A Fresh Look For The Milan "State Champs" Water Tower

Monday, April 16, 2018 at 10:21 AM

By Milan '54 Museum, news release

The water tower is proclaimed as the most famous in Indiana.

The Milan water tower before (left) and after (right) it's renovation. Photos provided.

(Milan, Ind.) - The historic Milan, Indiana Water Tower proclaiming “State Champs 1954” has received a new facelift. Constructed in 1924, the most famous Water Tower in Indiana has proclaimed Milan’s 1954 Indiana High School Boys Basketball State Championship since the mid 1950’s.

A $28,452.00 grant from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation provided the bulk of the funding to the town of Milan for the project while a collection jar placed in a local Milan liquor store provided an additional $1,091.85.

“We are very proud to be able to restore this iconic water tower for the community of Milan and the people of Indiana,” said Milan Town Board President Noel Houze. “This is something that we have wanted to do for a long time.”

Last painted in 1969, the tower once provided fire protection for the long closed Milan Furniture Company.  The Town of Milan acquired the tower in 2011 in the hopes of preserving part of Milan’s history. In recent years the tower was showing its age.

In 2017 the Town of Milan, in conjunction with the Milan ’54 Hoosiers Museum, began efforts to restore the tower. Newly painted in black with white lettering, the tower is also now lighted nightly for the first time ever.

The tower is located just outside of Milan’s downtown district next to the railroad tracks.

More from Local News


Events

Local Schools Recognized for High Literacy Rates

Over 400 schools achieved a 95 percent or higher passage rate on the 2025 IREAD.

Indiana State Parks Offers Free Annual Entrance Passes for Foster Families

To get a pass, families need to fill out a short form.

Two Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop

The arrests occurred on Webers Lane in Franklin County.

Local Sports Report - April 23, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

EC's Perkins Sets School Record in 200 Meter Dash

The IU commit was on fire on Wednesday night.

Switz. Co. 7th Grader Sets School Record in Shot Put

The record was set at Wednesday night's quad meet in Vevay.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Alabama - Old Flame

Steve Holy Brand New Girlfriend 22:39
Mitchell Tenpenny We Got History 22:35
Rodney Atkins It's America 22:32
Oak Ridge Boys Trying to Love Two Women 22:29