National Register Listing

TPA Park

a.k.a. Gem City TPA Park; Gem City Park

1 Adrian Marks Dr., Frankfort, IN
Local significance of the district:
Entertainment/recreation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

entertainment recreation architecture
The first professional baseball game in the United States was played in Indiana on May 4, 1871. The game was played in Fort Wayne between the Cleveland Forest Citys and the Fort Wayne Kekiongas.
Indiana random facts
Clinton County is located in the central part of the state of Indiana, with its county seat in Frankfort. The history of Clinton County dates back to the early 19th century when the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Delaware.

The county was officially established on March 1, 1830, and was named after DeWitt Clinton, the governor of New York who was instrumental in the construction of the Erie Canal. The first settlement in the county was made in 1828 by pioneers coming from Ohio. As the population grew, more settlers arrived, mainly from the eastern United States, and agriculture became the primary economic activity.

During the Civil War, Clinton County played an important role in supporting the Union. Many of its residents enlisted in the Union Army, and the county provided much-needed supplies and resources. After the war, the county experienced rapid growth and development, with the establishment of railroads and manufacturing industries.

In the 20th century, Clinton County faced economic challenges, particularly during the Great Depression. However, the construction of the Grissom Air Reserve Base in the 1950s brought new opportunities for economic stability and growth. Today, Clinton County is a thriving community known for its manufacturing and agricultural industries, as well as its strong sense of community pride and heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Clinton County, Indiana.

  • 1830: Clinton County was organized, named after DeWitt Clinton, the governor of New York.
  • 1831: The county seat was established in Frankfort.
  • 1852: The first courthouse was built in Frankfort.
  • 1854: The railroad reached Frankfort, connecting the city to other parts of the state.
  • 1908: The Frankfort Public Library was established.
  • 1913: The first paved roads were constructed in Clinton County.
  • 1942-1945: Clinton County played a role in supporting World War II efforts, with the Frankfort Air Depot servicing and repairing aircraft.
  • 1998: A tornado caused significant damage in Clinton County, including Frankfort.