06/05/2026
Celebrate the history of French Lick Fort on Saturday, June 6th, as the historic French Lick Fort marker is rededicated in the Formal Garden at French Lick Springs Hotel. 🇺🇸
🇺🇸 Fort French Lick Marker Rededication 🇺🇸
On Independence Day in 1933, hundreds gathered on the grounds of the French Lick Springs Hotel to dedicate a monument marking the site of historic Fort French Lick. The marker was unveiled by Eva Taggart, daughter of hotel owner Thomas D. Taggart, assisted by five local girls from the community. Erected by the Lost River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the monument honored a frontier fort that once stood at the edge of Indiana's early wilderness.
Long before French Lick became famous for its grand hotels and mineral springs, this location served as an important outpost on the Indiana frontier. During the tense years leading up to the War of 1812, government rangers were stationed here to help protect settlers as Shawnee leader Tecumseh worked to unite Native American tribes throughout the region. The fort remained an important government station until about 1815.
The story of French Lick itself began even earlier with the natural salt springs that attracted buffalo, deer, and other wildlife. French traders traveling from Vincennes visited the area to harvest salt, giving rise to the name "French Lick." These same springs would eventually draw settlers, entrepreneurs, and visitors from across the nation.
This monument stands as a reminder of the pioneers, soldiers, Native peoples, and early settlers whose lives shaped the history of the French Lick Valley.
Join us as we rededicate this historic marker and celebrate the stories that helped build our community.
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
📍 Fort French Lick Marker Site, Gardens in the French Lick Springs Hotel
🇺🇸 Show of Colors by American Legion Post 76
🎶 Special performances and commemorative ceremony
We hope you'll join us as we honor nearly a century of this monument and more than two centuries of local history.
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Event supported by Timeless French Lick, The Lost River Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Orange County America 250, and the French Lick American Legion Post #76. Pamphlets prepared by the French Lick West Baden Museum.
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The French Lick West Baden Museum is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
Sponsored by Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company
Supported by Timeless French Lick