1. USS Argosy Grave Sites
Among Perry County’s most fascinating and little-known Civil War landmarks are the USS Argosy Grave Sites. Located near the Ohio River, this solemn site commemorates a tragic event that occurred during the Civil War when the steamer USS Argosy encountered a violent storm. Driven ashore by the severe weather, the vessel’s boilers exploded, resulting in the deaths of ten Union soldiers.
The gravesites serve as a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives in the disaster and offer visitors a tangible connection to Perry County’s wartime history. While many Civil War stories focus on famous battlefields, this site highlights the dangers soldiers also faced while traveling the nation’s waterways. The peaceful setting along the river stands in stark contrast to the tragedy that unfolded here, making it a meaningful stop for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in Indiana’s role during the Civil War.
Today, the USS Argosy Grave Sites remain one of Perry County’s hidden historical treasures—a quiet place where visitors can reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and the powerful influence the Ohio River had on life, commerce, and military operations in the nineteenth century.
2. William Tell and Son Statue
The Swiss heritage of Tell City is celebrated in dramatic fashion through the William Tell and Son statue. Modeled after the famous monument in Altdorf, Switzerland, the sculpture depicts the legendary marksman William Tell and his son, recalling the famous tale of the apple shot from the boy’s head. The monument reflects the Swiss roots of Tell City’s founders and remains one of the community’s defining landmarks.
3. Lafayette Springs
Long before modern highways crisscrossed southern Indiana, travelers depended on natural springs for fresh drinking water. Lafayette Springs is one of the county’s most historic examples. Local tradition holds that the spring was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette during his celebrated tour of the United States in the 1820s.
Today, the spring remains a picturesque roadside landmark. Cool water still flows from the hillside, and the site offers a glimpse into the days when pioneers, river travelers, and early settlers relied on natural water sources throughout the region. It’s a simple stop, but one rich in local history and charm.
4. The Celtic Cross
Few visitors expect to find one of the world’s largest in-situ Celtic crosses tucked into the hills of Perry County. Located near Cannelton, this remarkable work of art was carved directly from a massive natural stone outcrop. Standing approximately 22 feet tall, the cross was conceived by Gary and Lynn Dauby and sculpted by local artist Greg Harris. It is widely regarded as the largest known Celtic cross carved from a single stone in its original location.
The cross rises dramatically from the hillside, blending artistry, spirituality, and nature into one unforgettable roadside stop. Whether you’re interested in Celtic symbolism, sculpture, or simply scenic views, this attraction is worth the detour.
5. Electra Crash Site Memorial
Hidden among the rural hills near Cannelton is one of Indiana’s most poignant aviation memorials. The Electra Crash Site Memorial marks the location where Northwest Orient Flight 710, a Lockheed L-188 Electra, crashed on March 17, 1960, claiming the lives of all 63 people aboard. A granite monument stands above the original impact site, preserving the memory of one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indiana history.
Today, the peaceful setting contrasts sharply with the tragedy that occurred here. Visitors will find a quiet place for reflection, surrounded by farmland and woods. The memorial serves as both a historical landmark and a tribute to those who lost their lives.
6. Huffman Covered Bridge
No Perry County road trip would be complete without a visit to the historic Huffman Covered Bridge. Built in 1864–1865, this 148-foot wooden bridge spans the Anderson River and connects Perry and Spencer counties. Constructed using the Burr Arch truss design, it is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in southern Indiana and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
The bridge’s weathered timbers and rural surroundings create a scene that feels unchanged from another century. Photographers love its rustic appearance, while history enthusiasts appreciate the craftsmanship that has allowed it to survive for more than 160 years. Legend even places young Abraham Lincoln in the area when the nearby mill was operating.
7. Christ of the Ohio
Towering above the Ohio River near Troy is one of Perry County’s most recognizable landmarks: Christ of the Ohio. Created by German sculptor Herbert Jogerst and dedicated in the 1950s, the statue overlooks the river from a bluff nearly 75 feet above the roadway below. The figure stands more than 11 feet tall and has become a beacon for river travelers and motorists alike.
The overlook provides beautiful views of the Ohio River Valley, making this stop about more than the statue itself. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas that stretch for miles along the river corridor.
Located near the heart of town, the statue provides an excellent introduction to Tell City’s unique cultural history. It also serves as a reminder that Perry County’s story extends far beyond the Ohio River and into the traditions brought by immigrants who settled here in the nineteenth century.
A Road Trip Through Perry County’s Hidden History
What makes these seven attractions special isn’t their size or fame—it’s the stories they tell. From a tragic aviation disaster and a centuries-old covered bridge to a towering Celtic cross and a Swiss folk hero, each stop reveals a different chapter of Perry County’s history.
Most travelers know Perry County for its scenic river views and outdoor recreation, but these free roadside attractions offer something equally rewarding: a chance to discover the unexpected. Fill up the gas tank, grab a camera, and spend a day exploring the hidden landmarks that make this corner of Indiana unlike anywhere else.
