Jennings County Historical Society
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Jennings County Historical Society
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  • Museum & More
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History in Your Own Back Yard

Check out this great video about the Jennings County Historical Society and Museum

Videos

Tunnel Mill Tour with Lou Malcomb

Join Lou Malcomb for an informative hike to Tunnel Mill. Located on the Muscatatuck River outside Vernon, Indiana, the site is one of the most scenic areas of Jennings County and home to the ruins of a historic mill. 

Historic Barns of Jennings County

Made by Jennings County High School students as a project of the Smithsonian's Museum on Mainstreet. 

Photo Album

    Audio Walking Tour of Historic Vernon

    About the Audio Walking Tour of Historic Vernon

    The media content for this page was created by the advanced media students of Jennings County Middle School in 2023 who interviewed  multiple residents and community leaders of Historic Vernon. Our thanks go to Judge Murielle Bright, Sandy Bussell, Charlinda Evans, Amber Fields, Louise Malcomb, Jeff Walker, former Mayor Dan Wright, and Mayor Wayne Zamora for giving their time and sharing their knowledge. We hope you enjoy this tour and find it informative. 

    Uncover Historic Vernon's Fascinating Past

    Introduction

    Historic Marker for Vernon

    Vernon, Indiana was founded in 1815. a year before the State of Indiana came into existence. It is the county seat for Jennings County; the entire town surrounding the courthouse is a National Historic District.  

    Listen to the Tour

    1 - The North American House

    North American House - Jennings County Historical - 134 East Brown Street,  Vernon, IN

    134 East Brown Street 

    This is the home of the Jennings County Historical Society and Museum. Once a stage coach stop and inn, it was constructed in 1838. 

    Listen to the Tour

    2 - The "Culvert" or Vernon Tunnel

    The Culvert or Vernon Tunnel on North Pike Street in Vernon, Indiana

    North Pike Street

    From the North American House, travel north on Pike Street to visit the first elevated railroad overpass to be built west of the Alleghenies. The "Culvert" was built in 1837.
     

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    3 - The Jennings County Courthouse

    24 North Pike Street

    The Jennings County Courthouse was originally built between 1858 to 1860 at a cost of $26,375. Judge Murielle Bright will tell us about the modern challenges associated with this beautiful historic structure.
     

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    4 - The Vernon Commons

    The Vernon Commons on Commons Street in Vernon, Indiana

    Commons Street

    From the North American House, travel east on Brown Street and follow the road to the Vernon Commons, home of the first public playground in Indiana.  
     

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    5 - The Clinton-Bentz House

    The Clinton-Bentz House on 45 East Brown Street in Vernon, Indiana

    45 East Brown Street 

    This house was built in 1834 and was originally home to Jacob Clinton, a former indentured servant.

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    6 - The Former Town Hall - First Disciples of Christ Church

    The former Town Hall of Vernon and first Disciples of Christ Church

    29 Montgomery Street

    The former Vernon Town Hall was built in 1838 and was home to the first Disciples of Christ Church in Indiana.


    Listen to the Tour

    7 - The Read-Foster House

    The Read-Foster House at 4 East Brown Street in Vernon, Indiana

    4 East Brown Street

    The Read-Foster House was originally home to Samuel Read, builder of the Jennings County Courthouse. It is now the home of the current mayor. 

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    8 - The Former Methodist Church

    8 - The Former Methodist Church

    The former Methodist Church in Vernon at 55 East Highway 3

    55 East Highway 3

    The former Methodist Church was one of three original churches given a lot by John Vawter who plotted the town of Vernon in 1815. 


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    9 - The Hagerman Tripp House

    8 - The Former Methodist Church

    75 Gains Street

    Built in 1840 by Hagerman Tripp, the founder of North Vernon, Indiana.  


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    10 - The Vernon Row Houses

    The Vernon Row Houses on East Jackson Street (Highway 3)

    121 - 139 East Jackson Street (Hwy 3)

    The Vernon Row houses were built around 1840 and according to oral history were used by members of the Underground Railroad to house enslaved persons seeking freedom.
     

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    11 - The Vernon Presbyterian Church

    The Vernon Presbyterian Church at 69 Washington Street

    69 Washington Street

    Founded in 1825 by John Findley Crowe, the founder of Hanover College.


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    12 - The Vernon Cemetery

    12 - The Vernon Cemetery

    12 - The Vernon Cemetery

    Entrance to the Vernon Cemetery

    315 South Pike Street

    The Vernon Cemetery is the largest in Jennings County and was established in 1816 with land donated by Vernon's founder John Vawter.

    Listen to the Tour

    13 - The Vernon Gym

    12 - The Vernon Cemetery

    12 - The Vernon Cemetery

    Vernon Gym

    29 Washington Street

    The Vernon Gym is located on property platted specifically for a school in Vernon. It was built during the depression as a WPA project.

    Listen to the Tour

    Help Our Cause

    If you enjoyed this tour, please consider a donation to our organization. 

    Donate

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    Jennings County Historical Society

    134 East Brown Street - PO Box 335, Vernon, IN 47282

    812.346.8989

    Copyright © 2025 Jennings County Historical Society - All Rights Reserved.

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