RESORTS, RAIL, & RISE 1890s — 1920s
TRANSITION & RENEWAL 1990s — 2020s
By the early twentieth century, Orange County was a leading Midwest resort destination. Expanding hotels and rising tourism shaped Orange County’s identity and provided steady work for local families.
In the late twentieth century and into the next, investment, restoration, and infrastructure improvements began reshaping Orange County once again. This period renewed confidence in the destination’s future. Restoration, improved access, and investment laid the groundwork for a new era of tourism and regional identity.
Tom Taggart buys French Lick Springs Hotel. West Baden Springs Hotel unveils the world’s largest dome over its atrium.
1887-1888
1915-1918
Monon Railroad extension is built to
Orleans Public Library is built with the help of a Carnegie grant, and Paoli Carnegie Public Library opens shortly after.
French Lick Casino opens November 3rd, 2006, in the dawn of French Lick Resort. West Baden Springs Hotel reopens the next year.
serve the county’s hotels. Lee Sinclair buys West Baden Springs Hotel.
1996
2009
1901-1902
Indiana Landmarks places West Baden Springs Hotel on its “10 Most Endangered” list. Cook Group begins to plan aquisition and restoration.
French Lick Springs Hotel completes its renovation, adding 18 more holes of championship golf to its historic roster.
2006-2007
1978
1932-1934
French Lick Springs Hotel sells for $4 million.
Ed Ballard closes West Baden Springs Hotel and later donates it to Jesuits as a seminary.
Paoli Peaks Ski Resort opens, attracting thousands of skiers each year.
1946
BEYOND THE RESORT ERA 1930s — 1980s
Learn more about our rich & resilient culture. TimelessFrenchLick.com
As hotels closed or changed hands and industries faded, the county continued forward. Families stayed, adapted, and built lives beyond the resort economy. The valley had always been more than its hotels.
page 13 | French Lick Springs Hotel, 1845. to left | the lift at Paoli Peaks. this page | West Baden Springs Hotel atrium.
14
About Us 15
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator