Tri-State Tornado

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Tri-State Tornado

Side One: Tri-State Tornado, March 18, 1925

After devastating parts of Missouri and Illinois, the Tri-State Tornado crossed the Wabash River and entered southern Indiana on its 219-mile path. The tornado destroyed the town of Griffin and caused massive damage to Owensville before hitting Princeton’s south end at 4:18 p.m. Here, the tornado struck quickly with no warning, killing 45 people and injuring hundreds.

Side Two: 1925 Tri-State Tornado

Within hours, help came from nearby towns, the American Red Cross, and the Indiana National Guard. Hundreds of homes, the Baldwin Heights School, and major industries such as the H.J. Heinz plant and Southern Railway shops were destroyed, but the community quickly rebuilt. The Tri-State Tornado’s death toll led the U.S. Weather Bureau to call for state warning systems.

Installed 2025 Indiana Historical Bureau, City of Princeton, Gibson Co. Emergency Mgmt. Agency, Gibson Co. Visitors & Tourism, Inc., Princeton Public Library, and William G. Pomeroy Foundation