the Corps of Discovery together set off down the Ohio River on their epic journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase and Pacific Northwest. — — Map (db m206962) HM
Near West Riverside Drive north of West Winbourne Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
Before you is the McAlpine Dam, one of a coordinated system of 20 locks and dams on the Ohio River operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The Dam: Maintaining River Depth
Prior to construction of locks and dams, the river . . . — — Map (db m291787) HM
On W. Winbourne Avenue at W Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling south on W. Winbourne Avenue. Reported missing.
The Dam - The huge concrete wall that you see is the McAlpine Dam. Its main function is to control water levels for navigation, but its unusual shape, an elongated Z, also provides water for the hydroelectric station while keeping the fossil . . . — — Map (db m290988) HM
Near Ohio River Scenic Byway 0.1 miles west of Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
The Ohio River between Clark County, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky, provides a treasure of historic bridges. The first bridge to your left is the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, completed in Art-Deco style in 1929. Its original name was the . . . — — Map (db m198392) HM
On Zollman Road 0.4 miles east of Sunday Drive, on the left when traveling east.
Born and raised here on his family farm, entrepreneur Harland Sanders entered the restaurant business in the 1930s, serving food at his Corbin, Kentucky service station. By 1952, Sanders developed his patented method of cooking chicken and . . . — — Map (db m312060) HM
On State Road 160 east of Interstate 65, on the right when traveling east. Reported missing.
Founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken
Erected 1987 by these Local Franchisees:
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bagshaw
Mr. & Mrs. William Bridges
Mr. & Mrs. William Bright
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Burchel
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Cummings
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph . . . — — Map (db m245085) HM
On Winding Road 0.1 miles west of U.S. 31, on the left when traveling west.
Indiana's oldest state forest, established 1903. Portions of Clark's Grant (1781) included in original 2.000 acres. Experimental plantings and reforestation began 1904; became national models in scientific forestry. Multiple land uses include timber . . . — — Map (db m244937) HM
Near Mulberry Street south of West Maple Street, on the left when traveling south.
Construction on the $4.7 million George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge started in June 28 and took just over a year to complete with the opening being held October 31, 1929.
President Herbert Hoover attended the dedication of the bridge which . . . — — Map (db m186830) HM
On Patrol Road south of Trey Street, on the right when traveling south.
Charlestown Indiana in the summer of 1940 was a quiet town with a population of 900. By December of that same year the population had grown to over 13,400. Of this number over 10,000 residents worked at a single plant. The “boom” in Charlestown . . . — — Map (db m206901) HM
On Spring Street, on the right when traveling south.
Many "cafes" in the 1930's were a front for what was really happening within. The gambling in Clark County goes as far back as 1809 when Major John Harrison developed the Jeffersonville Springs. It was about a mile and a half north of Jeffersonville . . . — — Map (db m241649) HM
Near Mulberry Street south of West Maple Street, on the left when traveling south.
In 1887, the Louisville and Jeffersonville Bridge Company formed to serve as a recelevership in the creation of the Big Four Bridge, which was built to carry the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St Louis Railway.
On December 15, 1893, . . . — — Map (db m186834) HM
Near Mulberry Street south of West Maple Street, on the left when traveling south.
Big Four Railroad Bridge was converted into a pedestrian/bicycle path in 2013. The bridge was originally built in 1895 to provide rail access for freight and passengers between Jeffersonville and Louisville. It was closed in 1969.
The distance . . . — — Map (db m186839) HM
On West Market Street at Mulberry Street, on the right when traveling east on West Market Street.
Forty-two workers perished during construction of this bridge, which was built between 1888 and 1895. Through the years, the bridge has been hailed as a monument to those who lost their lives.
In 1929, a new bridge was built inside the old . . . — — Map (db m186837) HM
On East Park Place east of Crestview Court, on the right when traveling east.
Site of Jefferson General Hospital, the third largest hospital in the United States during the Civil War. Under Dr. Middleton Goldsmith's command it served over 16, 000 patients. — — Map (db m46647) HM
On Mulberry Street south of West Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling south.
( Top Section )
Civil War Cemetery
On this site, 1861 - 1865, are buried several hundred Union and Confederate Soldiers. Killed in the Western Campaign. Lack of interest from distant families allowed deterioration of the wood grave . . . — — Map (db m46670) WM
Near Mulberry Street south of West Maple Street, on the left when traveling south.
The flood of 1937 was the largest flood known in the modern era in the Louisville area.
The Ohio River stretched to be 10 miles wide, with 70% of Louisville submerged and 90% of Jeffersonville. Estimated damage was $250 million which translates . . . — — Map (db m186840) HM
On Spring Street just north of East Court Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
General Lafayette was the official guest of the State of Indiana at Jeffersonville on May 12, 1825 at the house of Former Governor Posey on the West corner of Front and Fort Streets. He was welcomed by the Governor of the the State, by a . . . — — Map (db m221572) HM
On Riverside Drive at Pearl Street, on the right when traveling east on Riverside Drive.
Emancipation Proclamation (1863) did not free slaves in Kentucky. In April 1864, Hannah Toliver, a free black woman living in Jeffersonville, was arrested for aiding a fugitive slave from Kentucky. In May, she was convicted and sentenced to seven . . . — — Map (db m100710) HM
On West Maple Street at Mulberry Street, on the right when traveling west on West Maple Street.
In January 1937 the Ohio River flooded, causing damage to nearby towns in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. At one point during the crisis, the entire river, 981 miles long, was above floodstage. Thousands of people lost their homes, and . . . — — Map (db m186824) HM
On East Chestnut Street at Spring Street, on the right when traveling east on East Chestnut Street.
Street celebrations and parades were very common in the past and much better attended than some are today. In the picture of what is now Red Yeti, you will notice that the crowd has assembled in front of an Army Surplus store. Post World War II, . . . — — Map (db m206921) HM
On West Market Street at Spring Street, on the right when traveling west on West Market Street. Reported unreadable.
This Italianate style building had multiple uses. The first floor was the bank and the second floor was office space and meeting rooms. It had a basement with access on the south side and, in the 1890s, the Lyon family was walking here when they . . . — — Map (db m206922) HM
On West Riverside Drive at Spring Street, on the left when traveling west on West Riverside Drive.
The earliest settlement in Jeffersonville was ca. 1786 with the construction of Fort Finney near what is now the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge. A settlement grew around the fort which was renamed Fort Steuben in 1791, honoring Baron von Steuben, . . . — — Map (db m206910) HM
Since 1775 Quartermaster's Corps has been responsible for supplying the U.S. Army with food and supplies. The Quartermaster Depot in Jeffersonville was used during five wars, from the Civil War through the Korean conflict. Jeffersonville was . . . — — Map (db m206904) HM
On Missouri Avenue at West Market Street, on the right when traveling south on Missouri Avenue.
The Ohio Falls Car Works and Locomotive Company was founded in 1864 at a village known as Ohio Falls, which is now part of the Clarksville-Jeffersonville area. Two years later, the company's management was taken over by Joseph White Sprague, whose . . . — — Map (db m206954) HM
On Spring Street, on the left when traveling north.
Sallie was the oldest child of a large family. When her parents died she became responsible for her siblings and learned to sew and make hats to help support the children. Sallie was a very plain gal, she wore glasses and had a thinning hairline and . . . — — Map (db m241652) HM
Near Mulberry Street south of West Maple Street, on the left when traveling south.
Howard's Shipyard, Barmore Shipyard, French Brothers and later the Sweeney Brothers Shipyard and Foundry all put Jeffersonville on the map as the premier builder of steamboats. Howard's Shipyard also built a number of the LSTs during World War II. . . . — — Map (db m186829) HM
On Wall Street north of East 8th Street, on the left when traveling north.
Built in 1891 to educate Colored students, grades 1 through 12. The classic two-story building, designed by Arthur Loomis, opened with 10 classrooms, separate entrances and stairways for boys and girls. The building was remodeled in 1949.
The . . . — — Map (db m206907) HM
On Preservation Place east of Pearl Street, on the right when traveling east.
In 1929, the Pennsylvania Railroad built a station on Mitchell Avenue to serve as a freight and passenger depot for Jeffersonville and Clarksville.
During the 1937 flood, many of those displaced by the flood waters were taken north by train from . . . — — Map (db m206915) HM
On East Court Avenue at Spring Street, on the left when traveling east on East Court Avenue.
Jeffersonville is named for President Thomas Jefferson, who had a profound influence on the city. As a Virginia legislator, Jefferson was a strong supporter of General George Rogers Clark's Illinois campaign from 1778 to 1779, which resulted in the . . . — — Map (db m241638) HM
On East Court Avenue at Spring Street, on the right when traveling west on East Court Avenue.
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. He was a draftsman of the U.S. Declaration of Independence; the nation's first secretary of state (1789-94); second vice president (1797-1801); and as the third president . . . — — Map (db m245086) HM
On East Court Avenue at Spring Street, on the right when traveling east on East Court Avenue.
Created in 2004 to commemorate the restoration of the Jeffersonville Carnegie Library, the Timeline reflects 2,500 years of contributions to the liberty and dignity of man. The has reliefs showcase portraits of history's legends of democracy and . . . — — Map (db m241637) HM
Near Mulberry Street south of West Maple Street, on the left when traveling south.
Located on 10th Street, the Jeffersonville Quartermaster Depot was built 1871-74 on land donated by the city to the Federal government.
It served from the Indian Wars of the 1870s through the Korean War and made many contributions to America, . . . — — Map (db m186827) HM
On East Court Avenue west of Wall Street, on the right when traveling west.
In Honor of
those who
Served
( Bronze Plaque )
United Spanish War Veterans
Veterans of Foreign Wars
The American Legion
Dedicated May 30, 1955 — — Map (db m46730) WM
On Wall Street at East Chestnut Street, on the right when traveling north on Wall Street.
The first Methodist sermon was preached in Indiana in 1802. A Methodist circuit rider first preached in Jeffersonville in 1803.
Our congregation grew out of that circuit, which was served by Peter Cartwright in 1804. There was no regular meeting . . . — — Map (db m206949) HM
On East Court Avenue west of Wall Street, on the right when traveling west.
Named in honor of
Luther Fairfax Warder
Mayor of Jeffersonville, six (6) terms
(1875 – 1883 ) – • – (1887 – 1891)
He converted the small town into a prosperous, progressive city, was foremost in bringing the . . . — — Map (db m46767) HM
On Spring Street, on the right when traveling south.
Denton Floyd Real Estate Group formerly the Masonic Temple has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior — — Map (db m241857) HM
On U.S. 31 north of Ebenezer Church Road, on the left when traveling north.
Was born in Clark Co., Ind. Appointed colonel of the 22nd Indiana Infantry. After promotion to brigadier general for service at Pea Ridge, he saw action at Corinth, Murfreesboro, and Chickamauga and the Atlantic Campaign. — — Map (db m161455) HM
On East Utica Street at North New Albany Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East Utica Street.
“Lest We Forget”
In honor of the courageous men and women who served their country in the Korean War and in memory of those who Sacrificed All.
PVT Robert E. Landreth, Jr.
Oct. 4, 1951
PFC Thomas K. Jenkins
July . . . — — Map (db m46699) WM
On East Utica Street west of North New Albany Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Dedicated to those from this community who so courageously served and gave their lives. They did so with unselfish Honor and Patriotism. May God bless them.
PFC Wm. Gary Smith • USMC 02/21/68
SGT. Willard Skaggs, Jr. • USA . . . — — Map (db m46698) HM
On North New Albany Avenue north of East Utica Street, on the left when traveling north.
( Upper Section )
They lived to bear their Country’s
arms and died to save it’s Honor.
Sgt Charles W. Snider • 11-4-43
Pfc Lester J. Beyl • 1-31-44
S/Sgt William J. Summers, AAF • 3-8-44
Sgt Kenneth N. Broady • . . . — — Map (db m46721) WM
