Notable People

Crown Hill Cemetery is home to over 225,000 fascinating people from all walks of life — soldiers, political leaders, racing legends, musicians, artists, authors, educators, athletes, and even a bank robber! We’re proud to preserve their final resting place and allow visitors to learn about their rich lives. There are thousands of stories to tell and we’ve just scratched the surface. The people buried and entombed here may be gone, but they’re certainly not forgotten.

Extensive List of Notable People Find A Grave Self-Guided Notables Tours

  • Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker

    Born in Dearborn County, Erwin George “Cannon Ball” Baker grew into a racing legend. His most famous victory came in 1909 when he won the first race ever held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This is also when he began his endurance runs, gaining publicity when he chased passenger trains from city to city.

  • Julia Carson

    Born in Kentucky but raised in Indiana, Julia Carson grew up poor in the public school system. She graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis in 1955 and went on to study at Martin University and Indiana University.

  • John Dillinger

    America’s first “Public Enemy No. 1,” John Dillinger is, of course, a legendary criminal. His deadly bank robberies and grisly getaways from the police made him one of the most feared gangsters of the 20th century.

  • President Benjamin Harrison

    The 23rd president of the United States — and the only one buried here at Crown Hill Cemetery. President Benjamin Harrison was practically born into politics, coming from a family whose male descendants were firmly rooted in political office for more than 250 years.

  • Colonel Eli Lilly

    Colonel Eli Lilly moved to Indiana in his teenage years. He attended Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University). At an early age, Lilly developed an interest in chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

  • James Whitcomb Riley

    Known as the “Hoosier Poet,” James Whitcomb Riley left an indelible mark amid the Golden Age of Indiana Literature. Renowned largely for his children’s poems, Riley’s most famous works — “Little Orphant Annie” and “The Raggedy Man” — served as the inspiration behind the Broadway musical Annie and the Raggedy Ann books and dolls, among many other works of entertainment.