Aurora was laid out by Jesse L. Holman, trustee for the Aurora Association for Internal Improvements in 1819. Judge Holman was an early statesman, preacher, educator, and federal justice.
His son, U.S. Congressman William S. Holman served . . . — — Map (db m22105) HM
Ephraim Morrison Canoe at Aurora Landing
Phillip Craig
Capt. Marcus Colling
Frank Klopp Horse Powered until 1918 then built the Etta Belle
Van Landingham Etta Belle 1935 to 1936 . . . — — Map (db m201077) HM
At the mouth of Hogan Creek, a short distance from here, Samuel Morrison, first white child born in the countyMarch 1, 1798. He was a gifted historian, inventor and map-maker, and drew a number of early maps published for Indiana. — — Map (db m206646) HM
Oldest church building in Aurora
Built in 1848
First Evangelical United Church of Christ
(First German Evangelical Protestant Church)
Founded 1874
has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
by the . . . — — Map (db m201091) HM
First Presbyterian Church
of Aurora
1844
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m201098) HM
George Street
Bridge
1887
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior — — Map (db m201075) HM
Originally called Forest Hill, Hillforest was completed in 1855 for local industrialist and steamboat owner Thomas Gaff and his family. Emigrants from Scotland in 1811, the six Gaff children moved with their mother to Aurora in the 1840s and . . . — — Map (db m22125) HM
Legend has it that a ferry has operated near this location close to the mouth of Hogan Creek since 1802. The early ferries were powered by two horses walking on treadmills connected to a paddle wheel. The relationship between the small town of . . . — — Map (db m66904) HM
In memory of Col. Archibald Lochry and the members of the Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Militia, who were defeated near here August 24, 1781 by Chief Joseph Brant and a coalition of Ohio Indians.
Killed
Col. Archibald Lochry . . . — — Map (db m243827) WM
Lest we forget
Freedom is not free
This Korean War Memorial is dedicated to those men and women who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.
American Casualties
Killed in . . . — — Map (db m201090) WM
On the bank of the Ohio near here, opposite the Eagle Hotel, Pinkney James
built the steamboat Clinton 1823-24. The launching July 4, 1824 occasioned a great celebration and firing of cannon. — — Map (db m172613) HM
Hillforest
Following the Panic of 1837, Philadelphia Distiller Thomas Gaff and his brothers James and John sought new opportunity in southern Indiana, where in 1843 they established T. & J.W. Gaff & Co. Distillery in Aurora, Indiana. Soon . . . — — Map (db m201095) HM
"Dedicated with appreciation
to the
Veterans of Dearborn County
in honor of
those who gave their lives
and in memory of
those unaccounted for."
"You are not forgotten." — — Map (db m201089) WM
Architect William Tinsley of Cincinnati was known throughout the Midwest for his outstanding landscape designs, including Fountain Square in Cincinnati. Riverview Cemetery on the banks of the Ohio is a splendid example of his work. It is reflective . . . — — Map (db m222258) HM
Founded 1816 as Methodist Episcopal church
Present building constructed 1853
National Register of Historic Places 1994
Plaque in memory of Kenneth Pitts — — Map (db m222252) HM
Dr. George Sutton was prominent in
Aurora and far and wide. A forward
thinker, he was instrumental in bringing
an end to cholera which wiped put a
large percentage of the population in
the Ohio Valley in 1849. Dr. Sutton did
extensive study . . . — — Map (db m222254) HM
In memory of
Col. Archibald Lochry
and the members of the Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Militia, who were defeated near here August 24, 1781
by Chief Joseph Brant and a coalition of Ohio Indians.
Killed
Col. Archibald Lochry . . . — — Map (db m222279) WM
In memory of
Colonel Archibald Lochry
and his command who were massacred by the Indians and
British near this site August 24, 1781
Major Creacroft Adjt Guthrie Quartermaster Wallace Capt. Campbell Capt. Thomas Stokely Capt. . . . — — Map (db m244090) WM
Col. Archibald Lochry and his regiment were defeated near this site on August 24, 1781 by Chief Joseph Brant and a coalition of Ohio Indians. — — Map (db m222287) HM
The large brick house nearby was Baker's Drovers Inn. This highway was the early state Manchester & Lawrenceburg Turnpike. A short distance from here was a Toll-Gate house. — — Map (db m143035) HM
From atop the schoolhouse, built in 1905, my voice has rung out - beckoning boys and girls to school: clanged out the call for help to fight fires: peeled forth joyous tunes of victory at wars ends: tolled the old year out and rung in the new. . . . — — Map (db m45993) HM
The town was laid out by Mathias Whetstone in 1830, and named for General James Dill, soldier in the War of 1812, first county recorder, a member of the Indiana 1816 Constitutional Convention, military associate and friend of Generals William . . . — — Map (db m45884) HM
On July 13, 1863, General Morgan's raiders looted a tavern in this Community. The Irish-born and agitated proprietor, James Murtaugh, protested, but without any luck. The tavern was an Inn with a dance hall on the second floor, which could be . . . — — Map (db m86240) HM
Second Oldest Roman Catholic Church in Indiana. Established 1824. Original log meeting house replaced by frame church in 1842. First brick edifice erected 1847. Present church dedicated October 19, 1879. — — Map (db m86237) HM
Side 1 Veterans of the Revolution buried here include Capt. Joseph Hayes, Lt. Solomon Hayes, and Thomas Miller, Sr. (PA), and Alexander Guard (NJ).
These patriots were among the first pioneers in the Northwest Territory. The Guard family . . . — — Map (db m149372) HM
Erected 1821 by early settlers as a Methodist Church on land donated by John Ewbank. Services were held continuously for more than 125 years. Maintained by endowment fund. — — Map (db m86236) HM
Built 1879
Original Design by Archibald M. Kennedy and Sons
Additional Structural Supports added in the early 1900s to sustain heavier loads produced by Guilford's rail commerce
Moved from Yorkridge Rd to park in 1960
Damaged by . . . — — Map (db m87947) HM
In 1922, both storefronts of this c. 1860 Italianate building housed a bakery. The ovens and baking rooms stretched to the alley. Earlier, other businesses occupied one storefront, including a confectionary and a book and stationary seller. — — Map (db m226656) HM
Abraham Lincoln made a famous pre-inaugural speech from his train platform near here Feb. 12, 1861, placing emphasis on the people's part in justice and good government. — — Map (db m20600) HM
Plaque One
Captain Samuel C. Vance
Our Founder Plaque Two
In memory of Captain Vance and the pioneer families who endured the hardships of flatboat travel to reach this place in the wilderness.
They lived in log cabins . . . — — Map (db m20604) HM
Formed by proclamation of Indiana Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison March 7, 1803. Named in honor of Major General Henry Dearborn, Secretary of War.
The third county to be formed, it was originally much larger. Its present boundaries . . . — — Map (db m22103) HM
In Honor of the Soldiers of
the American Revolution
buried in Dearborn County
Their names are recorded in the
County Auditor's Office
Book 29 - Page 250. — — Map (db m22174) HM
KOREAN WAR
This plaque is dedicated
in grateful remembrance
of the men of Dearborn
County who served their
Country in the Korean War.
In God we trust — — Map (db m22173) WM
Honor Roll
In Grateful remembrance of the boys of Dearborn County who gave their lives in the World War 1917 - 1918.
Erected by the Citizens of Dearborn County, Indiana
Walter Ahrens Henry Fred Amm Elmer Andrews Hobart S. . . . — — Map (db m22203) WM
World War II
For God and Country
This tablet is erected
in honor of the men who
answered their country's
call and gave their lives
for freedom — — Map (db m22175) WM
Elijah Anderson was an African-American
blacksmith who lived and worked in
Lawrenceburg from 1850 to 1854.
He once told a friend that he had helped
at least 1000 slaves escape to freedom
in all sorts of weather.
Anderson left Lawrenceburg . . . — — Map (db m206618) HM
The Hamline Chapel United Methodist Church was organized in 1806. In 1847, the members of the congregation and Lawrenceburg citizens donated funds to construct this Classic Revival style chapel. The brick sanctuary and wooden steeple serve as a . . . — — Map (db m222802) HM
Born in Lawrenceburg, became a famous engineer who built the Eads Bridge arched over the Mississippi at St. Louis and jetties at New Orleans. During the Civil War President Lincoln commissioned him to design and build ironclad gunboats for the Union . . . — — Map (db m66910) HM
The Art Deco style Klausing Building from the 1930's was a Packard dealership until the late 1950's. It was later converted into a bowling alley. Walnut Bowl was a twelve-lane bowling alley until the 1960's. — — Map (db m226658) HM
Birthplace of two Indiana Governors. Albert Gallatin Porter, eighteenth Governor (1881-1885), born here April 20, 1824, died Indianapolis, May 3, 1897; and Winfield Taylor Durbin, twenty-fourth Governor (1901-1905), born here May 4, 1847, died . . . — — Map (db m66907) HM
1802 - - Village of Lawrenceburgh founded in the Wilderness by Capt. Samuel C. Vance
Commerce and travel are via the Ohio River. Pioneers
constructed flatboats to carry goods to New Orleans
Markets. The “Kaintucks” . . . — — Map (db m22029) HM
Dr. George F. Smith came to Lawrenceburg in 1905 and opened his own practice in this home. Locals consider his home to be Lawrenceburg's first hospital. The Federal style home was built in 1857.
Lawrenceburg Heritage Plaque Program
a . . . — — Map (db m187435) HM
This Federal style building is a fine example of a three part commercial block. Local tradition asserts that this building was the location of a large cigar factory during the nineteenth century. Later the block became known for the nickel and dime . . . — — Map (db m226657) HM
Dearborn County
Medal of Honor Citations
Civil War
Name - Awarded
Pvt. William Shepherd - May 3, 1865
Pvt. Frank Stolz - July 9, 1894
Pvt. David H. Helms - July 26, 1894
Pvt. Thomas A. Blasdel - August 11, 1894
Pvt. . . . — — Map (db m22171) HM
The Regular Baptist Church of Lawrenceburg was the city's first Baptist congregation. The congregation organized in 1807 and met in various locations around the area. In 1846, this church was built in the Gothic Revival style. The building was . . . — — Map (db m187438) HM
- - -( Center Section )- - -
( Center - Memorial )
+ + + THE PRICE OF FREEDOM + + +
Dedicated in Honor of All men and women
who have served in the Armed Forces and
Sacrificed Unselfishly for the Freedom of
the United States of . . . — — Map (db m22301) WM
Army Captain Samuel Colville Vance was a surveyor for the United States government living in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1802 he purchased all the land comprising the original town of "Lawrenceburgh." At that time the land was part of Hamilton County, . . . — — Map (db m66906) HM
Early fine quality Federal style home of Samuel Vance, built 1818. Military associate and friend of William Henry Harrison. Vance founded Lawrenceburg in 1802. River Boats landed on the grounds, and guests reached the mansion through an avenue of . . . — — Map (db m200326) HM
In Memory of our Vietnam Veterans Killed in Action
Vietnam War 1959 - 1975
Dedicated July 4, 2000
Lary Dale Fogle U.S. Army PFC - - Killed in Action December 20, 1965 - Saigon, South Vietnam
Thomas George Denning U.S.M.C. LCPL . . . — — Map (db m22037) HM
In God We Trust
In Grateful remembrance of the men of Dearborn County who gave their lives in the Vietnam War, erected by the Citizens of Dearborn County, Indiana.
Honor Roll, first column:
William Omer Burkett Thomas Denning . . . — — Map (db m22202) WM
c. 1820 Before the levee was built, Elm Row continued down the river to the city wharf now under water.
1836 Indiana appropriates $1,400,000 to begin construction on Whitewater Canal linking the National Rd to Ohio River.
1837 . . . — — Map (db m187437) HM
L. Kohlerman, a local undertaker built
this example of Italianate architecture
c. 1875. In the 1860's and 1870's,
the streets in Lawrenceburg were
raised because of flooding from the
Ohio River. The first floors of
buildings were covered and . . . — — Map (db m222708) HM
Built by James Angevine
in York Township around 1830.
The Angevines left New York City
and traveled to Indiana where they
purchased over 1,000 acres of
land in York Township.
James and Susan Angevine
raised 12 children in this cabin
until . . . — — Map (db m222831) HM
James and Susan Angevine moved to
York Township in Dearborn County
in 1818 from New York. This is
the second cabin they built on their
property (c.1820). The Angevines
raised their children in this cabin until
1830. The cabin was used as a . . . — — Map (db m222830) HM
1817 Samual Vance sells lots 165, 166, 179, and 180 to Dr. Ezra Ferris for $200.
1818 Judge Isaac Dunn pays $500 for lots 165, S. ½ of 179 and 180.
1848 House built, No. 19 Elm Row, possibly a rental.
1868 Dunn sells to . . . — — Map (db m222780) HM
Renowned engineer James B. Eads,
who was born in Lawrenceburg in
1820, lived in this home until his
family moved to St. Louis in 1833.
Eads was a self-taught engineer
and is known for designing the
Bridge across the Mississippi River
in 1869. . . . — — Map (db m222819) HM
This Italianate building was originally
the First National Bank of
Lawrenceburg, one of three local
banks. It was built c. 1863 by Martin
Tittle, a local master brick mason.
Tittle built many of the city's
prominent buildings during . . . — — Map (db m222795) HM
This Greek Revival style church
was built in 1860 to replace the
congregation's original church, located
on East Center Street near the
marketplace. In the 1930's the
Fraternal Order of Eagles purchased
the building and occupied it for
many . . . — — Map (db m222847) HM
1830's Ger. immigrants began setting in Lawrenceburgh.
1839 Congregation formed. Like many other early church groups they met in the old Methodist Episcopal Meeting House erected in 1821 on Walnut Street where the Liedertafel Hall now . . . — — Map (db m222851) HM
Judge Isaac Dunn owned two
houses at High and Elm Streets.
The larger on the northeast corner
was built after Dunn married the
widow Harriet Hunter in 1843.
This Greek Revival home was
more elaborate than Dunn's
other home, built in . . . — — Map (db m222759) HM
The Liedertafel, a musical group
of German immigrants, built the
Liedertafel Hall in 1893. The
Italianate theater hosted Liedertafel
performances, dances, moving
pictures and vaudeville acts.
The name was changed to Liberty
Theater during . . . — — Map (db m222713) HM
The Ferris Drug Store was at this
location as early as 1830. This
building was built in 1853 after a fire
destroyed the original. In 1901, the
McCullough Drug Company
purchased the building. John C. and
his son John L. McCullough
established . . . — — Map (db m222738) HM
This Italianate building constructed
in 1885 was originally a buggy and
carriage factory for Helfer and
Woodward. The carriages were sold
mostly in the South. Lewis Adler
bought the building in 1861. Adler
remodeled the first floor to . . . — — Map (db m222729) HM
The Lawrenceburg Volunteer Fire
Department was established in 1882.
Company No. 1 was located
here on Short Street, and Company
No. 2 was near Shipping Street. Both
firehouses were identical Queen Anne
style buildings built c.1882. . . . — — Map (db m222799) HM
Lawrenceburg was founded in 1802 by Captain Samuel Vance, a U.S. Government surveyor who purchased the land that would become Lawrenceburg. With the beginning of steamboat shipping after the War of 1812, came the evolution of the city's historic . . . — — Map (db m222744) HM
This Queen Anne style train depot,
built by the railway company
c.1900, served passengers on the
Saint Louis Division of the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad
until 1972. This brick depot
replaced an earlier wood frame
depot from c. 1850. — — Map (db m222840) HM
James B. Weddle built the
Walnut Theater in 1925. Weddle
and his son ran the theater until
they sold it in 1978. The interior
was remodeled after the 1937
flood to reflect the popular Art Deco
style of the time. The large
marquee was added in . . . — — Map (db m222712) HM
On this ground stood
Moores Hill College
Founded January 10, 1854
Administration of the college was vested in a board of trustees appointed by the Conference of the Methodist Church. Following the destruction of Moore Hall in 1915, the . . . — — Map (db m222230) HM
Original college building,
directly southwest of this
point, was erected 1854-56
with financial assistance by
Freemasons of Allen Lodge
No. 165, who used third floor
as meeting hall until edifice
destroyed by fire, 1915. — — Map (db m222244) HM
General Morgan and his raiders struck New Alsace on Monday, July 13, 1863. Here at St. Paul Church, Father Roman Weinzapfel was celebrating Mass at 8:30 a.m. when the Raiders stole his horses. Today, the church appears much as it did in 1863. Across . . . — — Map (db m100078) HM
(Front Side)
The Whitewater Canal and the Cincinnati and Whitewater Canal joined in Harrison to provide better access to Cincinnati markets and Ohio River. Indiana Internal Improvement Act 1836 authorized Whitewater Canal; completed from . . . — — Map (db m66869) HM
July 8, 1863. Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and 2,000 cavalrymen crossed the Ohio River into Indiana. They were transported from Brandenburg, Kentucky, on two captured steamboats. For six days, the Raiders rode through Southern . . . — — Map (db m66873) HM
During the afternoon of July 13, 1863, General John Hunt Morgan crossed the Whitewater River a few hundred yards north of this point. His exhausted men were strung out behind him, but managed to burn the wooden bridge once the straggling ranks were . . . — — Map (db m66875) HM
By July 1863, the American Civil War had entered its third brutal summer. In the East, Confederate forces commanded by Robert E. Lee successfully turned back repeated Union attempts to capture the Southern capital at Richmond. General Lee even . . . — — Map (db m66872) HM
