Rose Island (amusement park)

rdf:langString Rose Island (amusement park)

rdf:langString Rose Island

rdf:langString Site of suspension bridge to Rose Island

rdf:langString U.S.

rdf:langString E.B. Rose

rdf:langString Closed

rdf:langString Rose Island was an abandoned amusement park near Charlestown, Indiana, situated on a peninsula (the "Devil's Backbone") created by Fourteen Mile Creek emptying into the Ohio River. It was a recreational area known as Fern Grove in the 1880s, mostly used as a church camp. It was so named due to the many ferns that grew there. The Louisville and Jeffersonville Ferry Company acquired it and developed it in order to increase the use of its ferry business. As Fern Grove it thrived on church picnics and family outings. The Great Depression hurt business, but its closure was due to damage caused by the 1937 Flood. Ten feet of water covered the park, and the damage was too much in order to rebuild for the 1937 season. Trees have fallen on the bridge and have destroyed all but the supports. Although covered with ivy, the swimming pool was still in excellent condition as late as 1980. Most of the buildings have left no trace, although a few brick formations remain.