The fifth oldest county in Indiana, Franklin County was established in 1811. The Whitewater River bisects the county, which is bordered by Decatur, Ripley, Dearborn and Fayette Counties. The State of Ohio forms its eastern boundary. The author's book, Southeast Indiana Day Trips, provides a complete visitor's guide to the attractions of this pretty county. Historic Metamora is on the western part of the county and is a popular tourist destination.
Historic Metamora, Indiana
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Metamora offers an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, lodging and history within the confines of a historic small town. Visitors will find a delightful mix of craft, artist and other types of shops lining its streets. Several bed and breakfasts, restaurants and cafes also make their home in Metamora. The scenic Whitewater Valley Railroad ends here, completing its journey down the scenic Whitewater River valley. The State of Indiana operates the Whitewater Canal State Historic Site, which includes an operating canal boat on which visitors may ride alongside the railroad tracks. An operating gristmill using the power of the Whitewater River grinds corn meal and offers it for sale. The Whitewater Canal Scenic Byway allows visitors to take a fabulous auto tour of the Whitewater Valley.
For more information about Metamora visit:
Metamora, Indiana Visitors Information
P.O. Box 117
Metamora, IN 47030
Whitewater Canal
Constructed as part of the Indiana Mammoth Internal Improvement Act of 1836 signed by Governor Noah Noble on January 27, 1836, the Whitewater Canal was to form an integral part of southeastern and eastern Indiana's transportation system. The ambitious act, in concert with the Panic of 1837, bankrupted the state and brought a major political party to its knees.
Indiana Mammoth Internal Improvement Act of 1836
The Internal Improvement Act was a too ambitious program of internal improvements that provided for the construction of canals and turnpikes. The ambitiousness of the program bankrupted the State of Indiana and caused the eventual demise and collapse of the Whig party, which favored the bill. The state assembly passed this bill that added ten million dollars to the state's budget at a time when its income was only about $65,000 annually.
Panic of 1837
This complex event created an economic depression that lasted from about 1837 until 1842. The multiple causes were questionable lending practices in the Western United States, restrictive lending policies enacted by Great Britain and falling agricultural prices. The period before 1837 had been a period of intense economic growth. During this time the prices of cotton and other commodities rose. Land prices also increased. The Bank of England noticed a decline in cash on hand in 1836. They raised interest rates in an attempt to attract more cash. When the Bank of England raised its interest, it forced banks in the United States and other nations to raise their rates. This, along with other events, caused land and cotton prices to fall. The chain of events this set off triggered a depression that caused profits, prices, and wages to fall and increased the unemployment rates. It was not until 1843 that the economies of the major countries rebounded.
Decline of the Whigs
The Whig party had pushed for the law and bore the brunt of the blame. During the following years, the Whig Party collapsed, leaving the Democratic Party in control for many years.
Whitewater Canal
The Whitewater Canal's construction lasted from 1836 to 1847. During this time, there were many starts, pauses as the State of Indiana ran out of money, and the various private companies charged with completing also ran into financial difficulties. After completion, it connected Hagerstown, Indiana with Cincinnati, Ohio seventy-six miles to the south. The canal provided a quick, convenient way for farmers to transport their goods to market in the cities. Before the canal a farmer would need several days travel over deeply rutted roads to take his goods to Cincinnati. The canal proved a difficult construction project. It dropped 491 feet over the distance and needed fifty-six locks and seven dams. Several aqueducts to carry the canal over waterways also needed construction. Portions of the canal operated until 1862. The Whitewater Valley Railroad runs a part of the canal as a tourist attraction between Connersville and Metamora Indiana. The train runs alongside the canal and at Metamora visitors can ride a canal boat. The town of Metamora has many small shops and museums. The State of Indiana maintains an operating gristmill in the town.
Ben Franklin Arrives
The first canal boat to arrive at Brookville from Lawrenceburg was the Ben Franklin, which arrived on June 8, 1839. General Elisha Long commanded the boat, owned by Long and Westerfeld.
For more information contact:
Whitewater Canal State Historic Site
19083 Clayborne St.
Metamora, In 47030, USA
765-647-6512
455 Market St,
Connersville, IN 47331
(765) 825-2054
The State of Indiana assumed management of a 14-mile section of the Whitewater Canal in 1946 and, today, operates a horse-drawn canal boat and the gristmill. Visitors can take a leisurely 25-minute cruise on the Ben Franklin III. During the cruise, they pass the Duck Creek Aqueduct, a covered bridge that carries the canal 16 feet over Duck Creek. It is believed to be the only structure of its kind in the nation.
Brookville Lake
Brookville Lake encompasses 5,260 acres and has plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities for the water enthusiast. There are several marinas for the boat access, two swimming beaches, plenty of playgrounds and picnic area and several miles of hiking trails. Hunting and fishing opportunities are available in designated areas, which include Mounds State Recreation Area and Quakertown State Recreation Area.
Brookville Lake Beach
Brookville Lake Beach is a great place to visit on a hot Indiana day. The scenic area is a perfect place to relax, swim and picnic. There are two beaches at Brookville Lake. One is at the Quakertown Recreation Area on the northwest end of Brookville Lake, and the other is at Mounds State Recreation Area on the east central portion of the lake.
State Road 101
Brookville, IN
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 100
Brookville, IN 47012
(765) 647-2657
(765) 647-2658
Mounds State Recreation Area
350 sites, All Year, All ages, Tents, 70 ft max RV length, 975 ft elev, Accepts Big Rigs, 62 full hookups, electric, 30/50 amp, tables, grill, water, toilets, showers, dump, store, fish, trail, hike, horses
Located Indiana State Road 101 about seven miles north of its intersection with US Route 52 in Brookville. Located within Brookville Lake, the facility is part of Indiana's Department of Natural Resources' Parks and Lakes division. The 3.3 mile Glidewell Trail Loop circumvents the 2000 year old Glidewell Indian Mound. The Mound derives its name from an early landowner in the area, early excavators have destroyed the historic value of the site, which dates to around 10 BC. The recreation area derives its name from the mound, which contains about 25 burial sites for an ancient Indian tribe called the Hopewells.
14108 State Rte 101
Brookville, IN 47012
(765) 647-2657
Quakertown State Recreation Area
100 sites, All Year, All ages, Tents, 45 ft max RV length, 868 ft elev, Accepts Big Rigs, 62 full hookups, electric, 30/50 amp, tables, grill, water, toilets, dump, trail, hike, horses.
No camp store
Quakertown State Recreation Area
2305 S Hubble Rd,
Liberty IN 47353
Snow Covered Bridge
Built in 1894 - 1895 by John H. Horn and William H. Butts, the Snow Covered Bridge, which carries Johnson's Fork Road over Johnson's Fork Creek on the southeastern part of Franklin County.
Lemuel Snow (December 7, 1759 - September 3, 1824)
A native of Barnstable, Massachusetts born to Lemuel Snow, Sr. and Mary Snow, Lemuel was a Revolutionary War veteran. He passed away on 3 Sep 1824 in Snow Hill, Franklin County Indiana. He and his wife Lydia Hodges Snow had fourteen children.
Lemuel Snow enlisted in the Continental Army at sixteen years old in Boston, Massachusetts. He served during the entire conflict. He was at Valley Forge, and witnessed Major Andre's execution. He was with the army when the British evacuated it. He was with the Army in Newburgh when General George Washington dissolved it.
Stockheughter Covered Bridge
Constructed by the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio in 1887, the Stockheughter Covered Bridge carries Enochsburg Road over Salt Creek. The Covered Howe through truss bridge is 102 feet long, 15 feet wide with a verticle clearance of 14 feet. Rehabilitated in 2009, the National Register of Historic Places listed the bridge on March 20, 2002. Also called the Enochsburg Covered Bridge, the bridge is in Ray Township.
Southeastern Indiana Cities and Towns
Southeastern Indiana has some wonderful cities and towns ranging from charming river towns like Rising Sun, Vevay, and Patriot to the larger cities like Lawrenceburg, Aurora and Madison. Each of these towns and cities has many things to do for your family as it explores the regions roads and highways.
Southeastern Indiana Wineries
Southeastern Indiana has several interesting wineries that produce some fascinating wines. The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail information included in the book allows wine buffs to explore them and taste their offerings.
Southeastern Indiana State and Local Parks
From parks along the Ohio River to wonderful woodland hikes, the parks in southeastern Indiana include four state parks, several nature preserves and some relaxing local parks. These provide a some great day trips for people to explore to hike, picnic or just plain enjoy nature. They provide fun things to do in Southeastern Indiana.
Southeastern Indiana Museums and Historic Sites
Explorers in the area can stage a day trip to learn the region's rich history by visiting the 31 museums located in the various cities and towns of Southeastern Indiana. Many stage interesting family events that are fun and educational.
The book includes the tourism bureau contacts for each of these 11 southeastern Indiana counties.
Clark County
Dearborn County
Decatur County
Franklin County
Jefferson County
Jennings County
Ohio County
Ripley County
Scott County
Switzerland County
Clark County
© 2023 Paul Wonning
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