Oxford, Indiana: Birthplace of Dan Patch, Famous Harness Racing Horse

The barn in which he was born has had its roof emblazoned with his name and his record-setting one-mile time.

Address:: S. Michigan St., Oxford, IN
Directions:: East edge of town. The barn roof -- and an accompanying historical marker -- face Hwy 55/Michigan St. just north of its intersection with eastbound Hwy 352/Benton St.

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Dan Patch Barn.

Dan Patch's Birthplace

After all the hullabaloo with the 2008 Kentucky Derby, Eight Bells collapse (so sad), and Big Brown's victories following, I had to make a stop in Oxford, IN to see the birthplace of a famous harness racing horse, Dan Patch.

Dan Patch was a horse born on April 29, 1896 in Oxford, Indiana. As a young colt Dan hardly appeared destined to be a sports icon for the state of Indiana. Apparently his knees were bowed or knobby so bad he had to be helped to stand up to nurse. After a patient four years with a livery stable owner who asked to train him, Dan Patch entered into harness racing. He went on to be a racing sensation, setting a record in September 8, 1906 at the Minnesota State Fair race track. 1:55 for the mile that wasn't broken for 32 years.

The barn this horse-racing legend was born in still stands and proudly proclaims the victory. The white barn loudly displays "Home of Dan Patch 1:55" on its roof along with a historic information marker.

[Sandra Nantais, 07/07/2008]