Historical Markers in
Vigo County, Indiana

Birthplace of Paul Dresser Birthplace of the Coca-Cola Bottle Burial Ground Fort William Harrison Charles Gene Abrell Charles Luna Chauncey Rose Civil War Memorial Civil War Memorial - Vigo County Claude L. Herbert Colonel Richard W. Thompson Confederate Soldiers Buried in this Cemetery Crossroads of America Crossroads of America Crossroads Plaza Eddie Taylor Fairbanks Hall / Fairbanks Hall Dome Restoration Fort Harrison Ft. Wm. Henry Harrison Gold Medal Plaza Highland Lawn Cemetery Home of Eugene V. Debs Home Packing Company Jerry Wurf Joseph A. Beirne Korean War Memorial - - Vigo County Indiana Lost Creek Markle Mill Site Medal of Honor Recipient Michael J. Quill Mordecai Peter Centennial Brown / Baseball Career Highlights Mother Jones Operation Iraqi Freedom - War Memorial Patrick E. Gorman Patrick J. Quinlan Peter J. McGuire Philip Murray Rose-Hulman Polytechnic Institute Saint Theodora Guerin Samuel Gompers Sidney Hillman Site of First Providence Convent Terre Haute The Unknown Embattled Defenders of Fort Harrison Twelve Points Union Hospital Veterans of All Wars Vietnam Veterans Memorial Vietnam War Memorial - - Vigo County Indiana Wabash and Erie Canal Walter Philip Reuther Wea Tribe at Terre Haute William D. "Big Bill" Haywood William H. Sylvis World War I War Memorial World War II War Memorial
The notorious bank robber John Dillinger was born in Indiana in 1903. He gained national notoriety during the Great Depression for a string of daring bank robberies and was eventually shot and killed by law enforcement in 1934.
Indiana random facts
Vigo County, located in Indiana, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware. European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and the region became a popular trading post due to its location along the Wabash River.

In 1816, Vigo County was established and named after Colonel Francis Vigo, an Italian immigrant who aided the American revolutionaries during the War of Independence. The county experienced rapid growth during the 19th century, thanks to its favorable location for trade and transportation. It became an important center for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce. The city of Terre Haute, the county seat, became a hub for railroads and the coal industry, further fueling economic development.

Vigo County played a significant role in the Civil War. It was a key stop on the Underground Railroad, assisting escaping slaves in their journey northward. Several residents served in the Union Army, and Terre Haute became an important location for military training and production. The county's economic growth continued in the following decades, with the establishment of various industries and institutions, including Indiana State University in 1865.

In the 20th century, Vigo County went through periods of prosperity and challenges. The Great Depression and the decline of the coal industry brought hardships to the area, but efforts to diversify the economy led to the establishment of new industries and the revitalization of downtown Terre Haute. Today, Vigo County remains an important economic and cultural center in Indiana, known for its educational institutions, diverse industries, and historical landmarks.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Vigo County, Indiana.

  • Vigo County was established by an act of the Indiana General Assembly on January 21, 1818.
  • The county was named after Colonel Francis Vigo, a Revolutionary War hero and prominent local merchant.
  • Terre Haute became the county seat of Vigo County in 1818, and it remains the county seat to this day.
  • The county experienced rapid growth in the mid-19th century due to the arrival of the railroad and the growth of the coal and iron industries.
  • In 1863, during the Civil War, the Battle of Fort Harrison took place in Vigo County, resulting in a Union victory.
  • The early 20th century brought significant urban development to the county, with the expansion of manufacturing and the establishment of Indiana State University in Terre Haute.
  • Vigo County played a notable role in the 1920s as the headquarters of the Indiana Ku Klux Klan, which had gained significant political power in the state.
  • Throughout the 20th century, Vigo County remained a center for industry, agriculture, and education, with the continued growth of Terre Haute and surrounding communities.
  • In recent years, the county has faced economic challenges, similar to many Rust Belt areas, but continues to be a vibrant and diverse community.