Orestes Indiana

Superior Street in Orestes looking north

Orestes is a small pleasant neighborhood in Indiana's heartland and is the home of a historic white oak tree, the best tasting tomato products in America and some of the friendliest people in the world. Originally named Lowry Switch, the hamlet sprouted from a railroad crossing and the woodlands and farm fields of Nathan Lowry. Postal confusion forced the community to change the name and after deliberations among townsfolk, the name Orestes came to the forefront. Nathan and Ellen McMahan lived in the countryside north of the community and were proud parents of a son, Orestes McMahan, born on Christmas day 1876. The name Orestes was uncommon and was adopted as the new name of our town.

A very special thanks goes out to fine folks of Orestes and nearby countryside for the great photographs and amusing tales of their families and community long ago. Without their offerings a big part of Orestes history would have been lost. Ask your more senior relatives and friends for a fine story today and lend your best ear.

Send us an Orestes story today!

Read the morning newspaper

Vernon's Weather Report

Indiana Road Conditions

Old Orestes Photographs

Madison County Atlas 1901

Alex-Monroe Twp Historical Society

Madison County Historical Society

Indiana Soldiers & Sailors

Ring the Baptist Church Bell

Courtesy of Rob Mittendorf

E-mail Dave Dwiggins

Our site contains the research of David Dwiggins. The information was obtained from the microfilms of the Alexandria Times Tribune, Elwood Call Leader, Anderson Herald, Anderson Bulletin, Orestes town records, writings of Samuel Harden, John Forkner, Ray Davis and others.

Udorn RTAFB, Thailand

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