In Southern Indiana, history is experienced through museums, re-enactments, monuments and events. Different eras and people are represented here, but all preserve an unforgettable slice of time. As you explore Southern Indiana, you can explore the history that shaped our state and the nation.
Boats, Trains and Rocket Ships
Transportation history offers unique stories and experiences by water, railroad track or air. Hear the stories of WW II aboard USS LST 325, an authentic warship offering tours in Evansville. Beautifully restored, the Princeton Depot houses the Gibson County Visitors Center and features a railway museum with a restored train caboose. At the Indiana Railway Museum in French Lick, take a 1-3/4 hour nostalgic train ride through Hoosier National Forest, limestone rock-cuts and one of the longest railroad tunnels in the state. Watch out for the staged train robbers on special weekend trips! Or, ride the Spirit of Jasper for a scenic excursion from the Jasper Train Depot to French Lick. Ride & Dine dinner train excursions are available on select days. Space exploration history features an Indiana hero at the newly renovated Grissom Memorial in Spring Mill State Park. Virgil "Gus" Grissom was one of the seven Mercury astronauts and America's second man in space.
Revolutionary War and Civil War
Vincennes is considered Indiana’s first city because it was the first capital of the Indiana Territory back in the early 1800s. Every May, experience the Revolutionary War era with food, merchants, battle enactments and encampments during the Spirit of Vincennes Rendezvous. Southern Indiana also offers an authentic Civil War experience during the Battle of Corydon Reenactment at the site of Indiana’s only Civil War battle, located in Corydon. Abraham Lincoln grew up in Spencer County and today, visitors can learn about our 16th president at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial, Lincoln State Park, Lincoln Amphitheatre and Lincoln Pioneer Village.
Harmony and Peace
Today, Historic New Harmony is a National Historic Landmark where visitors can tour historic 19th century structures of the religious settlement. There are more than 40 historic properties through the town, including labyrinths, sculptures, and gardens. Known as the "Castle on the Hill", the Monastery Immaculate Conception is home to one of the nation’s largest communities of Benedictine women. The Sisters of St. Benedict welcome visitors to share the beauty and peacefulnessof their monastery in Ferdinand, Indiana.
