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Indiana Bicentennial Celebration 2016

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Explore County Bicentennial Activities > Owen County Owen County

Owen County Courthouse
Q&A with County Coordinator Mark Rogers

What do you consider the key accomplishment(s) of your county’s Bicentennial celebration?

  • We held a variety of events across the calendar and across our county that involved bringing people together to celebrate. It was very positive in a year "lowlighted" by political rancor.

What Legacy Project do you most like to tell people about, and why?

  • Our replica White River flat boat. It was a very visible project that focused on our legacy of life on the White River. The actual river trip was an adventure and, again, brought lots of folks out to celebrate our river heritage.

Describe a highlight or most memorable moment related to your county's Bicentennial celebration.

  • The arrival of the Torch Relay at our Courthouse Square celebration was a tear jerker. So proud of my community and the wonderful people who were chosen by the community to carry the torch. Each of our torchbearers came with their own compelling story. And the attendance by local school children just completed a wonderful event.

How/where are you preserving information and artifacts related to your county's celebration?

  • We are preparing a packet of information and mementos that will be placed in the Owen County Heritage & Culture Center. Our torch replica will go on permanent display (still to be confirmed) with the archive. Our Bicentennial coin and other related items will also be placed in two other history museums in the county.

Total number of volunteers who participated.

  • 100.

Estimated total attendance.

  • 1,000.

Estimated dollar amount raised.

  • $1,927.

Estimated dollar amount spent.

  • $2,121.

Owen County Legacy Projects

Photos of Owen County's Bicentennial Activities and Events

Flat Boat on the River Owen County

Owen County Facts

Owen County was formed in 1819. It was named after Abraham Owen, a colonel who died at the Battle of Tippecanoe.

The Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii is named after an Owen County native.

Horace Meek Hickam was a famous pilot for the United States in the earlier half of the 20th century. Hickam’s association with aviation began with the United States’ entry into World War I. He was involved in the Mexican Punitive Expedition. He had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and had received a Silver Star. Colonel Hickam was killed in a landing accident at Fort Crockett, Galveston, Texas, on November 5, 1934. His fame as a pioneering figure in aviation and aerospace science eventually led to the naming of the United States Air Force Base in Hawaii, “Hickam AFB,” in his honor.

“As a Hoosier born and bred, who has had the privilege to travel the world and come back home to Indiana, I consider our family farm on a hill in Owen County to be the most beautiful spot in the world. The glory of our surrounding hills and forest comfort me and my loved ones with the subtle beauty that fills our county and our state. I need go no further than my backyard for inspiration.” Mark Rogers, Owen County Bicentennial Coordinator.

County Seat: Spencer
Year Organized: 1818
Square Miles: 385.29

Owen County Indiana Bicentennial Committee

  • Mark Rogers
  • Marilyn Jackson
  • Tony Neff
  • Gwen Tucker
  • Brock Beeman
  • Sam Arthur

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