The Monroe County Courthouse sits on a grand square surrounded by thriving restaurants, bars and…read moreshops. There is an energy around the square that I have not seen at other county courthouses. The courthouse building, completed in 1907 is constructed of Indiana limestone (of course). There is a large copper dome on top and four large clocks around the tower. A limestone-carved Lady Liberty sits over the main entrance with a male figure sitting beside her. The building is National Registered as a Historic Place. The Courthouse is surrounded by memorials. The is a really nice Viet Nam memorial on the West side with beautifully cared for flowering plants. On the East side is a War Memorial commentating those who served in multiple wars back to the Spanish American War. Other memorials honor local public servants. This is very much a working Courthouse housing the Circuit Court. Residents can register to vote here. Landscaping is variable around the courthouse with parts needing care. Many of the statues and the exterior of the courthouse building are in need of cleaning.

Monroe County was formed by the Indiana General Assembly and Bloomington was selected as the county…read moreseat in 1818. A one-story two-room log cabin was the original. The second courthouse was built here between 1819-1826 and was two stories with brick and a stone foundation. It was expanded a couple of times but was eventually demolished for the construction of this new courthouse. The current stricture was build in 1908 and is in the Beaux Arts style. It is large, majestic and absolutely lovely. You'll want to try spotting the weather vane on the top of the dome which was saved from the original courthouse. The grounds of the courthouse have a number of memorials including a Civil War monument and a World War monument (because back then, there was only the one). There is metered street parking on all four sides of the courthouse and the square is surrounded by bars and restaurants and retail shopping. [Review 20563 overall - 101 in Indiana - 1544 of 2023.]

I was excited to visit the Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus because the Victorian…read morestructure is whimsical and lovely. The building was designed by Isaac Hodgson completed in 1874. The building is Registered as a Historic Landmark. The building is constructed of red brick and trimmed with limestone. The Courthouse is very much a working courthouse. The building house the Circuit Court and two Superior Courts. A person can get a marriage license, pay property taxes or go directly to jail here. I was excited about going inside and seeing what's in those fabulous towers. However, there is no walking tour and no photos are allowed inside. In fact, you must turn your phone off. The interior has been renovated multiple times removing original details. There was no grand atrium that I have seen in other Indiana courthouses. There is a lovely spiral staircase that goes up to the third floor. The courtrooms do have older style (1930's) chairs and bookcases. Many of the doors are antique as well. The courtyard outside has a gorgeous garden and water fountain. There are several war memorials surrounding the building. The grounds are immaculate. There is free parking around the square. Entrants to the building go through security. The guard was all business. There is an ADA access at a different entrance than the front. The businesses surrounding the courthouse are thriving. I would recommend a visit to the grounds of the courthouse as part of a visit to Columbus.

My second courthouse in Indiana and so far, I remain impressed. This is a beautiful structure and…read morewell worth a visit even if you're not here for court business. Batholomew County was formed in 1821and the count seat of Columbus was originally called Tiptona after John Tipton donated thirty acres for the building. Tipton went on to serve as state representative, Indian agent, and United States senator. The building was designed by Isaac Hodgson and was completed in 1874. It is the county's fourth courthouse and is in the Second Empire style. Constructed of red brick with white limestone trim, the foundation is rusticated blue limestone. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. [Review 20522 overall - 68 in Indiana - 1503 of 2023.]

Local artist, Michael McAuley, created this bronze statue of local music legend, Hoagy Carmichael…read more Hoagy sits at his bronze piano just outside the IU Auditorium on the IU campus. The patio is surrounded by a lush serene garden. There is no parking close to the statue and you have to walk to see the statue. It took me some time to find, as it is tucked in near a wall just outside the doors of the Auditorium. I recommend visiting when classes are not in session. IU has a lot of interesting and beautiful art scattered around the campus.

Beautiful tribute to one of America's best composers. It captures his image well and it's so…read morerefreshing to see this be a fixture at IU, given his legacy and time there. I love that the pose is of him at work with "Stardust" at his fingertips, as he penned that just a few blocks away. It's easy for me to conjure up the image of what his style of work may have been like and I can totally hear the song in my head as I go by. I'm so happy that this tribute to him exists.

I found out about this place after the post office canceled the passport appointment I had…read morescheduled for my son a month in advance. Thankfully, I learned that this location accepts walk-ins for passport services. I called ahead to confirm, and I'm really glad I did. They don't offer photo services like the post office, so I had to make an extra stop to get photos taken. I had also already prepaid for a money order on the processing fee, but it turned out they accept credit/debit cards or cash for that portion of the cost ($35), so I ended up paying that way instead (since my money order was too much ($50) because of the extra photo service charge I had opted for originally with the post office). The payment to the U.S. department of state ($130) still had to be money order/cashiers check or a check which I had a money order for that. The building itself is beautiful, very historic with a old-timey vibe. I enjoyed sightseeing around the building, checking out all the landmarks. When we arrived, the security guard at the front was helpful and guided us to the correct area. The staff member who assisted us was also very friendly, which made the process smooth. Parking was free and available around the building, which made things even easier. When I called ahead, they also let me know which entrance to use since some were closed, and that was really helpful. I'm so grateful this option was available the same day. It was convenient, easy to access, and the service was great, plus, the building itself was a nice bonus to see.

The Johnson County Courthouse stands on a prominent square in Franklin. The Courthouse, designed by…read morearchitect George W. Buenting, was completed in 1881 and is a mixture of Italianate and other styles. The courthouse is the 4th dedicated structure for Johnson County. (Two previous courthouses were destroyed by fire.) The exterior of the building is a combination of brick and limestone. A central clock tower with working bell is prominent. Several war memorials stand in the courtyard including a bronze Civil War sculpture by John Vawter. Inside, marble floors, curved stairways, carved woodwork and other woodwork captured my attention. A central atrium with a beautiful lit ceiling is the centerpiece of the building. The building is pristine with the most recent renovation completed in 1983. The security guard was friendly and directed me to the clerk's office for information. There are several courtrooms in the building. The Superior Court was close to original 1881 condition with folding seating made of wrought iron and oak. Other courtrooms had been modernized. Free parking surrounds the Courthouse square. The building is fully accessible. The Courthouse is worth a visit if you are interested in architecture and history.

Located in the heart of Nashville (Indiana), this marker points out why there is so much art and so…read moremany artworks here in town. The marker is close to restaurants, shopping, the Brown County Art Gallery and so much more. There is free street parking nearby. It reads, "Attracted by the area's natural beauty and its residents' rustic lifestyles, a group of professional artists began working in Brown County by 1908. The Brown County Art Colony gained renown as its members exhibited regularly, first in the Midwest, then nationally. Many of the artists worked to capture the character of the landscape in an American Impressionist style. The colony prospered during the American Regional Art Movement (1920s-1940s) and fueled economic development of the region. In response to increased demand for their work, the artists and local partners established the Brown County Art Gallery nearby in 1926. In 1954, several of the colony's original artists founded an additional gallery, the Brown County Art Guild." This is marker number 07.2021.1 and it was erected in 2021 by the Indiana Historical Bureau, Peaceful Valley Heritage Preservation Inc., and the Brown County Community Foundation. [Review 20540 overall - 84 in Indiana - 1521 of 2023.]

My visit to Owen County Courthouse was a memorable experience. Construction on the Courthouse began…read morein 1910 and was completed mid 1911 at the cost of only $106,000. The limestone building was designed by Jesse T. Johnson and Co. out of Indianapolis. The metal dome is a focal point, holding clocks and a US flag. The courthouse sits on a prominent square with several War memorials. After going through security, I asked the deputy about the building. He smiled and told me when the courthouse was built. He was excited about his visit into the dome, which is quite large. He encouraged me to go into the courtroom, which was in session, and see the original furniture and woodwork. This was my first visit inside a courtroom holding court. There was a small hearing going on. The judge actually asked why I was there and welcomed me to observe. The gallery chairs were original wrought iron with fold down seats. The jury box and judge's bench looked original wood. (I was not allowed to take photos.) it was interesting to watch a live legal proceeding. For the most part, the court house interior is original with some updates. The courthouse is not ornate, but functional with a simple beauty. The center atrium has tiled floors. War artifacts throughout the building memorialized local residents that served in the military. The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. A visit offers the opportunity to see local government in action. The people are friendly and engaging. There is metered parking around the courthouse square (so bring some quarters). I only found restrooms on the first floor of the three story structure.

A reviewer recommended bring quarters for metered parking they don't have meter maids so save your…read moremoney. If you get sent a jury duty form you can fill it and send it in yourself or what for the second notice and use the self addressed envelope. Remember to remove tools and sprays from your car keys or you'll be making two trips.

This Veterans Memorial in Columbus is the most moving war memorial that I have visited. The…read moreartistic structure is composed of 25 dramatic limestone pillars that tower forty feet high. This spectacular monument was designed by Maryann Thompson and Charlie Rose and unveiled in 1997. The monument honors those who lost their lives during WWI, WWII, Korean and Viet Nam Wars. The names of soldiers who sacrificed their lives and their final letters home, are carved in the pillars. Their stories make this memorial personal. As I read the letters to mothers, wives, grandmothers and others, I couldn't fight back tears. At night, lights shoot up through the pillars into the sky. The monument is located on the Courthouse square in Columbus. There is free parking around the courthouse. There are a few benches around the monument. This monument is a must see for anyone.

Located on the grounds of the county courthouse, this set of limestone pillars is impressive even…read morebefore you get close. Arranged 5 by 5, there are 25 of them. And then you get inside them and can read the inscriptions. These are letters from soldiers sent back home and include the date the letter was sent and then the tragic date of the soldier's death. Usually a few days later. "20 September 1943. Dear Grandma, Well, Grandma, it's a rough road but we have to follow. When this is over we will share our love together. Love, Raymond." and followed by "PFC Raymond Scroghines, U.S. Army, was killed in action September 29, 1943 in Italy." And once again, it is very dusty here. Are you cutting onions? Don't miss this. It is a great tribute to those who fought and died for our freedoms and way of life here in America. [Review 20523 overall - 69 in Indiana - 1504 of 2023.]

Located in the center of the (city? town? village?) of Nashville, this marker points out the artist…read morethat pretty much put it on the map. There is street parking nearby and you should not miss the museum a few blocks away. The marker is on two sides with the front reading, "Photographer, artist, and newspaper columnist Frank Hohenberger moved to Nashville in 1917. Through his black and white, large format photographs, he documented the residents, artists, daily life, traditions, and natural beauty of Brown County. From 1923-1954, he wrote an Indianapolis Star column, "Down in the Hills O' Brown County" that helped popularize the area." And the reverse, "Hohenberger took over 15,000 photographs and negatives during his career, including "The Liar's Bench," one of his best-selling prints. He was commissioned for projects across Indiana and in other states and delivered many illustrated lectures on his work. His internationally popular photographs have been preserved at the Lilly Library, Indiana University." This is marker number 7.2019.1 and was erected in 2019 by the Indiana Historical Bureau, Peaceful Valley Heritage Preservation and Brown County Community Foundation. [Review 20544 overall - 85 in Indiana - 1525 of 2023.]