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List of Indiana state historical markers in Elkhart County facts for kids

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Map of Indiana highlighting Elkhart County
Location of Elkhart County in Indiana

Elkhart County in Indiana is home to many special historical markers. These markers are like outdoor signs that tell us about important people, places, or events from the past. They are put up by the Indiana Historical Bureau to help everyone learn about Indiana's rich history.

There are 14 official state historical markers located in Elkhart County. Each marker shares a unique story about the area. Let's explore some of these interesting markers and what they teach us.

Exploring Elkhart County's History Through Markers

Indiana Territory Line

This marker, placed in 1966, shows where the old Indiana Territory line used to be. It's located on the southern side of U.S. Route 33 between Dunlap and Goshen. This line was important for early settlers and how the government was set up long ago. It helps us understand how Indiana first became a state. 41°37′0″N 85°53′28.8″W / 41.61667°N 85.891333°W / 41.61667; -85.891333 (Indiana Territory Line)

A.E. Kunderd Gladiolus Farm

Gladiolus historical marker in Goshen
A historical marker for the A.E. Kunderd Gladiolus Farm.

Put up in 1997, this marker celebrates the A.E. Kunderd Gladiolus Farm. It's found on U.S. Route 33 near Goshen. A.E. Kunderd was famous for growing beautiful gladiolus flowers. This marker tells us about the history of farming and nature in the area. 41°36′31″N 85°52′43″W / 41.60861°N 85.87861°W / 41.60861; -85.87861 (A.E. Kunderd Gladiolus Farm)

Howard W. Hawks

Howard Hawks
A marker dedicated to Howard W. Hawks.

This marker, placed in 1998, honors Howard W. Hawks. You can find it at 301 S. Fifth Street in Goshen. Howard Hawks was a very important person in arts and culture. He was a famous film director, writer, and producer. This marker reminds us of his contributions to movies. 41°35′1″N 85°49′59″W / 41.58361°N 85.83306°W / 41.58361; -85.83306 (Howard W. Hawks)

Ambrose G. Bierce

Ambrose Bierce-1
The historical marker for Ambrose G. Bierce.

Also placed in 1998, this marker is for Ambrose G. Bierce. It's located at 518 W. Franklin Street in Elkhart. Ambrose Bierce was a writer and journalist. He also served in the military. This marker highlights his work in arts and culture, as well as his military service. 41°40′57″N 85°58′42.4″W / 41.68250°N 85.978444°W / 41.68250; -85.978444 (Ambrose G. Bierce)

Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden

This marker from 2001 is at the junction of Bristol and Railroad Streets in Middlebury. It tells the story of Krider Nurseries, which created a special garden for the World's Fair. This marker connects to nature, business, and industry in the region. 41°40′41″N 85°42′32″W / 41.67806°N 85.70889°W / 41.67806; -85.70889 (Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden)

Elkhart County Courthouse

Goshen-indiana-courthouse
The Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen.

Placed in 2001, this marker is at the Elkhart County Courthouse in Goshen. You can find it at the corner of W. Lincoln Street and Main Street. The courthouse is an important building for local government and a great example of architecture. 41°35′14″N 85°50′7″W / 41.58722°N 85.83528°W / 41.58722; -85.83528 (Elkhart County Courthouse)

Goshen's Carnegie Library

Goshen Carnegie Public Library
The Goshen Carnegie Public Library.

This marker from 2003 is at 202 S. Fifth Street in Goshen. It celebrates Goshen's Carnegie Library. Carnegie libraries were built all over the country with money from Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy businessman. They helped make books and learning available to everyone. This marker highlights the building's architecture and its role as a library. 41°35′5.1″N 85°49′58.3″W / 41.584750°N 85.832861°W / 41.584750; -85.832861 (Goshen's Carnegie Library)

Nappanee Cartoonists

Nappanee Cartoonist 3-13-14 033a
Nappanee Cartoonist Historic Marker in front of the Nappanee Public Library.

Placed in 2005, this marker is at 157 N. Main Street, next to the public library in Nappanee. It recognizes the talented cartoonists who came from Nappanee. This marker connects to arts, culture, and the history of newspapers and media. 41°26′36″N 86°0′4″W / 41.44333°N 86.00111°W / 41.44333; -86.00111 (Nappanee Cartoonists)

Nappanee Furniture

Front Coppes Napanee Factory Mural
A mural at the Coppes Napanee Factory, related to Nappanee Furniture.

Also from 2005, this marker is at the Coppes Napanee factory, 452 E. Market Street in Nappanee. It tells the story of the furniture industry in Nappanee. This marker shows the importance of business, industry, and transportation in the area's history. 41°26′34″N 85°59′47.4″W / 41.44278°N 85.996500°W / 41.44278; -85.996500 (Nappanee Furniture)

C.G. Conn Company

ConnCMelodySax
A C.G. Conn Company saxophone.

This marker, placed in 2006, is at the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Elkhart Avenue in Elkhart. It honors the C.G. Conn Company, which was famous for making musical instruments. This marker highlights music, arts, culture, business, and education in Elkhart. 41°41′20.6″N 85°58′4″W / 41.689056°N 85.96778°W / 41.689056; -85.96778 (C.G. Conn Company)

E. Hill Turnock

Also from 2006, this marker is at the Elkhart Municipal Building, 229 S. Second Street, in Elkhart. It recognizes E. Hill Turnock, who was important in the field of buildings and architecture. 41°41′6″N 85°58′27″W / 41.68500°N 85.97417°W / 41.68500; -85.97417 (E. Hill Turnock)

Graves et al. v. Indiana

This marker, placed in 2007, is in Memorial Park at the junction of State Roads 15 and 120 in Bristol. It tells about an important legal case that involved African Americans and the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. This marker reminds us of the fight for freedom and equality. 41°43′16.5″N 85°49′2″W / 41.721250°N 85.81722°W / 41.721250; -85.81722 (Graves et al. v. Indiana)

Dr. Franklin L. Miles

Also from 2007, this marker is at 403 W. Franklin Street in Elkhart. It honors Dr. Franklin L. Miles, who was important in business, industry, and medicine. He was known for his work in health and wellness. 41°40′58″N 85°58′35″W / 41.68278°N 85.97639°W / 41.68278; -85.97639 (Dr. Franklin L. Miles)

Charles Gordone

The newest marker, placed in 2009, is at the Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. 2nd Street, in Elkhart. It celebrates Charles Gordone, an important African American figure in arts and culture. He was a playwright and actor. 41°41′5″N 85°58′25″W / 41.68472°N 85.97361°W / 41.68472; -85.97361 (Charles Gordone)

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List of Indiana state historical markers in Elkhart County Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.