HISTORIC CORYDON CELEBRATES 200TH ANNIVERSARY AS INDIANA'S HOMETOWN

                    Scenic Harrison County Provides Visitors History, Hiking and Hostas

Corydon, IN - Now is the perfect time to experience Historic Corydon and surrounding Harrison County as the Southern Indiana community, the state's first capitol and site of the state's only Civil War battle, celebrates its bicentennial with a variety of special events throughout 2008.

Located along the Ohio River 30 miles west of Louisville, Corydon offers visitors a wide variety of historical attractions; hiking in dramatically scenic caves; other outdoor fun; family activities; unforgettable eateries, including old-fashioned ice cream shops that lure locals and visitors alike; and an abundance of nurseries and gardens that have attracted the attention of national publications such as Better Homes & Gardens.

Founded in 1808 when a government surveyor platted land that was settled by the family of Edward Smith, Corydon became popular when General William Henry Harrison, then the Governor of the Northwest Territory and later the ninth president of the US, would visit the area while en route to Vincennes, IN.  In 1816, Corydon became the state's first capitol, which was when Indiana became the nation's 19th state. Corydon remained the capital until it moved to Indianapolis in 1825.

The city's unique place in Indiana history will be celebrated throughout 2008 during the town's Bicentennial Celebration.  Several special events are planned, including an honorary event in June that will feature the dedication of a memorial to former Gov. Frank O'Bannon.

"Corydon and Harrison County have been popular tourist destinations for many years, and now we are eager to use the Bicentennial Celebration to invite those who have not visited our community in the past," said Jim Epperson, executive director of the Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Corydon and Harrison County feature an abundance of caves, hiking trails and O'Bannon Woods State Park that entice visitors to spend hours exploring the area's natural beauty. Other outdoor fun includes golf, outdoor putt putt, indoor mini golf, bicycling. Three old-time ice cream parlors have served up frozen confections, along with a big scoop of Americana, for more than 50 years. Shopping, special events and a riverboat casino also attract visitors to the region.

An incredible collection of sites and attractions also await travelers, from an historic Civil War battlefield to the Wyandotte and Marengo Caves, where enormous passages are highlighted by dazzling formations. The State Historic Site marks Corydon's place as Indiana's first capitol, while travelers are fascinated by the Constitution Elm and tours of the Leora Brown School, one of the nation's oldest standing early African American schoolhouses. Plenty of diverse dining and accommodations include a historic B&B, affordable modern hotels, country cafes and even a luxurious riverboat casino.  Complete information and a free visitors guide are available at thisisIndiana.org or (888) 738-2137.
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