This Veterans Memorial in Columbus is the most moving war memorial that I have visited. The…read moreartistic structure is composed of 25 dramatic limestone pillars that tower forty feet high. This spectacular monument was designed by Maryann Thompson and Charlie Rose and unveiled in 1997. The monument honors those who lost their lives during WWI, WWII, Korean and Viet Nam Wars. The names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives and their final letters home, are carved in the pillars. Their stories make this memorial personal. As I read the letters to mothers, wives, grandmothers and others, I couldn't fight back tears. At night, lights shoot up through the pillars into the sky. The monument is located on the Courthouse square in Columbus. There is free parking around the courthouse. There are a few benches around the monument. This monument is a must see for anyone.

Located on the grounds of the county courthouse, this set of limestone pillars is impressive even…read morebefore you get close. Arranged 5 by 5, there are 25 of them. And then you get inside them and can read the inscriptions. These are letters from soldiers sent back home and include the date the letter was sent and then the tragic date of the soldier's death. Usually a few days later. "20 September 1943. Dear Grandma, Well, Grandma, it's a rough road but we have to follow. When this is over we will share our love together. Love, Raymond." and followed by "PFC Raymond Scroghines, U.S. Army, was killed in action September 29, 1943 in Italy." And once again, it is very dusty here. Are you cutting onions? Don't miss this. It is a great tribute to those who fought and died for our freedoms and way of life here in America. [Review 20523 overall - 69 in Indiana - 1504 of 2023.]

At the heart of the Franklin College campus is a bronze of Benjamin Franklin seated on a park bench…read morelooking over the Declaration of Independence. A pair of small birds sit opposite him on the left. The bronze was produced by George Lundeen (Lundeen Sculpture) in 2004. The bronze is masterfully rendered and is maintained. The life-sized figure doesn't represent any actual moment (Can you imagine sitting on a park bench reading the most important document of our country?), but suggests the connection between Franklin and the founding of the country. Though the piece was not a unique sculpture, the quality of reproduction is excellent and fits the setting quite well. Review #1267

The Decatur County Courthouse is one of the most famous courthouses in the U.S. For 150 years, a…read moretree has grown out of the structure's clock tower, grabbing the attention of visitors. The Courthouse is the second dedicated courthouse of Decatur County. Plans for the building were drafted in 1854 by a committee composed of B. Y. Wilson, I. G. Monfort and B. H. Harney. Construction was overseen by Indianapolis architect, Edwin May, who designed the Indiana State House. The final cost of the Romanesque brink structure and grounds was $120,000. The courthouse opened in 1861. Rennovations to update and repair the building have been made periodically throughout the years beginning in 1889 and an expansion in 1997. The staff is friendly and the officer relayed anecdotal stories about the tree(s). The original tree appeared in the 1870s. Additional sprouts appeared over the years, but have been culled to protect the structure. The tree that exists today is a spout of the original tree. The tree has been identified as a large tooth aspen. Inside the courthouse has been preserved throughout history. Iron stairs ascend to the second floor courts. Original oak trim and some furniture adorn the halls. Historical transfer books neatly stacked in cubbies. Court was in session, so I was unable to visit the courtrooms. Framed historical newspaper articles tell stories from the past. The Courthouse is uniquely poised for visitors. On the immaculate grounds surrounding the Courthouse are a War Memorial and several historic markers.

I was drawn here by the "See the tree" signs as I exited the interstate to fill up with gas. I…read moreended up staying for a few hours to use one of the power outlets that are along the curb of the courthouse to charge up my house battery in the Sprinter van. While here, I enjoyed the markers in the courthouse and of course, the tree. The marker reads, "Site of the original court house built in 1827 and occupied until 1854. Present building completed in 1860. Large tooth aspen tree appeared in 1870 on the roof of the 115 foot clock tower. In July, 1863, it became a temporary armory while troops bivouacked on the lawn. The treasurer's office held provisions to feed 10 regiments. The 7th Regimental Band had played weekly on the square before being militarized. Many political figures have given speeches from the steps. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973." Yes, there is a tree growing on the roof. It was noticed in 1870 and it's a tourist draw. Yes, a real tree. [Review 20519 overall - 65 in Indiana - round number 1500 of 2023.]

Relayed by Washington Times newspaper columnist and film critic Richard Grenier in 1993: "...As…read moreGeorge Orwell pointed out, people sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf..." Those men (and women) train here at Mascatatuck. This is an unmatched training center you'll find nowhere else. It's administratively attached to Camp Atterbury. A thousand acres of space that provides for all manner of training scenarios. SOF, cyber, and homeland security experts conduct exercises here regularly. There's a neighborhood underwater that provides the perfect setting for urban natural disaster rescue, there are gutted-out buildings, and partially-destroyed cars depicting ravages of war in which to conduct PMT and TFT. There's even a full-sized subway station in the complex, and much more. The site also has lodging and messing facilities available. It's truly an all-encompassing marvel. I've been privileged to come thru here twice now. If you are afforded the opportunity, be prepared to be overwhelmed.

This was my first time visiting the Morgan County Courthouse. Specifically I did my business with…read morethe Clerk of Courts which is still in this building and not the new building with the new courtrooms. The staff was super friendly in the Clerk's office. They helped us understand the petition we were filing and all the next steps involved. They also helped us understand a question we had about one of the options on the petition. The officers at the entrance were very helpful with access since I am temporarily in a wheelchair this summer. They said it is still unknown if the Clerk of Courts office will stay in the courthouse or move to the new building.

When you drive up to the Morgan County Courthouse, you would never guess the building was built…read morepre-Civil War. The original structure was designed by Isaac Hodgson, an Irish born architect who designed four courthouses in Indiana. The Morgan County Courthouse, started in 1857 and completed 1859, was the first courthouse he designed in the state. The courthouse sits on a central square in the city of Martinsville. Additions that maintained the original Italianate style were added 1895, 1912, 1934, 1956 and in 1970s. Currently, a new judicial building is under construction a block away from the courthouse. After the new building opens, the historical courthouse will enjoy another renovation. The sheriff's staff is super friendly, and indicated very little original interior exists. Modern updates brought plumbing, electricity, phones, heating, air conditioning and electronics to this historic structure. It is difficult to find any evidence of the original courthouse on the inside. Courtrooms and offices have been updated with electronics and furniture. There was no info on history within the building, which was disappointing. But it is a working courthouse. Outside, a Civil war era canon points west, protecting the building from Illinois. On the west side of the building, sits the original sheriff's home. There is free parking around the square. The building is wheelchair accessible.

I've been on a mission to visit all the covered bridges in Indiana because I love the history and…read morestructural beauty of these landmarks. I especially like when the bridge is still original and operational. The Bean Blossom Covered Bridge was built in 1880 by Joseph Baisley. The bridge is on a dilapidated road, Covered Bridge Road, half mile southwest of Bean Blossom off Rt 135. The single lane bridge is a classic single Howe through truss design. I walked across the bridge. I wonder what famous people crossed the bridge back when this was the only route to Nashville. The bridge is in pretty good shape for the age. I noticed some of the floor nails have popped up, so be careful if you drive over it. Unfortunately, vandals have left graffiti inside the beautiful structure. Covered Bridge Road is in disrepair with large holes in the asphalt. The road turns to gravel past the bridge. There is really no place to park except to block the road. Fortunately, we saw no traffic during our visit, so we could study the bridge. You know it's going to be a 5 star because I never met a covered bridge that I didn't like.

Indiana has lots and lots of covered bridges. I've been to a few of them. Bean Blossom is one of…read morethe loveliest. With only a 9 foot clearance, it was too small for the "Free Candy!" van that needs 10 feet but that's okay. I was still able to walk it and admire this fabulous construction. Built in 1880 and with a span of 101 feet, it carries this narrow lane across Bean Blossom Creek. Of course, State Road 135 is nearby if you're also not able to drive across. The road down the valley to the bridge is narrow and after a short while, it is gravel only. A short wider area near the bottom for you to pull over and park. But much of the road is one lane so drive with care. [Review 20551 overall - 89 in Indiana - 1532 of 2023.]

Located in the heart of Nashville (Indiana), this marker points out why there is so much art and so…read moremany artworks here in town. The marker is close to restaurants, shopping, the Brown County Art Gallery and so much more. There is free street parking nearby. It reads, "Attracted by the area's natural beauty and its residents' rustic lifestyles, a group of professional artists began working in Brown County by 1908. The Brown County Art Colony gained renown as its members exhibited regularly, first in the Midwest, then nationally. Many of the artists worked to capture the character of the landscape in an American Impressionist style. The colony prospered during the American Regional Art Movement (1920s-1940s) and fueled economic development of the region. In response to increased demand for their work, the artists and local partners established the Brown County Art Gallery nearby in 1926. In 1954, several of the colony's original artists founded an additional gallery, the Brown County Art Guild." This is marker number 07.2021.1 and it was erected in 2021 by the Indiana Historical Bureau, Peaceful Valley Heritage Preservation Inc., and the Brown County Community Foundation. [Review 20540 overall - 84 in Indiana - 1521 of 2023.]

Driving across the Robert N. Stewart Bridge is like driving across a work of art. The bridge is…read moregorgeous during the day and spectacular at night. The bridge was built as part of a project to attract and welcome drivers off the highway into the city of Columbus. Jean Muller, a renowned Chicago architect, designed the cable-stayed bridge, which was completed in 1999. I drove and walked across the bridge today. Driving into Columbus, the bridge frames the lovely courthouse. To walk across, there is a narrow sidewalk on the west side of the bridge. I had to cross several busy streets to get there, but it was worth the challenge. The bridge is breathtaking and view of Flatrock River from the bridge is tranquil. The colors of the lights that illuminate the bridge change on certain holidays and for special events. I recommend a stop in Columbus to experience this amazing work of art. There is street parking near the courthouse.

There are entirely too many boring and uninspired bridges in the world so it's pretty awesome to…read morefind something inspired and beautiful. And the Stewart bridge in Columbus is that. Formerly called the Second Street Bridge, it is a cable-stayed suspension bridge that carries SR-46 over the Flatrock River. The bridge was completed in 1999 with the colored lighting added in 2012 and the name change in 2013 in recognition of the former three term mayor of Columbus. There isn't much parking immediately near the bridge and there is no stopping on it. But it's worth a bit of a walk to check it out. [Review 20524 overall - 70 in Indiana - 1505 of 2023.]