Honoring Boone County’s Revolutionary War Patriots During America 25

As communities across the country prepare to celebrate America 250, Boone County continues a meaningful local effort to honor the men who helped shape the nation’s earliest history. Since January, commemorative wreath-laying ceremonies have been held throughout Boone County recognizing all 20 Revolutionary War patriots buried within the county – a powerful tribute leading up to the special gathering on June 24, 2026, on the lawn of the Boone County Courthouse.

These ceremonies have become more than historical observances. They’ve created moments of connection across generations, with descendants of these patriots traveling to Boone County to stand where their ancestors are laid to rest and take part in honoring their legacy. Families have shared stories, history, and pride as the community reflects on the sacrifices made during America’s founding.

The June 24 event will bring the community together for a final commemorative gathering celebrating these patriots and Boone County’s role in the national America 250 celebration.

The day begins with a community gathering from 11:00-11:45 a.m. at the Discover Boone County building at 115 W. North Street in Lebanon. Guests are invited to stop by for light refreshments, conversation, and reflection before the formal ceremony.

At 12:00 p.m., a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Boone County Courthouse Square, honoring five Revolutionary War patriots memorialized at the courthouse monument. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to join the procession starting at Beck Cemetery to honor three additional patriots in Boone County.

As part of this ongoing effort to properly recognize Boone County’s Revolutionary War patriots, the memorial plaque located on the courthouse square has also been updated to include all 20 patriots buried throughout Boone County. The plaque is currently being replaced, and organizers are hopeful installation will be completed in time for the June 24 event.

Visitors downtown may also notice a new tribute displayed throughout the courthouse square. The James Hill Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently installed 20 commemorative banners honoring each Revolutionary War patriot buried in Boone County. Each banner features the patriot’s name along with their place of service, creating a powerful visual reminder of the individuals who fought for America’s independence and later helped shape the Boone County community.

Community members and visitors are encouraged to attend this meaningful event as Boone County celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and recognizes the individuals whose service helped shape the nation.

In addition to the ceremonies, visitors are encouraged to stop inside the Boone County Courthouse rotunda to view the return of a treasured piece of local history – the Boone County Bicentennial Quilt.

Now rehung between the second and third floors of the courthouse rotunda, the quilt was originally created in 1976 as a community project celebrating America’s Bicentennial, or 200th anniversary. The quilt was handmade by residents and members of the Boone County Extension Homemakers and remained on display in the courthouse for 41 years.

In August 2017, the quilt was carefully removed and transported to the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis for long-term preservation and archival care. Its return to the courthouse offers the community another opportunity to reconnect with a meaningful symbol of Boone County’s shared history and community spirit.

As America 250 approaches, these events serve as a reminder that history is not only found in textbooks, but in the stories, families, traditions, and community efforts that continue to connect generations today.

We hope you’ll join us on June 24 as Boone County honors its Revolutionary War patriots and celebrates America’s past, present, and future.