On State Road 144 north of County Road W100N, on the left when traveling north.
1831 - - - 1931
Big Spring
Center of
Hopewell Settlement
This building erected by John Hoefgen, in memory of the early settlers, his Mother, Eliza Demott Hoefgen, and Uncle, Albert List, long an Elder in the . . . — — Map (db m66768) HM
On State Road 144 north of County Road W100N, on the left when traveling north.
In 1824, settler Simon Covert led Thomas Henderson to Big Spring. A church, school and cemetery were envisioned to the south. Henderson outwitted a man seeking this spring site for a whiskey distillery. His family, vanguard of anti-slavery . . . — — Map (db m66766) HM
On N. Walnut St at W. King St, on the right when traveling south on N. Walnut St.
McNutt, born July 19, 1891 at 200 N. Walnut, was Indiana's 33rd Governor (1933-1937), state and national American Legion Commander, I. U. Law School Dean, High Commissioner and first U.S. Ambassador to Philippine Republic. Died March 24, 1955; . . . — — Map (db m66821) HM
On N. Yandes St south of E. Adams St, on the right when traveling south.
As Indiana's 42nd governor 1965-1969, championed equal opportunity in education and housing. Earned degrees from Franklin College and Harvard University. Deputy prosecutor of Johnson and Brown counties 1926-1929. Practiced law in Franklin, . . . — — Map (db m66820) HM
On West Madison Street just east of Uitz Street, on the left when traveling east. Reported missing.
Franklin's grade school for children of color was here from 1873-1951 and was called West School until 1928 when Franklin's School's Board of Trustees resolved:
"That the West School Building shall hereafter be known as the Booker T. . . . — — Map (db m145806) HM
On West Jefferson Street at Walnut Street, on the left when traveling west on West Jefferson Street.
Founded in the spring
of 1823 by George King,
Franklin, Indiana serves
as the county seat for
Johnson County. After
clearing land near the
mouth of Hurricane
Creek, King and his
three companions would
layout the foundations
for what would . . . — — Map (db m289104) HM
On East Jefferson Street at North Crowell Street, on the right when traveling west on East Jefferson Street.
Founded in the spring of 1823 by George King, Franklin, Indiana serves as the county seat for Johnson County after clearing land near the mouth of Hurricane Creek, King and his three companions would layout the foundations for what would become . . . — — Map (db m314076) HM
On East Jefferson Street at East Court Street, on the right when traveling west on East Jefferson Street.
We support all military men and women, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May they always be remembered for their service to the nation, in the hearts of those they loved and in the hearts of those who cherish freedom.
May we . . . — — Map (db m315376) WM
On North Main Street at West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north on North Main Street.
The Artcraft Theatre was built on the site of the first Johnson County Courthouse. It opened on November 1, 1922 as a silent movie and vaudeville house. In 1936, Trueman Rembusch, a theatre entrepreneur from Shelbyville, purchased the Artcraft . . . — — Map (db m314401) HM
On County Road West 200 North at North Centerline Road, on the right when traveling east on County Road West 200 North.
At Johnson County's center, this wooded
hill offered Delaware Indians campsites
during annual migrations through swampy
wilderness abundant in wild game, fish.
It yielded skeletal remains long after
glowing campfires died. George King . . . — — Map (db m289111) HM
On W. Jefferson Street (State Road 144) at Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east on W. Jefferson Street.
A two room log cabin was built on or near this site in March, 1823 by George King, by whose efforts Johnson County was authorized Dec. 31, 1822 and organized March 8, 1823. King donated land for the county seat and Franklin was founded May 22, 1823. . . . — — Map (db m66838) HM
On Martin Place east of North Main Street, on the left when traveling east. Reported missing.
The fair was held in woods belonging to Garrett C. Bergen, November 1838. Entrance to grounds was from North Main Street. No admission was charged and no money paid out in premiums. June 23, 1884 this area became known as The Charity Denton Martin . . . — — Map (db m69371) HM
On U.S. 31 south of State Road 144, on the right when traveling north.
Founded in 1823, is the home of Franklin College, 1834 and the birthplace of two Indiana governors, Paul V. McNutt, 1891, at 599 E. Adams and Roger D. Branigin, 1902, at 205 Yandes. Johnson County Historical Museum at 150 W. Madison, Indiana Masonic . . . — — Map (db m236562) HM
On East Jefferson Street at North Crowell Street, on the right when traveling west on East Jefferson Street.
A private liberal arts college founded in 1834. It was the first college in Indiana and third nationally to admit women (1842). Nearly all the buildings on campus are placed around an ellipse known as Dame Mall, named after John Dame, the first . . . — — Map (db m314080) HM
Near County Road W100N south of State Road 144, on the right when traveling south.
Franklin Township High School served this community as the first public school with grades one through twelve.
Although fire destroyed the building in December 1932, fire did not destroy the burning desire for education that had been . . . — — Map (db m66758) HM
On Grizzly Drive east of State Street, on the left when traveling east.
The Franklin Wonder Five dominated
Indiana basketball in the 1920s as the
sport’s popularity grew dramatically.
The team won an unprecedented three
consecutive state championships at the
high school level from 1920-1922. After
graduating, . . . — — Map (db m206696) HM
On East Jefferson Street at North Crowell Street, on the right when traveling west on East Jefferson Street.
Coach Ernest "Griz" Wagner led the Franklin High School basketball team to three consecutive state championships (1920 - 1922). Star players "Fuzzy" Vandivier and Johnny Gant followed their coach to Franklin College where they went undefeated . . . — — Map (db m314075) HM
Near West South Street at Ninevah Street, on the right when traveling west.
Founder and proprietor of Franklin, IN. Leader in the establishment of Johnson County, 1822. Founder of the First Presbyterian Church, Postmaster, Justice of the Peace and benefactor of Franklin College as donor of its original site and member of . . . — — Map (db m221851) HM
On North Main Street north of East Madison Street, on the right when traveling north.
Sally and Lewis Hendricks, along with their family, lived in this log cabin around
1830. It was originally located in Needham Township, east of Franklin. The cabin
was constructed of poplar, maple, and pine. The Hendricks family lived in this
log . . . — — Map (db m289106) HM
On Archway at Five Points Drive, on the right when traveling south on Archway.
On this site was a school building
that served students from 1923-1976.
Originally built for children in grades
1-12 living at the Masonic Home, it
was named in honor of Dr. O. E. Holloway,
of Knightstown, IN, who was at the
time Chairman of . . . — — Map (db m289101) HM
On State Street at East Monroe Street, on the left when traveling north on State Street.
This plaque marks the site of the home of
Columbus Horatio Hall
1846 - - - - - 1928
Famed Professor of Greek and Latin at Franklin College and upon two occasions its acting President, Columbus H. Hall was one of its most . . . — — Map (db m66823) HM
On County Road W100N south of State Road 144, on the right when traveling south.
Education-minded Hopewell Presbyterian Church members opened a six-room coed academy to the east in 1855. John Covert led builders using whip-sawed timers. Only nails were bought. Academy literary societies flourished. Pre-Civil War, it . . . — — Map (db m66744) HM
On West 100 North 0.2 miles west of Indiana Route 144, on the right when traveling west.
Built in 1870 to board Hopewell Academy students from across the state, this house was operated as such until 1884 when Indiana's public school system was established. Academy principal David Moore supervised building the house on ground bought for . . . — — Map (db m221859) HM
On State Road 144 west of North Centerline Road, on the right when traveling west.
Site of presentation of an American Flag to Company F. 7th Indiana volunteer Infantry Regiment August 20, 1861. The 34-star flag, sewn by ladies of Hopewell Presbyterian Church, was received at a farewell picnic in a grove on the John H. Van Nuys . . . — — Map (db m66782) HM
On East South Street at State Street, on the right when traveling east on East South Street.
Established 1909 as a haven
for the aged Freemason,
the widow and orphan. Site
chosen 1914; construction
begun 1915, and on Oct. 21,
1916 the Home's doors opened
to “Aunt Betty” Reynolds,
its first guest. — — Map (db m289094) HM
On Jefferson Street at North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Jefferson Street.
To Commemorate the Valor
of the
Soldiers of Johnson Co.
In defense of the Union
1861 ———— 1865
— ∮— ( Relief ) — ∮—
This fountain is erected by
John T. . . . — — Map (db m55608) HM
Near West South Street at Ninevah Street, on the right when traveling west.
1861 1865
To honor and
commemorate the men
from
Johnson County, Indiana
who fought in the
Civil War
Erected by
Lincoln Chapter Daughters of the Union
May 30, 1940 — — Map (db m221856) WM
On North Main Street north of Madison Street, on the right when traveling north.
In 1922 members of the Franklin Masonic Lodge No. 107 broke ground on this neoclassical building that served as their Masonic Temple until 1987. The Johnson County Historical Society and the Johnson County government jointly purchased the temple in . . . — — Map (db m69370) HM
On Jefferson Street at North Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Jefferson Street.
( Side One )
In Honor of All Revolutionary War
Soldiers and Patriots
Buried in Johnson County
Erected
July 2009
( Side Two )
—∮— (D.A.R. - Crest) —∮—
Alexander . . . — — Map (db m55609) WM
Near West South Street at Ninevah Street, on the right when traveling west.
In memory
of the
Revolutionary heroes
who rest in Johnson County
Erected by
the Alexander Hamilton Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
1776 – 1917 — — Map (db m221854) WM
On Jefferson Street at East Court Street, on the right when traveling east on Jefferson Street.
( Marker Front )
( Center Section )
—∮— (The Great Seal) —∮—
Dedicated to these Johnson
County men who, in answering
the call of duty, paid the
Price of Freedom
– (Seal) . . . — — Map (db m55786) WM
On East Monroe Street east of South Home Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Originally the site of the
Franklin Academy, the South School was
built here in 1887. High school
students attended here until 1909.
Grades 6, 7 and 8 were housed here
until 1939, followed by the
Boys Club until 1977. In 1928 the
Franklin . . . — — Map (db m289102) HM
On Main Street at Harriott Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street.
Circa 1870, Dr. John O. and Charity Denton Martin constructed the first house on Martin Place. Dr. Martin, a dentist by profession, was instrumental in procuring the charter of the City of Franklin. In 1885 Dr. & Mrs. Martin platted the district on . . . — — Map (db m146501) HM
On North Main Street at West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling south on North Main Street.
This large unpublished photo was taken as part of the December 1940 LIFE magazine photo essay, "A Small Town's Saturday Night." This photo shows Franklin residents enjoying The Historic Artcraft Theatre, Nick's Candy Kitchen, and other downtown . . . — — Map (db m314396) HM
On North Main Street just north of East Madison Street, on the right when traveling north.
Married to William Barnett, Feb. 29, 1808. He was born Sept. 27, 1786, drowned in Ohio River Sept. 24, 1854. William was the great, great, great grandson of Pocahontas and John Rolfe. Daniel G. Doty, 1846 - 1934, protected his grandmother's . . . — — Map (db m244936) HM
Near Road W100N south of State Road 144, on the right when traveling south.
1855 - - - 1889
To commemorate the Ideals and Services of the Old Hopewell Academy and the faithful labors of the Teachers who here through many years brought to the youth of this community inspiration for life . . . — — Map (db m66763) HM
On West Jefferson Street at Walnut Street, on the left when traveling west on West Jefferson Street.
Born July 19, 1891
at 200 N. Walnut Street.
He became Indiana's
34th governor. He
also was state
and national American
Legion commander,
I.U. Law School dean,
High Commissioner and
first U.S. ambassador to
Philippine Republic.
Died March . . . — — Map (db m289105) HM
On North Main Street north of Madison Street, on the left when traveling north.
1906 - ∮ - ∮ - ∮ - 1946
Built in 1906
First and only Hospital in Johnson County
until after World War II
(Second Plaque)
To Honor the lineage of Family Physicians
who have served here . . . — — Map (db m69390) HM
On East Jefferson Street at North Crowell Street, on the right when traveling west on East Jefferson Street.
Born July 26, 1902, graduated from Franklin High School in 1919, Franklin College in 1923 and Harvard Law School in 1926. He served as a major in WWII and was Indiana's 42nd governor. He also ran as a stand-in for Lyndon B. Johnson during the . . . — — Map (db m314077) HM
On County Road 150 North at North 800 East, on the right when traveling west on County Road 150 North.
Organized July 11, 1835. Charter members were: Joseph Reese, John
Webb, Nancy Webb, Samuel Tetrick, Benjamin Reese, Sarah Reese,
Henry Willard, and Mary Kelly.
The first church building erected in 1836 was in use about thirty
years. The . . . — — Map (db m289090) HM
On South Mauxferry Road at East County Road 300 South, on the right when traveling south on South Mauxferry Road.
Young's Creek Cemetery Association
was organized in 1950 through the
efforts of Marcia Adams Pritchard,
President. Other officers were
Clarence DeCoursey, Vice President and
Omer Paul Dawson, Secretary Treasurer.
1984 Board of . . . — — Map (db m289114) HM
On West Jefferson Street at Walnut Street, on the left when traveling west on West Jefferson Street.
The December 2, 1940
issue of Life magazine
included a photo essay
by Bernard Hoffman
entitled “A Small
Town's Saturday Night.”
The story depicted
farmer Glen Dunn and
family on a typical
Saturday night in
downtown Franklin.
Social . . . — — Map (db m289103) HM
On South County Road 700 East 0.1 miles north of East Greensburg Road, on the left when traveling north.
Cemetery, 1822, & school, 1839,both on John Smiley land at the corner of Sections 27, 28, 33, & 34: the cemetery is excepted from the deeds but the school ground was deeded to the inhabitants of District 5. The first burial was that of Rachel Smiley . . . — — Map (db m289093) HM
On West 100 North 0.2 miles west of Indiana Road 144, on the right when traveling west. Reported missing.
The Hopewell & Union Village Gravel Road Company's toll house with out buildings were bought Oct. 3l, 1887 by Albert List for Hopewell Presbyterian Church Cemetery Association for $102.75. Moved east onto a quarter acre plot List sold for $25.00, . . . — — Map (db m289112) HM
Near West South Street at Ninevah Street, on the right when traveling west.
born in Cannonsburg, PA, came to Indiana in 1819; elected Clerk of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1820; chosen first Judge of the New Purchase in 1822; first Judge to hold court in Indianapolis; held first court in Johnson County at John . . . — — Map (db m221852) HM
