FRENCH LICK — Nearly a century after it was first erected, a piece of Orange County’s foundational history was formally honored once again. Community members, local historians, and members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) gathered on Saturday, June 6, 2026, to rededicate the historic French Lick Fort Marker.
The stone monument, located on the picturesque grounds of the French Lick Springs Hotel, preserves the memory of one of the earliest eras in regional history. Long before the area became a renowned resort destination, the site functioned as a critical frontier crossroads where early European settlers, pioneers, and Native American tribes interacted while traveling along the historic Buffalo Trace.
The current stone monument was originally placed in 1933 by the Lost River Chapter of the D.A.R. Saturday’s ceremony served as a formal renewal of the chapter’s ongoing commitment to local historical preservation.
The event featured a traditional Presentation of Colors, which was conducted by the color guard from French Lick American Legion Post 76. Attendees were also treated to a lineup of special patriotic musical arrangements performed by local musician Rex Hinkle.
The community event was co-sponsored by Timeless French Lick, an organization dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of the valley.
Several local officials and historical preservation leaders took part in the formal rededication ritual. Featured participants included:
- Robert F. Henderson — Orange County America 250 Chairman
- Rebecca Speaker — Southern Director of the Indiana State Society D.A.R.
- Lila Tucker — Regent of the Lost River Chapter D.A.R.
- Bryan Fleenor & Lora Sanders — Lost River Chapter D.A.R. Members
- Jeff Lane — Orange County Historian
The rededication comes as community organizations across Indiana begin ramping up historical programming ahead of the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial (America 250) celebrations.
