Indiana Bicentennial History Travel Spot - Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum

Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum - Vevay, Indiana

Indiana Bicentennial Year
Indiana will celebrate its Bicentennial this year, having achieved statehood on December 11, 1816. This momentous event is a tremendous opportunity for Hoosiers, former Hoosiers and aspiring Hoosiers to travel the state and learn its rich history. The state has plenty of that, from the beautiful Ohio River Valley to the shores of magnificent Lake Michigan, visitors wishing to learn the history of our state have plenty of interesting places to go to learn and see our fascinating history. The author plans to make this history travel article a weekly feature. I will concentrate on some of the lesser-known places of which most may not be familiar. The first articles, since it is winter, will focus on indoor places you can go, spend a few hours, learn some history, eat some local grub and enjoy our state.
Our travels will begin in Vevay, Indiana with two wonderful little museums, an old time jail and other fine historical treasures of Indiana's Switzerland County.
Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum
Located in the quaint river town of Vevay, Indiana, the Life on the Ohio River

Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum

Historical Museum will provide visitors with an insightful glimpse into the river life of the steamboat era, and before, of the folks that lived along this vital river. This small museum is packed with memorabilia from that bygone era. Visitors will find riverboat models, clothing, weapons and many other artifacts that depict life along the river.

Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum

Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum
208 E. Market St.
Vevay IN 47043
812-427-3560
swcomuseums@embarqmail.com

Switzerland County Historical Museum
The Switzerland County Historical Museum is located in southeastern Indiana near the Ohio River. The Switzerland County Historical Museum operates the Life on the Ohio River Historical Museum next door. The Switzerland County Historical Museum is located in a converted Presbyterian Church; the Ohio River Historical Museum is in the parsonage of the church.
Switzerland County Historical Museum
210 E Market St
Vevay IN 47043
Vevay
Swiss immigrants founded the town of Vevay in 1802, naming it after the Swiss city of Vevay from which they were native. Switzerland County was established in 1814 and Vevay was designated the county seat.
Early Settlement
The first settlers consisted of a man named John James Dufour who migrated to the United States in 1796. He settled in Kentucky and tried his hand at making wine. The venture failed and he searched for a better spot. He found one in the then Indiana Territory on the north side of the Ohio River. He obtained a tract of land from Congress and planted grapes near the current site of Vevay. The first wine was produced in 1806 or 1807. It was served to President Jefferson in the White House. Mr. Dufour's was the first successful commercial winery in the United States.
Swiss Wine Festival

The town celebrates this heritage each year during the last weekend in August with the Swiss Wine Festival.
Transportation
Vevay Indiana is located on the banks of the Ohio River. Indiana State Road 56 crosses the city on a north/south axis, connecting Vevay with Rising Sun to the northeast and Madison to the west. Indiana State Road 129 creates a link with Versailles to the north and Indiana State Road 156 hugs the Ohio River from Patriot to Rising Sun. Vevay is located on the Ohio River Scenic Byway Auto Tour.
Ohio River Scenic Byway Driving Tour

Scenic Byway – Southern Indiana Drive
Drive the 302 miles of scenic beauty along the Ohio River in Southern Indiana. The Ohio River Scenic Byway goes through historic communities, national forests and quaint villages. This wonderful drive through southern Indiana is a wonderful experience and allows you to visit all the wonderful places in southern Indiana.
On its way across the state, it crosses Clark County, Dearborn County, Floyd County, Harrison County, Jefferson County, Ohio County, Perry County, Posey County, South Central Indiana, Spencer County, Switzerland County, Vanderburgh County, and Warrick County.
Food, Lodging and Shopping
Vevay is loaded with small town charm. Visitors will find several dining spots ranging from ice cream parlors, pizza spots, homey bars and restaurants. Those wishing to try their luck at the casino can visit nearby Belterra Resort. Stay at one of Vevay's bed and breakfasts or hotels. Visitors can also browse in any of the fine shops and art galleries located in the downtown area. For more information about Vevay, contact:
Switzerland County Tourism
128 W Main St
Vevay, IN 47043
812-427-3237
visitsc@switzcotourism.com
For more information about visiting Southeastern Indiana, you may be interested in the author's book: