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
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.
1 - The North American House
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.
2 - The "Culvert" or Vernon Tunnel
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.
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.
4 - The Vernon Commons
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.
5 - The Clinton-Bentz House
45 East Brown Street
This house was built in 1834 and was originally home to Jacob Clinton, a former indentured servant.
6 - The Former Town Hall - 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.
7 - The Read-Foster House
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.
8 - The Former Methodist Church
8 - The Former Methodist Church
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.
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.
10 - The Vernon Row Houses
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.
11 - The Vernon Presbyterian Church
69 Washington Street
Founded in 1825 by John Findley Crowe, the founder of Hanover College.
12 - The Vernon Cemetery
12 - The Vernon Cemetery
12 - 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.
13 - The Vernon Gym
12 - The Vernon Cemetery
12 - The Vernon Cemetery
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.
