Historical Markers in
Elkhart County, Indiana

A History of the Winona A History of the Winona / Bethany Christian Schools A. E. Kunderd Gladiolus Farm Ambrose G. Bierce Bonneyville Cemetery Bucklen Opera House Buffalo & Mississippi Railroad Bull Cemetery C.G. Conn Company Cathcart Cemetery Cathcart Memorial / Nicholson Memorial Charles Gordone Dan West Development of Diagnostic Test Strips Dr. Franklin L. Miles E. Hill Turnock Elkhart Carnegie Public Library Elkhart Civil War Monument Elkhart County Courthouse Elkhart County Courthouse Elkhart County Home Cemetery Elkhart County Honor Roll Elkhart County Revolutionary Soldiers Memorial Elkhart High School Elkhart River Old Indian Trail Elkhart River Wharves Five Medals Village Fort Wayne Street Bridge Goshen College Goshen World War I Memorial GoshenÂ’s Carnegie Library Graves et al v. Indiana Havilah Beardsley Howard W. Hawks Indiana Territory Line Island Park Jackson Cemetery Krider Nurseries Krider Nurseries World's Fair Garden Lou Criger Madison Street School and Chandler School Main St. Memorial Bridge Middlebury World War II Roll of Honor Millrace Hydraulic Canal - Hawks Electric Company Nappanee Cartoonists Nappanee Furniture Nappanee World Wars Memorial New Paris World War II Memorial Oakridge Cemetery Pioneer Dierdorff Cemetery Folk Lore Ruthmere Shanklin Park Silas Baldwin Civil War Memorial Site Of The First School House In Elkhart County St. John's Lutheran Church Stahly - Nissley - Kuhns Farm The County Farm The Engines of the Winona The Goshen Dam and Millrace Hydraulic Canal The Havilah Beardsley House The Historic Goshen Police Booth The History of Boot Lake The Old Goshen High School The Old Stone Bridge The Rivers and the Native Americans The Rivers for Industry The Rivers for Recreation The Site of Fort Beane Trooper Richard T. Gaston, PE# 6679 Trout Creek Cemetery Vernon H. Krider Village of Pulaski Violett Cemetery Waterford Elementary School West Goshen Cemetery William Tuffs Memorial Wyland Brothers Landing
The first recorded train robbery in the United States took place in Indiana in 1866. A gang of thieves robbed the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis Railroad, making off with over $96,000 in cash and gold.
Indiana random facts
Elkhart County, located in the northern part of Indiana, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Miami and Potawatomi, who relied on the fertile land and abundant wildlife for their livelihoods.

European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the establishment of the Elkhart Prairie Trading Post by French traders. The area quickly attracted settlers due to its agricultural potential and proximity to the St. Joseph River, which provided a vital transportation route. Elkhart County was officially formed in 1830 and named after the river that flows through it.

The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further boosted the county's growth and economic development. Elkhart became a major railway hub, attracting industries and businesses. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Elkhart County experienced significant industrial expansion, particularly in the manufacturing of musical instruments, automobiles, and recreational vehicles.

In recent years, Elkhart County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The RV industry remains a significant contributor to the county's economy, earning it the title of the "RV Capital of the World." Additionally, Elkhart County has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and galleries, as well as a thriving Amish community that adds to the county's unique character.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Elkhart County, Indiana.

  • 1700s: Native American tribes, including the Miami and Potawatomi, inhabit the region that is now Elkhart County
  • 1790: The first European settlers arrive in the area
  • 1830s: Elkhart County is officially established, named after the Elkhart River
  • 1851: The city of Elkhart is incorporated
  • 1852: The New York Central Railroad reaches Elkhart, boosting the local economy
  • Late 19th century: Elkhart becomes a major center for the production of musical instruments
  • Early 20th century: The automotive industry brings further growth and prosperity to Elkhart
  • 1920s: Elkhart becomes known as the "Band Instrument Capital of the World"
  • Mid-20th century: Elkhart experiences significant industrial development and diversification
  • Late 20th century: The county becomes a hub for recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturing
  • 2008: Elkhart County is heavily affected by the Great Recession and experiences a significant decline in the RV industry
  • Present: Elkhart County continues to strive for economic recovery and diversification