Location 0105

January 2005

M.P. A8.6 - 3rd Subdivision - F

Click on images to view full size

Francesville depot, circa early 1900's. The depot was shortened in later years. The town had a telegraph office open days until the end of the Monon Railroad.

Looking at the Jacob Meyers at Francesville, circa early 1900's. This building sat to the north of the depot. The tracks passing the front of the building and curving off to the right side of the image still exist in 2005. This structure burnt down in 1916.

The earliest families that settled in the area built cabins on the knoll east of the Metamonong River, later known as Monon Ditch. These farmers and families drained the surrounding land and it became very fertile. Francesville was plotted, in 1852, by the New Albany and Salem Railroad, which was building between New Albany and Michigan City. The town was named for the daughter of New Albany and Salem Railroad President James Brooks. Over the years the town's name has been spelled with both the "e" ad "i" and pictures of the depot exist with both spellings.

In the 1870's the citizens attempted to incorporate, however, their attempt was voted down. In 1888 the town was incorporated and the small dot on a survey map started to become a thriving community. The Monon Railroad was essential to Francesville becoming a major shipping and receiving center of the area. After incorporation the town elected officials and laws and ordinances were written.

The first school was established soon after the area was settled. The one room schoolhouse was replaced by a Male and Female Academy, located at the corner of Montgomery and Brook Streets. The first commencement was held in 1893 and the school offered classes from 1-10th grade. In 1900 the school added the 11th grade and the first four year high school graduated in 1912. In 1967 the final class of Francesville High School graduated. Today, the West Central Junior-Senior High School serves the community.

The early 1900's brought some interesting events which affected both the community and the railroad. The town organized the Fire Department after purchasing a chemical fire engine. Also early in the 1900's a major legal battle pitted the Monon Railroad against several business owners over land considered prime property in downtown. The businesses had been leasing this land and appealed to the courts for the rights to purchase the land that they had been doing business on. In 1905 the case came to a conclusion when the businessmen were given the title to the land. In 1916 the Jacob Meyer Elevator, pictured above burned to the ground.

The 1920's and increased highway building spelled the death-knell to passenger traffic on the railroad. As the state build better highways, the reliance on railroads started to drop. Eventually passenger service was terminated all together. In December of 1944, a major fire destroyed almost an entire block of downtown.

Today, Francesville is still on the railroad. It continues to survive and thrive. Since 1967 it has hosted the Fall Festival the third weekend in September. The first festival was held in 1967 after dedication of the new municipal building and Fire Department.

Left: Francesville Depot, October 8, 1949. Passenger extra with Notre Dame Football Team. Right: Francesville depot, circa 1969. This view is looking down the tracks from the north. The grain elevator in the distance is still served by the CSX along the former Monon Michigan City branch.

Left: Francesville today. Looking to the north. The mainline (left) still runs north to Medaryville. The tracks to the right are the elevator tracks, pictured above. Right: The foundation of the old depot. The depot once sat where the pole is to the right of the mainline.

Looking south along the old elevator spur. The Meyers Elevator would have been on the left side of the tracks. Current Gutwin Elevator is in the distance.

The present elevator at Francesville. This view you are looking north. This elevator is still an on line business.

| Pictures Main | Locations Archives |

| Return To Index | Contact Us |