The Jackson - Washington County State Forest encompasses 18,000 acres in Jackson and Washington counties. The State Forest provides scenic views, old growth forest and breathtaking hiking opportunities. Within Washington County the following lakes are in the Jackson-Washington State Forest. A valid Indiana Fishing License is required to fish at these lakes. Spurgeon Hollow Lake (12 acres) Potter Lake (10 acres) Plattsburg Pond (8 acres) Backcountry Hiking Trail at Spurgeon Hollow Lake The hiking trail at Spurgeon Hollow Lake runs a loop and is marked with blue blazes on the trees, and passes vistas, valleys and ridgetops. Sturdy hiking boo ...

John Hay was a great American statesman, diplomat, author and poet, whose political career spanned over 50 years. He was born in this small brick home, on College Avenue, in Salem, Indiana, on October 8, 1838. John was the fourth of five children, born in the house, to Dr. Charles Hay and the former Helen Leonard. The birthplace of John Hay is on the campus of the John Hay Center in Salem, Indiana

Confederate General John Hunt Morgan's men spent six days crossing through southern Indiana, leaving behind a swath of devastated homesteads and burnt buildings. Morgan’s men arrived in Salem on July 10th, 1863 at about 10:00am with four thousand men. After planting pieces of artillery on the hill south of Salem, he demanded the town’s surrender. Two men, home guards were killed west of Salem and another man was killed on Canton Road. Two other residents were shot but survived. A young man came to town with a squirrel rifle to defend Salem and was ordered to break his gun by Morgan’s men. He did not understand or comply and was shot down. The S ...

Coffee, traditional drinks, sweets and pastries available