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.
James Dean Museum
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 …
James Dean Birthsite Memorial
Legendary actor James Dean and his family lived in the House of Seven Gables that stood on this site when Dean was born on February 8, 1931. This timeless memorial honors the star and the many accomplishments he made during his all too short acting career. Take a moment to reflect, pay homage, and honor …
James Dean Gallery
The James Dean Gallery features a collection of Dean portraits and rare memorabilia, including hometown artifacts, collectibles, magazines and more. Visitors from around the globe visit the Gallery to pay homage to 50’s film icon James Dean. Don’t forget to stop in and browse at the Rebel Rebel gift shop for one of a kind …
James Dean Memorial Park
This pocket park and green space is the perfect spot for quiet reflection about the short life and many accomplishments of James Byron Dean, the Hollywood icon. Sit for a moment and view the bust created by Los Angeles based artist Kenneth Kendall. One of the stops along the James Dean Landmark Trail.
James Dean Cut-Out Murals
John Cerney, renowned muralist from Salinas, California, has created and installed three big James Dean cut-out murals. The first mural is James Dean in his “rebel pose” located at the James Dean Gallery, 425 N. Main Street in Fairmount, Indiana. A second larger mural was installed in Marion on State Road 18 at the entrance …
Park Cemetery
Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Indiana is the final resting place of James B. Dean, Hollywood legend and icon. Pay your respects at his tombstone. Many leave behind a trinket as a memorial to this timeless actor who was taken too soon. Dean grew up in Fairmount and his burial site is just down the road …
Rebel Rebel
A unique 1950’s and 1960’s collectible shop featuring a large selection of lamps, dishes, toys, ashtrays and ceramics. Collectibles from the 1950’s abound, and you’ll find an extensive collection of books relating to music, movies, television and the entertainment industry.
Events
- James Dean Memorial Service
- Remembering James Dean Festival and James Dean Run Car Show
- Ducktail Run Car Show
- James Dean Spring Run Car Show
- James Dean Fans Spring Get Together