Marion Indiana history

The museum houses a large display of artifacts and memorabilia from the history of Marion. Exhibits include a 1952 Crosley Super Sport car, which was produced in Marion, and related items. See Grant County Native American and early settler artifacts. Learn about Frances Slocum. A Victorian exhibit showcases the McClure cabinet, the Marion sweeper and the Marion stove, all produced in Marion. Tribute to local firefighters and police, those who serve and protect. Advance notice for large groups, please.

The VA Northern Indiana Health Care System, Marion Campus (formerly the Marion VA Medical Center) is on the national historic register and provides quality care to veterans of America, as it has for over a century. It is located on 144 park-like acres in southeastern Marion. Officially opened in March 1890, the first residents of the home were Union soldiers who volunteered for the military during the Civil War.

The Miami Indian Cemetery is the largest Indian Cemetery in Indiana. Established in the mid-1800s on the Miami Indian reservation, it is the burial site of Chief Meshingomesia and members of his tribe. The land was deeded to the Miami by the United States in the Treaty of 1840. Historic Miami Indian schoolhouse also located at this site.

Serene, peaceful resting place for many veterans of many wars. Henry Smith, a Civil War veteran, was the first to be buried here on May 29, 1890.

In 1888, Colonel George W. Steele, Indiana’s congressional representative, successfully convinced his colleagues in Washington, D.C., of the need for a Soldier’s Home in Grant County. Subsequently, the 31-acre Marion Branch of the National Home opened in 1889 to provide shelter and comfort for the region’s veterans. Along with the home, a cemetery was established for the interment of the men who died there.  For most of its history, the cemetery at the Marion Home has quietly and efficiently cared for the needs of the nation’s veterans.

As of 1973, with the passage of the National Cemetery Act, the cemetery became part of the National Cemetery system and its name was changed to Marion National Cemetery. As of 2004, over 8,000 men and women have been buried in Marion National Cemetery, including Medal of Honor recipients Henry Hyde, Nicholas Irwin and Jeremiah Kuder.

Marion National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.

Monuments and Memorials
The Remember the Maine monument was erected in 1901 in honor of the lives lost in Cuba’s Havana Harbor during the Spanish-American War.

A monument dedicated to the Minnesota 2nd Regiment was erected at the cemetery in 1913.

A commemorative sundial was installed at the cemetery in the early 20th century.

The Carillon bell tower was erected around 1990 as part of the American Veterans international carillon program to provide living memorials in honor of American veterans.

The Vietnam Memorial was erected in 1990 and dedicated to those who fought or died in the Vietnam War.

The Blue Star Memorial Marker was donated by The Garden Club of Marion and Veteran of Foreign Wars San Mateo Post #60 and dedicated on April 23, 2005.

Medal of Honor Recipients
Sergeant Henry J. Hyde (Indian Campaigns), Company M, 1st U.S. Cavalry. Awarded Winter of 1872-1873 (Section 1, Grave 97).

Seaman Nicholas Irwin (U.S. Navy). Onboard the USS Brooklyn, Dec. 31, 1864 (Section 1, Grave 382).

Lieutenant Jeremiah Kuder (Civil War), Company A, 74th Indiana Infantry. Jonesboro, Ga., Sept. 1, 1864 (Section 4, Grave 2464).

The Elms Station of Farmington. Tour this beautifully renovated 1840s National Register property with ties to the Underground Railroad. The Jenkins House is a ‘Hoosier Homestead’ and is listed on the ‘Indiana Historic Sites and Structures’ . The owners wish to share the legacy left by the early abolitionists who settled in this area and offer a rich, informative and educational experience. View the historic golf collection and Civil War era artifacts.

The Mississinewa Battlefield was the site of the first victory of the United States Army during the War of 1812, on December 17-18, 1812. A 600-man mounted force led by Lt. Col. John B. Campbell attacked and destroyed four British-allied Indian villages. Site of the annual Mississinewa 1812 living history event. Located 7 miles North of Marion on State Road 15.