Southern Indiana Tour

In early February I took the opportunity to visit with a few small towns in Southern Indiana.

My day started in Cannelton where I had a good visit with Mayor Smokey Graves and Clerk-Treasurer Arvina Bozarth, both newly elected officials. After a great discussion on current issues and problems facing the city the Mayor took me for a drive around town. He talked with pride about his hopes for Cannelton and pointed out areas that could be improved upon. Our drive took us past the famous Cotton Mill, where Civil War uniforms were made for Union Soldiers. This huge sandstone building was recently restored and is now being used for family housing.

As you drive East through the city on Highway 66 you pass the Bob Cummins Memorial Bridge which spans the mighty Ohio River to Kentucky. Just another mile up the river is the Cannelton Locks and Dam; this Corp of Engineers project was completed in the late 1960s and is quite a site to see. The view from Overlook Park, which will be dedicated soon, offers a panoramic view of the Ohio River and is a must see if you are ever in the area.

Journeying back west though Tell City I passed though the town of Troy, the second oldest town in the state, so they say. You get another great view of the Ohio River from atop Fulton Hill were the town has a community center; also seen from Fulton Hill is the Christ of the Ohio statue, which is said to be looking down on those who travel the Ohio River and keeping them safe.

My next stop was Grandview, which recently celebrated its 150th birthday. Would you want to guess why it is named Grandview? (Clue: Ohio River.) On the day of my visit the river was at flood level with water covering the entire boat ramp and a nearby park. During the summer of 2007 the town hosted the American Queen riverboat on two occasions, which more than doubled the town's population both times.

After that I was on to Gentryville whose claim to fame is the famous Gentry House, known to have been a safe haven for slaves as they made their way North during the Civil War. Gentryville is also only a hop, skip and jump away from the burial site of Mary Todd Lincoln, the mother of Abraham Lincoln.

My final stop for the day was the town of Santa Claus where I met with Clerk-Treasurer Kim Christensen and we talked about pending legislation and the expensive water project the town is undertaking in order to meet the demands of Holiday World and Splashing Safari Water Park. What started out as Santa Claus Land when I was a youngster, don't ask how long ago that was, has grown to host over one million visitors a year. If you have children, grandchildren or just feel young at heart this is a must see when visiting Southern Indiana.
- Bill Goffinet