Historical marker honors Switzerland County's roots, wine heritage

(VEVAY, Ind.) – The State of Indiana dedicated a new historical marker in Vevay on Saturday. 

It is at Musee de Venoge which is located at 4085 State Road 129.

The marker recognizes the Swiss immigrants who helped develop the wine industry in southern Indiana. 

A celebration was held throughout the afternoon that included music, exhibits, speakers, and children’s activities.  

This is the sixth state historical marker to be installed in Switzerland County. You can learn more and follow Musee de Venoge by clicking here.

The marker reads:

French-speaking Swiss immigrant Jean Jacques Dufour came to the United States in 1796 to establish a commercial vineyard.

In 1802, he received a 2,500-acre land grant from Congress to cultivate grapes in this region. Swiss immigrants joined him in settling the area which they called “New Switzerland.” 

Vintner Louis Gex Oboussier owned this parcel of land by 1805. By 1812, wine from “New Switzerland” gained national renown. '

Oboussier’s brother-in-law, Jacob Weaver, and his wife Charlotte, bought the land from him by 1815, and settled here in 1828. Weaver established a farmstead, ferry, and carding mill. By the 1830s, regional winemaking declined. 

Musée de Venoge began preserving the site and history of the Swiss vintners in 1995.