Rushville, Indiana
Rushville, Indiana, a small, typical Midwestern town with a population of only about 6,000 people and the county seat of Rush County, lies about an hour outside of Indianapolis. The city is mainly known for the role it played in the 1944 presidential election: it was the headquarters for Wendell Wilkie’s unsuccessful campaign against Franklin D. Roosevelt. Wilkie is buried in the East Hill Cemetery in Rushville.
Rushville, Indiana is also known for its annual celebration of Indiana farming heritage that draws people from all over the Midwest. Hosted by the local Pioneer Engineers Club, one of the oldest groups of its kind the nation, the festival enlightens the general public on the culture of rural life by putting club members’ hard work on display annually in August.
Video of the gravesite of Wendell Wilkie in Rushville, Indiana
Club members gather all year round in Rushville, Indiana with the common purpose of reliving the old farming days by collecting and restoring old farm equipment. The festival generally showcases over 30 steam engines and 300 tractors that have been restored by the members. A collection of old cars, trucks, and farming tools are exhibited as well, and over 200 flea market vendors, unique crafts, and food vendors add to this unique Indiana event.
Video of steam engines on display in Rushville, Indiana
See articles and photos on the top Rushville restaurants
