Quick: think of three famous people from Indiana. First and foremost, usually, people think of Michael Jackson (or the Jackson 5), which is fair, considering he was born and raised in Gary. Another famous name, however, that might come to mind is that of James Dean – a Hollywood heartthrob and shooting star whose budding career was cut short following a fatal car accident. James Dean was – and always will be – a Hoosier and his gravesite is located right here in Indiana. You can still visit to this day.

James Byron Dean was born on February 8th, 1931, in Marion, Indiana.
█ Slices of Light ✴ █▀ ▀ ▀ /Flickr
His life - and his career - was short, fast, and, one might argue, beautiful. He was everything the era loved in a rising star: talented, intelligent, handsome, and with a vibrant sense of humor that drew folks right to him.
Dean began his legendary career with something simple: a pop commercial.
Howard Owens/Flickr
From there, he would go on to be in television, theatre, and film, with his most famous role being in Rebel Without A Cause, in which he portrayed what's thought to be the first depiction of "teen angst" in movies. His career was already incredibly promising, and he likely would have easily made a lifelong career in all three mediums.
Despite the short length of his lifetime, his name, image, and spirit are alive and well.
sbmeaper1/Flickr
Dean is immortalized in countless documentaries, thousands (if not more) of amazing art pieces all over the world, and, of course, within the hearts of folks that still consider themselves fans of Dean today.

Related Stories

A Little-Known Slice Of Indiana History Can Be Found In The Middle Of A Road

A Little-Known Slice Of Indiana History Can Be Found In The Middle Of A Road

 Most People Don't Know That Much Of The Modern Vehicle Was Invented Right Here In Indiana

Most People Don't Know That Much Of The Modern Vehicle Was Invented Right Here In Indiana

 Numerous UFOs Were Sighted In Indiana Decades Ago And It's Among The Most Credible Sightings In History

Numerous UFOs Were Sighted In Indiana Decades Ago And It's Among The Most Credible Sightings In History
Although he traveled for various shows on stage and on screen, Indiana was always where Dean considered home.
Warner Bros/Wikimedia
No matter where he was, what he was working on, or what he was doing, his heart's compass always pointed to the American Midwest. Following the accident that took his life, he returned home for good; he was laid to rest at Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Indiana.
You can come visit him to this day.
M. Jeremy Goldman/Flickr
Oftentimes, folks leave flowers, and many people - men and women - have put on some lipstick to kiss Dean's headstone. It isn't every day that you get to visit with an American icon, after all.
Although his life came to an abrupt end in California, Dean rests forever here, at home.
jess.g./Flickr
Only in Indiana.

If you’re planning to visit Fairmount and need somewhere to stay, our friends at VRBO have plenty of unique options. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to check out some of the other most interesting cemeteries in Indiana.

Are you a James Dean fan? What’s your favorite work of his? Let me know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Indiana

Featured Addresses
Park Cemetery, 7843 S 150 E, Fairmount, IN 46928, USA