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James Dean was born in Marion in 1931, and the north-central Indiana city still carries a touch of that Hollywood connection, though its own story runs deeper. The seat of Grant County grew rich during the Indiana gas boom of the 1880s, when cheap natural gas drew glass works and factories to the banks of the Mississinewa River.
That prosperity shows in a domed courthouse, stately homes and churches, and the 1912 Hostess House. Marion is also home to the Quilters Hall of Fame, set in the house of quilt designer Marie Webster, and to Indiana Wesleyan University, whose campus has grown into one of the largest private universities in the state.
Matter Park offers gardens and river trails, and each October the Mississinewa 1812 reenactment brings one of the largest War of 1812 living-history events in the country to the river valley. Fairmount, where James Dean grew up, lies about ten miles south, and Mississinewa Lake is a half-hour drive for boating and camping.
A museum honoring influential quilters, housed in the restored home of Marie Webster, whose 1915 book helped spark the American quilt revival. Changing exhibits show antique and contemporary quilts. Its July celebration draws quilters from across the country, and the gift shop sells patterns and books.
About ten miles south of Marion, this small museum in Fairmount displays James Dean's motorcycles, clothing and family memorabilia, plus exhibits on Garfield creator Jim Davis, another local son. Fans also visit Dean's grave at Park Cemetery nearby. Hours are seasonal, so check before driving down.
An elegant 1912 mansion near downtown Marion with fine woodwork, stained glass and period rooms, now run by a nonprofit as a venue for weddings, teas and community events. Tours can be arranged and the house hosts holiday open houses. Call ahead, as private events often book it.
The Grant County Courthouse anchors downtown Marion on its central square, a classical stone building surrounded by brick commercial blocks from the gas-boom years. Walk the square to see the architecture and nearby historic churches. The building is still in daily use, so visit on weekdays.
Marion's largest park, along the Mississinewa River, with formal gardens, walking paths, a playground, ball fields and picnic shelters. Its gardens bloom from spring through fall and are a favorite spot for photos. In summer a local farmers market and concerts bring extra life to the grounds.
Held each October on the river near Marion, this is one of the largest War of 1812 living-history events in the United States, with battle reenactments, period camps, traders, fife music and craft demonstrations. Wear sturdy shoes for the grassy grounds, and buy tickets ahead for the busiest weekend days.
A large Christian university on Marion's south side, with modern halls, the Williams Prayer Chapel, the Jackson Library and a fountain plaza. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and attend concerts, plays and games. Its growth over recent decades has reshaped this side of the city.
A marker at the corner of Fourth and McClure streets notes the site of the apartment house where James Dean was born on February 8, 1931. The building is gone, but fans still stop to take photos. Combine it with a drive to Fairmount, where he grew up and is buried.
A national cemetery established in 1890 beside the old National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, with rows of white headstones under mature trees. Veterans from the Civil War onward rest here. It is a quiet, respectful place for a walk, especially around Memorial Day when flags line the graves.
A large reservoir on the Mississinewa River about half an hour northwest of Marion, managed as a state recreation area with beaches, campgrounds, boat ramps and hiking trails. It is popular for fishing and swimming in summer. An entrance fee applies, and the campgrounds fill on holiday weekends.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Flavius Constantine (talk), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Flavius Constantine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Flavius Constantine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Flavius Constantine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Flavius Constantine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Flavius Constantine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Flavius Constantine, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
