ABOUT THE 1821 Trail Markers
When planning for the 2021 bicentennial started, city and county residents participated in surveys with suggestions on projects which would celebrate the area’s legacy and encourage people to participate in bicentennial events. Enhancement and improvements of shared community assets such as the trail system was a common theme. With that idea in mind, the 1821 Trail became a key 2021 Bicentennial Celebration component. This segment of trail touches on the rich history and heritage of Bartholomew County.
The 1821 Trail is located along First Street, from the Haw Creek Trail, which ends at Lafayette Street, to Water Street. It includes architectural and art elements to encompass the 2021 Bicentennial theme “Common Ground” and connects over 26 miles of trail which extend throughout Columbus. It is our hope you will take some time to walk this trail segment and learn about Bartholomew County.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Tami Stone Iorio, Bartholomew County historian, for the endless hours she dedicated to providing accurate information and photos for the 1821 Trail. This project would not have been possible without the contributions of many members from our community and for that we say thank you!
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Take me to the trail on Google maps.
Learn more about the 1821 trail project and view photos of the project construction on the city website.
photo credits FOR THE 1821 Trail MarkerS
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In The Beginning
George Pence map – courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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February 1821
The county seat was designated Tipton, named in honor of General Tipton. County Commissioners ordered the county seat to be surveyed into lots which were 75 feet by 150 feet.
1821 original plat – courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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February 1821
The county seat was designated Tipton, named in honor of General Tipton. County Commissioners ordered the county seat to be surveyed into lots which were 75 feet by 150 feet.
John Tipton and Luke Bonesteel each gave 30 acres of land for the town of Columbus. Mr. Bonesteel also lent his log cabin, located near the river, for use as the first courthouse for Bartholomew County. At the second County Commissioners’ meeting, they bought the cabin for $50. The first indictment to occur in Bartholomew County was in 1822 when George Zauvers challenged another man to a duel.
Indiana map in 1831, showing showing Brown County not yet formed
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Bartholomew County was originally larger than current maps reflect. In 1836, land located in Bartholomew County, Jackson County, and Monroe County was designated as a new county known as Brown County.
By Land, Air, and Water
Illustration of a flat boat from the 1800s traveling down the Mississippi River
John Lindsey’s Ferry sign – photo by Dennis Stone
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Historical marker placed along the Flat Rock River where John Lindsey ran his ferry business.
Train on trestle near Columbus in May 1890 – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
Very early photo of train on bridge near Columbus – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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Early photo of a train crossing a rail bridge in Bartholomew County.
Interurban train on bridge near Columbus – postcard courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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The interurban, an all-electric streetcar system, carried passengers from town to town. Indiana’s system was one of the largest in the nation and was cost efficient for passengers. The Irwin family invested in both the Interstate Public Service power company and the interurban, which operated along routes where the power lines were located. The line took passengers from Indianapolis to Louisville. The southbound express train was called the Dixie Flyer and the northbound train, the Hoosier Flyer.
Hoosier Flyer interurban car stopped at 3rd and Washington in 1911 – postcard courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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The Hoosier Flyer coming through downtown Columbus.
Clessie Cummins in Cummins automobile – courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
Wolf Field Columbus Airport 1930s – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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Locals watching a plane preparing to take off at Wolf Field in Columbus in the 1930s
C-119 over Bakalar Air Force Base – postcard courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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C-119 shown on a flight from the Bakalar Air Force Base
Tuskegee Airmen B-25 Crew – courtesy Atterbury-Bakalar Air Museum
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Tuskegee Airmen of the 618th Bomb Squadrons of the 477th Bomb Group in training at Atterbury Army Air Field during World War II. They flew the B-25 Mitchell Bomber.
Columbus Municipal Airport sign – photo by Dennis Stone
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The City of Columbus purchased the Bakalar Air Base and it became the location of the Columbus Municipal Airport.
Different By Design
Bartholomew County Courthouse – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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The Bartholomew County Courthouse was designed by Isaac Hodgson. It was situated on the corner of the courthouse square, which had been reserved since the county’s founding in 1821.
Old City Hall by Charles Sparrell – photo by Chris Iorio & Tamara Stone Iorio
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Before Columbus became known as a destination of modern architecture, local architect Charles Sparrell designed numerous buildings from 1880 to 1900, many of which still stand in 2021.
Prall House by Charles Sparrell – photo by Dennis Stone
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Before Columbus became known as a destination of modern architecture, local architect Charles Sparrell designed numerous buildings from 1880 to 1900, many of which still stand in 2021.
Viewpoint Books and former post office, designed by Charles Sparrell – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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Before Columbus became known as a destination of modern architecture, local architect Charles Sparrell designed numerous buildings from 1880 to 1900, many of which still stand in 2021.
Maple Grove School by Charles Sparrell, now BCSC headquarters – photo by Tamara Stone Iorio
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Before Columbus became known as a destination of modern architecture, local architect Charles Sparrell designed numerous buildings from 1880 to 1900, many of which still stand in 2021.
First Christian Church – photo by Chris Iorio & Tamara Stone Iorio
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Designed by Eliel Saarinen, the Tabernacle Christian Church was the first example of modernist architecture in Columbus and one of the first in the United States. In 1957, the church became known as First Christian Church. As of 2021, it was one of seven buildings in Columbus designated as a National Historic Landmark.
North Christian Church – photo by Dennis Stone
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North Christian Church was designed by Eero Saarinen, son of Eliel Saarinen. This was the last building designed by Eero. As of 2021, it was one of seven buildings in Columbus designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Bartholomew County Public Library and Large Arch – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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I.M. Pei, the architect for the library, suggested that the plaza needed a sculpture to enliven and “hold the space” and he recommended the artist Henry Moore. Moore designed his Large Arch to be interactive. Its abstract and organic form contrasted the geometric shapes of the buildings surrounding it.
Chaos I by Jean Tinguely in the Commons – photo courtesy Chris Crawl
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Chaos I by Jean Tinguely is a timeless piece of art in the community. Chaos is so special to the community, it was safely protected in a climate-controlled box while The Commons was rebuilt around it.
The “Dancing Cs” by Paul Rand is a timeless piece of art in the community
Gateway Arch Bridge – photo by Chris Iorio & Tamara Stone Iorio
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The Gateway Arch Bridge was part of the City of Columbus’ Front Door project to make Columbus more visible to travelers driving on Interstate 65 and State Road 46.
Robert N. Stewart Bridge – photo by Chris Iorio & Tamara Stone Iorio
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The Robert N. Stewart Bridge was named after the first three-term Columbus mayor. The view perfectly frames the Bartholomew County Courthouse and First Christian Church.
Columbus typographic treatment created by Rick Valicenti for Exhibit Columbus, Landmark Columbus Foundation
Inclusive Culture
Donner Pool – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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In 1917, Donner Park opened and was the first city-owned park and the state’s first non-segregated pool south of Indianapolis.
Mickey King in 1962 – courtesy Anna Mae King and family
William Laws in 1962 – courtesy William Laws Family
Lee Hamilton in 1962 – courtesy Lee Hamilton Photo Collection, Modern Political Papers, Indiana University Libraries
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In 1962, The Commission on Human Rights, later named the Human Rights Commission, was formed. Their mission is to lead Columbus in building and maintaining an inclusive community by: empowering community members to advance this mission; educating the public; enforcing the Human Rights Ordinance; and challenging attitudes and systems that create barriers to equality.
“Crack the Whip” by Jo Saylors
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“Crack the Whip” is a sculpture of children playing crack the whip, a children’s game dating to the 1800s. The piece was commissioned by Mr. and Mrs. James K. Baker to honor Arvin employees.
Mayor Robert N. Stewart – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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Robert N. Stewart was the first three-term mayor of Columbus, serving from 1984 – 1996.
Fourth Street view from Washington Street – courtesy Redevelopment
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Fourth Street was Columbus‘ first sustainable street designed for free community gatherings to celebrate a variety of events including or’rfairs, music festivals, ethnic celebrations, and others. Curbs and other barriers were removed for accessibility to all.
Ethnic Expo parade – photo courtesy The Republic Newspaper
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Ethnic Expo was spearheaded by Columbus First Lady Barbara Stewart and continues to host more than 35,000 annually coming together to enjoy international foods, entertainment, children’s activities, and to learn about rich cultural traditions.
Ethnic Expo parade – photo courtesy Mike Wolanin, The Republic Newspaper
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Ethnic Expo was spearheaded by Columbus First Lady Barbara Stewart and continues to host more than 35,000 annually coming together to enjoy international foods, entertainment, children’s activities, and to learn about rich cultural traditions.
Mill Race Center – photo by Dennis Stone
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Mill Race Center opened in 2011 to serve the growing senior population of the county. In 2021, the facility included spaces for adult day services, fitness, physical therapy, and social activities.
Old Union Church in German Township
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Old Union Church is known as one of the oldest churches in the county. The church was founded in 1816 and formally organized in 1821.
Readin’, ‘Ritin’, and ‘rithmitic
Meeting House – image courtesy Amy Harden
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The first school within the city of Columbus was a one-story frame structure built in 1829. The building served as a school and meeting house for any religious denomination. In 2021, the site was home to the Bartholomew County Historical Society museum.
Hartsville College – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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Hartsville Academy opened in 1850 on the Hartsville town square as a public school. Shortly thereafter, it was taken over by the United Brethren Church and become known as Hartsville College, which operated until 1897. Both parents of the Wright brothers attended Hartsville College during its existence. This was one of the first institutions of higher learning in the country to admit both men and women.
Old Central – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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The first public school in Columbus was built in 1859. Old Central was located on the east side of Pearl Street, between Sixth and Seventh Streets. Prior to this, students attended private schools, most of which were one-room schoolhouses. This was the first of three schools named Central to stand in this location.
Hope Moravian Seminary – courtesy Yellow Trail Museum
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The Hope Moravian Seminary was open from 1866 to 1891. Young women from all over the Midwest came to live and attend school here.
Grammer, Indiana School in 1898 – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
Simmons School – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
The Simmons School building was built around 1879 and used until 1907. The building was moved in 1989 to the Flat Rock-Hawcreek Schools campus and renovated. In 2021, Simmons School continued to host student field trips, meetings, historical presentations, and tours.
Lady Bird Johnson event sign – courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
In 1967, First Lady “Lady Bird” Johnson helped dedicate Lincoln Elementary, along with Indiana Governor Roger D. Branigin. In 2021, the school was known as Columbus Signature Academy (CSA) Lincoln Elementary School.
Columbus Learning Center – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
The Columbus Learning Center was completed in 2005 to meet the region’s education and workforce needs. The building connects the Ivy Tech, Purdue Polytechnic, and IUPUC campuses.
CSA New Tech – photo courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
J. Irwin Miller Architectural Program in the former Republic Building – photo courtesy Don Nissen
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The J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program, a program of the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design at Indiana University, is housed in the Republic Building, which was purchased by Indiana University in 2018. The building was outfitted to include studios, a fabrication lab, a gallery, and an auditorium space. Classes began in 2018.
Community of Firsts
Early map showing location of Cox Family land – image courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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1819
The first permanent settlers in Bartholomew County were Joseph and Mary Cox. Their home was located near the intersection of what would become Rocky Ford and Marr Roads. They brought 10 of their 13 children with them: 9 sons and 1 daughter. Their graves are preserved and located along Middle Road.
Map of Bartholomew County with Sand Creek Township – image courtesy Andy Carr
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1821
The map reflects the first township layout of Bartholomew County in 1821. Several changes were made to the townships throughout the 200 years.
Holly Water Works – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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1880
Holly Water Works building was located along the banks of the East Fork of White River. In 2021, the site was home to the Upland Columbus Pump House.
Cerealine advertisement – image courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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A box of cereal produced in Columbus, Indiana, from the Cerealine Company
Cerealine mill and train station – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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One of the first dry cereals was invented at the Cerealine Mill located at 607 Jackson Street. Though if was not a commercial success, it was served on the Titanic and other cruise ships. The cereal was an uncooked, malted, white—corn flake made accidentally when a mill worker tried to produce Thin flakes To be used by the brewing industry.
Hope Rural Route mail carrier Joe Clouse – photo courtesy Yellow Trail Museum
Hope rural free delivery – photo courtesy Yellow Trail Museum
Hope Rural free delivery letterhead – courtesy Yellow Trail Museum
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Two of the first twelve rural mail delivery test sites for the United States Postal Service were in Bartholomew County: two in Hope and one in Hartsville. The Hope route is the oldest rural delivery route in Indiana.
Hope Rural mail carriers – photo courtesy Yellow Trail Museum
Early 20th century postcard (top) and 2021 photo (bottom) of the Center of Population marker – courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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In 1900, the center of population for the United States was located in a rural farm field in Bartholomew County. At this location, the population was equal north-south and east-west. As of 2021, a marker still stood to honor the occasion.
Bartholomew County Hospital – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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Bartholomew County Hospital was the first hospital built in the state after a 1913 law allowed communities to issue bonds to pay for hospitals. The first baby born in the hospital was Beatrice Cummins, daughter of Cummins co-founder Clessie Cummins and his wife, Ethel. The first surgical bill on record is dated June 21, 1921 for $50. The average inpatient stay in the early 1920s cost about $2.50 a day. In 2011, the hospital system was renamed Columbus Regional Health.
Schmitt Elementary School – courtesy Mike Wolanin, The Republic Newspaper
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The Cummins Foundation was one of the first corporate foundations in the nation. The Columbus Architecture Program was developed from the foundation and serves to support design fees for public building projects. Its first grant supported the architecture fees to build Lillian C. Schmitt Elementary. As of 2021, more than 50 public projects have been financed.
Trades and Talents
Dunlap & Company – images from Illustrated Columbus book from 1914-1915
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The oldest general contractor in Indiana is Dunlap & Company, which was founded in Columbus in 1873 by J.R. Dunlap. The company began as a milling, wood planing, and dry kiln business. In 1924, Dunlap expanded into general contracting and material distribution. Dunlap has been responsible for constructing many of Columbus’ important buildings.
World’s largest pulley from Reeves Pulley Company – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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Reeves & Co. was established in 1879 and produced a variety of agricultural implements, including steam engines, threshing machinery, and a straw stacker. In 1888, Reeves Pulley Company was incorporated and produced wood-split pulleys sold all over the world to power factories and farms before electric motors.
Photo of 301 Washington Street in Columbus in 1950, unpublished photo – courtesy Life Magazine
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Businessman Joseph Irwin built what would later become known as Irwin’s Bank at the corner of Third and Washington Streets in 1881. From this location, Irwin managed his growing business empire, which included the first local telephone system, toll roads, and the interurban electric railroad. The bank would later merge with Union Trust in 1928.
Orinoco Furniture advertisement – courtesy Tamara Stone Iorio
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The Orinoco Furniture Company was established in Hartsville in 1890 and relocated to Columbus after being purchased by W.H. Lincoln and William J. Lucas. It became one of the largest furniture factories in the country and had a reputation for producing elegant, finely-crafted dining room and bedroom furniture sold all over the world.
Caldwell & Drake Factory aerial view – courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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The Caldwell and Drake Iron Works was owned by Lester Drake and George Caldwell, who served as mayor of Columbus at the turn of the 20th century. This company completed several well-known projects, including the West Baden Springs Hotel, before closing in the 1920s.
Reliance Manufacturing Company on Washington Street – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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The Reliance Manufacturing Company opened a factory in Columbus in 1912. Reliance was well known for producing men’s work shirts. One hundred women were employed when the factory opened, making this the first local business to hire a significant number of female workers. The building still existed in 2021 as the “Roviar Building.”
Cummins Engine Company, first engine
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Cummins Engine Co. was incorporated in 1919 by Clessie Cummins, with financial backing from we. Irwin. The company’s first headquarters was located at the east end of 5th Street in a house around which the first manufacturing plant was built. In 2021, Cummins Inc. was a global Fortune 200 Company producing engines, filtration, and power generation products. With soles all over the world, Cummins is the largest employer in the county and one of the largest in the state.
Arvin Industries and Noblitt-Sparks entrances in July 1950
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Noblitt-Sparks Industries, founded by Q.G. Noblitt and Frank Sparks, moved to Columbus in 1931 and later changed its name to Arvin Industries. The Fortune 500 company produced a variety of automobile parts and household goods.
Cosco catalog from 1973 – courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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In 1935, B.F. Hamilton and his three sons founded the Columbus Specialty Company, which began producing metal match boxes. The company later was called Hamilton Cosco before incorporating as Cosco, Inc. Cosco has been a leading manufacturer of plastic and metal furnishings and baby items. In 2021, Cosco was a division of Dorel Juvenile Group and remained a large local employer.
Sap’s Doughnuts – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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In 1948, Philip R. “Sap” Essex and his brother Tom Essex began making donuts in downtown Columbus. The brothers later built “Sap’s Donut Mill.” Sap’s was once promoted as the “World’s Best-Selling Donut.”
Businesses in operation downtown on Washington Street more than 100 years
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In 2021, at least four businesses were still in operation downtown on Washington Street after more than 100 years. The law firm of Sharpnack Bigley Stroh & Washburn traced its roots back to 1824, when William Herod arrived in Columbus and began to practice law. Zaharekos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum has been an institution for over 120 years. Dell Brothers maintains its location in the same building where Charles, Nicholas, and William Dell opened a clothing store in 1916. Further north, the local Coca-Cola Bottling Company has been owned by the Schumaker family for over 100 years.
Common Ground
Farming in Bartholomew County – courtesy Pittman Collection at Bartholomew County Historical Society
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Early color photo of farming in Bartholomew County.
Farming in Bartholomew County – courtesy of Pittman Collection at Bartholomew County Historical Society
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An early color photo of farming in Bartholomew County.
Early fair in Columbus. – photo courtesy Bartholomew County Historical Society
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An early 20th century carnival
4H fairgrounds – photo courtesy of Pittman Collection at Bartholomew County Historical Society
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4H Fairgrounds on State Road 11 in the early years.
U.S. Post Office in Columbus – photo by Dennis Stone
The Commons, 2010
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The original Commons, designed by architect Cesar Pelli, was the centerpiece of the 1968 downtown development plan. The Commons opened in 1974 and included a performance area, restaurants, an indoor playground, retail space, and kinetic sculpture Chaos I.
kidscommons – photo by Dennis Stone
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In 2005, kidscommons opened at 309 Washington Street. In 2021, the space functioned as an interactive, accessible, hands-on learning museum for children.
The newly-constructed Commons
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The newly-constructed Commons opened to the public in 2011, replacing the old Commons structure. The building includes a large indoor event space, the original Chaos I sculpture, and a new indoor playground.
Heflen Park entrance sign – photo by Tamara Stone Iorio
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Bartholomew County’s first county park, Heflen Park, opened near Taylorsville on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Heflen.
Columbus Area Bicentennial Logo
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The Bicentennial Commission and city of Columbus announced the signature project for The Columbus Area Bicentennial as The 1821 Trail extension along First Street, from the Haw Creek Trail to Water Street. This trail extension was buiIt to include art and architectural elements encompassing the Bicentennial Theme of “Common Ground.”
The Columbus People Trail
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Among the most popular aspects of the Columbus parks system is the People Trail. In 2021, nearly thirty miles of multi-use paths comprised the People Trail network.
The 1821 Trail Markers
