James Dean: A Local Legend Remembered in Grant County, Indiana
At 5:45 on September 30, 1955 the world lost the iconic movie star James Dean but gained a timeless legend. Grant County, Indiana native James Dean made only three movies in his short life: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant, but the mark he made on an entire culture is his true legacy. James Dean was born in Marion, Indiana, in 1931 and grew up down the street in Fairmount. Celebrate his life during the annual James Dean Memorial Service and the Remembering James Dean Festival. Take photos of the three James Dean cut-out murals created by renowned muralist, John Cerney, in Fairmount and Marion.
Explore Fairmount, Indiana’s James Dean Trail
Download a map of the James Dean Landmarks Trail.
Explore the Fairmount Historical Museum, the James Dean Gallery, and the James Dean Birth Site Memorial year round. The original Hollywood rebel and legend not only left his mark on the world, but also in his hometown. Tour the James Dean Landmarks Trail: see the motorcycle shop where Dean bought his first motorcycle, take a picture at the James Dean memorial downtown, visit Friends Church where his funeral was held, and be sure to leave a remembrance at James Dean’s headstone in Fairmount, Indiana’s Park Cemetery. Then cruise over to Marion, Indiana to see the James Dean Birth Site Memorial.
Arts & Culture, Arts, Culture & Education, Attractions, James Dean, Museums
The James Dean Museum was updated in 2024 thanks to James Dean’s cousin, Marcus Winslow Jr., who generously gave the museum the rest of his incredible James Dean collection to display. The museum now houses Jimmy’s motorcycles, car, the Winslow farm tractor and a plethora of James Dean’s belongings that have never before been on […]
