The Martin County Historical Society is working to honor the 28 soldiers of the 19th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment who lost their lives in a tragic train accident on September 17, 1861. The collapse of Bridge No. 48 near Willow Valley, 3.5 miles east of Shoals, caused one of Indiana’s deadliest train accidents, killing and mortally wounding 28 men and injuring 100 others. To commemorate the event, the Martin County Historical Society has raised $2,000 of the $5,400 needed to erect a monument engraved with the names of those who perished. Additionally, a $1,200 grant from the Martin County Community Foundation will fund a marker to accompany the monument, detailing the accident’s history and sharing a story about Captain Bushrod B. Howard and his connection to President Ulysses S. Grant. The Society aims to complete the project by September 2025, marking the 164th anniversary of the tragedy.
Donations for the monument can be sent to: Martin County Historical Society, 220 Capital Ave, Shoals, Indiana 47581
Checks should include “Willow Valley Civil War” in the memo line to ensure proper allocation. For additional information or alternative donation options, contact Society President Bill Greene or Project Lead Taylin Allen on Facebook.
