HOME | Historic Markers

Historical Marker List

Here is the complete listing of Historical Markers in Whitley County, Indiana. If you are aware of a Historical Marker
that is not on our list, please contact the Whitley County Historical Museum to let us know. Thank you.

Adams-Pond Farm

Name/Subject of Marker:

Adams-Pond Farm
Established 1838
Text:
1. Robert Adams 1783-1854 reared in Putnam County, N.Y.
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 (Hartsock) Zellah (Tinkham)
and John had nearby farms in Troy Township. All buried
in Adams Cemetery
2. Levi Adams 1816-1906 built a log cabin here on this 140 acre
farm in 1844 and this house in 1858. His son:
3. David Henry Adams 1856-1923 had 2 daughters:
4. Meda Hoard 1876-1962 and Bird Adams Pond 1883-1964.
5.Jack Adams Pond joined by his wife, Lavon Gifford, restored
all buildings and deeded farm to children:
6. Jane Adams Follett (Pond) and Paul Gifford Pond who have:
7. Laurie, Jeanie, Sussue and Shelly, Ashlyn, Loren, Paula.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society and Mr. and Mrs. Mack Adams Pond
Date:
July 1975
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located on CR400N approx. ½ mile west of CR350W. It is located at the Adams-Pond Farm.
Condition:
The sign is missing.

Chief Coesse

Name/Subject of Marker:

Chief Coesse
Text: Coesse was named for Chief Coesse, Me Tek Kyah 17-1854, Grandson of Little Turtle, son of Black Loon. Post Office opened 1854.

Date: 1854
Month YEAR
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum Mounted on Large Rock
Location:
Located in the town of Coesse, IN at Long/Lat 41.127609, -85.395584

Condition: Missing

Colonel Augustin De La Balme

Name/Subject of Marker:

Colonel Augustin De La Balme
American Revolution
Text:
Front Side:

With recommendation from Benjamin Franklin,
Augustin de La Balme, former French Cavalry
officer, came to America to assist in the
American Revolution. from General George Washington, Colonel Augustin
de La Balme, and a body of 104 men from
Kaskaskia and Vincennes, raided the British
stores at Keklonga (present day Fort Wayne).
Leaving a detachment to guard the captured
stores. His force marched out over the Eel River
trail, the same path Colonel John Hardin
followed ten years later.

Reverse:

The Miami Indians, literally up in arms about
this intrusion, destroyed the detachment left at
Kekionga and attacked La Balme near the Eel
River Trading Post. There his force was surrounded
by a large body of warriors led by Chief Little
Turtle. La Balme and his men fortified them-
selves on the banks of the Eel River just north
of this location. After several days of conflict,
they were defeated by an overwhelming force.
The remains of Colonel de La Balme and
approximately forty militiamen forever belong
to the Eel River.
Credit:
Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
Date:
2010
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
On corner of Old Trail and De Le Balme Rd. (41.152428 -85.360893)
Condition:
New.

Colonel Augustin De La Balme

Colonel Augustin De La Balme Memorial

Name/Subject of Marker:

Col. Augustin de La Balme
Text:
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
Credit:
The Col. Augustin de La Balme Chapter of the D.A.R.
Date:
November 5, 1930
Type and Size:
Metal plaque on rock.
Location:
In front of 7175 De Le Balme Rd. at corner of woods. (41.162651 -85.354492)
Condition:
Looked freshly polished.

Concord Methodist Church

Name/Subject of Marker:

Concord
Methodist Church
Text:
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 replaced by a frame
structure about 1851. In 1840 Samuel and
Rebecca Smith, for whom this township was
named, gave land for a cemetery on the south-
east corner and in 1850 the southwest corner
for the United Brethren in Christ Church.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society
Date:
1964
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
On corner of 150 N. and Johnson. (41.186462 -85.353561)
Condition:
The sign and post looked freshly painted.

Dr. Lloyd C. Douglas

Name/Subject of Marker:

Dr. Lloyd C. Douglas
1877-1951
Text:
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 Congregational churches.
To reach the unchurched, Dr. Douglas wrote
novels with an ethical, spiritual, or Biblical
history theme. Best known are Magnificent
Obsession, The Robe, and The Big Fisherman.
Douglas died February 18, 1951, in California.
Credit:
Donated to the Whitley County Historical Society by Albion Production Credit Association
Date:
???
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located at the corner of N. Main St. (St. Rd. 9) and North Streets.
Condition:
The sign is bright blue with bright yellow lettering the post is in good shape and all have been repainted for an Eagle Scout project approx. one year ago.

Eel River Battlefield

Name/Subject of Marker:

Eel River Battlefield
War of 1812
Text:
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;
Miamis then stood to fight a
losing battle on this site.
Credit:
Indiana Historical Bureau and Youth of First Presbyterian Church
Date:
2001
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located on Paige Road just north of the intersection of Paige, Mowrey and Raber Roads.
Condition:
This sign is in very good shape. It has a blue background and is trimmed in silver. The lettering is gold. The post is of heavy steel and is in excellent condition.

Eel River Post-Fort

Name/Subject of Marker:

Eel River Post-Fort
Text:
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.
Credit:
Funded by: Col. Augustin de le Balme Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
Installed by: Troop 83, Laud, IN
Boy Scouts of America.
Date:
October 2001
Type and Size:
Aluminum sign of unmeasured size.
Location:
In front of 6905 De Le Balme Rd. (41.160088 -85.359650)
Condition:
Looked new.

Etna Township

Name/Subject of Marker:

Etna Township
now a part of
Etna-Troy
Text:
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 districts were established
and maintained until 1904, when they were
consolidated and a four-room brick building
erected at this site. This was abandoned in
1955, following the union of Etna and Troy
townships in 1951, and the school moved to
Troy center.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society
Date:
1968
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located ½ mile north of Etna on the west side of Etna Road in a barnyard.
Condition:
The sign is green with silver lettering and the sign and the post are all in good shape.

F-84 Thunder Streak

Name/Subject of Marker:

F-84 Thunder Streak
Text:
F84 THUNDER STREAK
SERVED KOREAN WAR
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO SERVED
OUR NATION'S CAUSE
IN ALL CONFLICTS
PAST-PRESENT-FUTURE
VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
OF THE UNITED STATES
DEDICATED SEPTEMBER, 1985
Credit:
V.F.W. Post 2919, South Whitley, IN.
Date:
September 1985
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
Near the town park in South Whitley, IN. Around N 41°05.043' W -085°37.583'
Condition:
See photo.

F-84 Thunder Streak

Gutscher Sanitarium

Locatedon 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. The secret of Dr. Gutscher's treatment, acquired from an Indian maiden, under oath, was never divulged. It was called the East Elkhart Sanitarium. It housed more than 50 patients. It was closed down after Michael's death in 1905.

Home of Thomas R. Marshall

Name/Subject of Marker:

Home of Thomas R. Marshall
Text:
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.
Credit:
Indiana Sesquicentennial Commission
Date:
1966
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located on Jefferson Street just west of Main Street at his home and currently the Whitley County Historical Museum.
Condition:
The sign is bright blue with bright yellow lettering the post is in good shape and all have been repainted for an Eagle Scout project approx. one year ago.

Larwill, Indiana

Name/Subject of Marker:

Larwill, Indiana
Text:
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 Hunt. Huntsville was changed to Larwill
on March 8, 1866 in honor of William and
Joseph Larwill, who were resident engineers
in charge of the construction of the railroad
from Columbia City to Warsaw.
Credit:
Larwill Town Board
Date:
September 27, 1964
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
In front of the fire station in Larwill, IN. N 41°10.797' W -085°37.338'
Condition:
See photo. Poor condition.

Let There Be Light

Name/Subject of Marker:

Let There Be Light
Text:
During the year 1837 in a log cabin
near this spot David Parrett
taught the first school in
Whitley County
Credit:
The Teachers of Whitley County
Date:
December 4, 1937
Type and Size:
Metal plaque attached to a rock.
Location:
Near the town park in South Whitley, IN. Down the street from the plane.
N 41°04.980' W -085°37.669
Condition:
See photo.

Lincoln Highway Marker

Name/Subject of Marker:

Lincoln Highway Marker
Text:
No text.
Credit:
No credit.
Date:
No date.
Type and Size:
It is made of concrete with a copper Lincoln Head a faded red, white and blue “H” on the Concrete Post.
Location:
This sign is located on Jefferson Street just west of Main Street at The Whitley County Historical Museum.
Condition:
See photo.

Mary M. Crahen

Name/Subject of Marker:

Mary M. Crahen
Text:
IN MEMORY OF
MARY M. CRAHEN
APRIL 9, 1965
FOR HER LOYALTY AND LOVE
OF
DELTA THETA TAU
Credit:
Delta Theta Tau
Date:
April 9, 1965
Type and Size:
Metal plaque on brick column.
Location:
Entrance to the town park in South Whitley, IN. N 41°05.043' W -085°37.583'
Condition:
See photo.

Ralph F. Gates

Name/Subject of Marker:

Whitley County Courthouse
Text: 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 Department of Veterans' Affairs to aid Hoosier men and women returning from WWII in obtaining employment, education, and housing. Amid national post-war labor strikes in coal, steel, and railroads, Gates oversaw transition of Indiana economy from war to peace. His administration streamlined Indiana government; created agencies to promote commerce, aviation, and flood control; worked to obtain funds for better roads and highways, higher salaries for teachers, and new state health facilities.
DEDICATED DEDICATION MONTH HERE, YEAR
Credit: Installed 2013 Indiana Historical Bureau, Senator Jim Banks, Representative Kathey Heuer, Vincent and Patricia Turner, Jonathan and Soultana Myers, and Old Settlers Days Association
Whitley County D.A.R.
Date:
Month YEAR
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum size" x size"
Location:
On the Whitley County Courthouse Square, Columbia City, IN. Around N LAT 41.156721°' W LONG -85.489058°'
Condition: New
Size: Cast aluminum 46" x 40"

Site of British Fort & Last Home of Chief Little Turtle

Name/Subject of Marker:

Site of British Fort
and
Last Home of
Chief Little Turtle
Text:
1752 - 1812
Site of British Fort
and
Last Home of
Chief Little Turtle
(Me-She-Me-Noc-Quah)
1795 - 1812
Credit:
Charles H. More
Date:
???
Type and Size:
Metal plaque on rock.
Location:
In front of 6905 De Le Balme Rd. (41.160088 -85.359650)
Near Eel River Post Fort sign.
Condition:
See photo.

Site of First County Court and First Mill

Name/Subject of Marker:

Site of
First County Court and
First Mill
Text:
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 operated for several years.
In 1838 he was first sheriff of the county.
In his home was held the first court in 1839.
Charles W. Ewing, President Judge of the Eighth
Judicial Circuit, presided. Associate judges
were Benjamin F. Martin and Jacob Van Houten.
Three minor civil cases were disposed of.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society
Date:
1965
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located on Cider Mill Road near the intersection of Widman Road.
Condition:
The sign is bright blue with bright yellow lettering the post is in good shape and all have been repainted for an Eagle Scout project approx. one year ago.

Site of Chief Little Turtle's Miami Village

Name/Subject of Marker:

Site of Little Turtle's
Miami Village
Text:
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 1845.
Credit:
Indiana Sesquicentennial Commission
Date:
1966
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
On corner of Old Trail Rd. and 450E, Between two trees and end of Miami Village Trail park
(41.164822 -85.406242)
Condition:
The sign looked freshly painted but the post had flaking paint.

South Whitley - First Town in County - First Post Office

Text:
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 Springfield in the state. Upon the
establishment of a post office at the county
seat named Whitley Court House, the name was
changed to South Whitley and has so remained.
Whitley County was organized in 1838: thus
South Whitley and its post office is older
than the county.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society
Date:
1966
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
Entrance to the town park in South Whitley, IN. N 41°05.043' W -085°37.583'

The Island

Name/Subject of Marker:

The Island
Text:
This area of high ground, over 300
acres south of 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 Indian
torture ground and site of an
Indian village where the Miami
Indians held their summer festivals.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society
Date:
1960
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is located approximately 2 ½ miles south of Columbia City on State Road 9. It is on the west side of the road and it is on the Jay Crawford farm.
Condition:
This sign is green with silver letters. It is very faded and needs repainted. The post is in good shape.

Thomas Estlick Jr.

Name/Subject of Marker:

Thomas Estlick, Jr.,
Text:
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 Lakes.
Both father and son, their wives and
children are buried in the Scott-
Keister cemetery, one half mile
east of here.
Credit:
Whitley County Historical Society
Date:
1974
Type and Size:
Cast aluminum 46" x 40"
Location:
This sign is 1 ž miles south of Etna on the west side of Etna Road.
Condition:
The sign is green with silver lettering and the sign and the post are all in good shape.