Brown County State Park in Brown County Indiana

Abe Martin has become a favorite son of Brown County and of the State Park which includes Weed Patch Hill and its surroundings. The Abe Martin Lodge commemorates his connection with the county. For twenty-five years, from 1905-1930, Abe Martin was the mouthpiece for Kin Hubbard's daily quips in The Indianapolis News, which, accompanied by sketches of Abe and his friends in action, were syndicated across the nation. Hubbard was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and settled in Indianapolis, starting the Abe Martin Character in 1904. At first Abe Martin belonged to no particular locality, but on February 3, 1905, he announced,"I'm goin' ter move ter Brown County Tewmorrow," and the next day he was depicted in a wagon piled high with household goods. His comment was, "By cracky, it's sum travelin' ter git ter Brown County." The reason for the move lay in the fact that the steep hills and the general "picturesque-ness" of that area lent themselves to humorous exaggeration and provided the material Hubbard liked for his pictorial backgrounds. Gradually many of Abe's neighbors came into being, to appear in the pictures and text. The cottages of the Abe Martin Lodge in the Park bear the names of these characters. Much of Hubbard's humor is as timely now as it was during its heyday, from 1905 to 1930. Will Rogers called Kin Hubbard " America's greatest humorist." Hubbard's cartoons played a significant part in drawing the attention of artists and tourists to Brown County. They, in turn, have made the area world famous. In dedication to his memory, the Department of Natural Resources built Abe Martin Lodge in 1932 on Kin Hubbard Ridge, naming the cottages after his principle characters.

Brown County State Park Located in the beautiful hills of Brown County Indiana, off Highway 46, Brown County State Park is every Hoosier's favorite playground. you will enjoy the variety of outdoor activity choices offered here, throughout the county and in the Village of Nashville. Nearby Nashville, Indiana, historic hoosier artists' colony, features quaint specialty shops, artist studios & craft galleries, historic homes, live theatre, music entertainment & fine dining. A visit to T.C. Steele State Memorial or to Yellowwood State Forest make your visit to this tourist mecca complete. Don't wait...visit soon...there is always something new in Brown County!

Want the Best Rates in Brown County Indiana? The HICKORY SHADES MOTEL on St. Rd. 46 at Belmont between Bloomington & Nashville, IN. Cheapest Rates in Brown County Indiana! Want a special Weekend at a Romantic Inn? Handy to mountain biking and hiking trails in Brown County Indiana. Come stay in a comfortable suite located west of Nashville, Indiana just off St. Rd. 46. Close to the west gate to Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, Mike's Dance Barn, all the shops and restaurants in the historic artists colony and Salt Creek Golf Course. The Yellowwood Inn Near Yellowwood State Forest Near Brown County State Park Want a special Weekend get-away Cabin? Come stay in a rustic cabin located west of Nashville, Indiana just off St. Rd. 46. Close to the west gate to Brown County State Park, Yellowwood State Forest, Mike's Dance Barn, all the shops and restaurants in the historic artists colony and Salt Creek Golf Course. Brown County Log Cabins, near Brown County Indiana State Park. All seasons are special in Brown County! Want a great family vacation cabin? Brown County Lodging near Nashville, Indiana Come stay at other lodging establishments near Nashville, Indiana, in the heart of Brown County Indiana. Close to The Orchard Hill Inn, near Big Woods Brew building, not far from both gates to Brown County State Park, Bean Blossom Bluegrass Jamboree, all the shops and restaurants in the historic artists colony and Salt Creek Golf Resort. When the early artists discovered Brown County they found many apple orchards here. All seasons are special in historic Brown County Indiana! Settlers came to the area in the early 1800's and created unique villages with names like Bean Blossom, Gnaw Bone, Story, Helmsburg, Trevlac, and Needmore. Early local industries included leather tanning, salt mining, gold mining, timber and orchards. In 1837 a log courthouse and a log jail were completed in Nashville, the county seat. The current courthouse was completed in 1874 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Links to Brown County State Park Adventures The Abe Martin Lodge where Adventure Begins. Brown County State Park camping every KIDS's summer vacation. Brown County State Park Hiking Trails surrounded by Nature. Brown County State Park Horses & Ponies every Child's Dream.

Brown County State Park in Brown County Indiana