Loading...
The Wabash River, which flows through western Indiana, was the inspiration for the state song, "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away," written by Paul Dresser in 1897. It became one of the most popular songs of its time and has since become a symbol of the state's heritage.
About Daviess County
Daviess County Timeline
Daviess County, located in the southwestern part of Indiana, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Miami and Piankeshaw tribes. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the establishment of Fort Knox on the Wabash River.
The county was officially established in 1817, and was named after Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, a soldier and lawyer who was killed during the Battle of Tippecanoe. The early economy of Daviess County relied heavily on agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county flourished with the development of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets, facilitating trade and industry.
One significant event in the county's history was the Morgan's Raid during the Civil War. In July 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan led a group of soldiers through Daviess County on their way to the Ohio River. They caused chaos and destruction along their path, looting homes and businesses. However, local citizens managed to hinder Morgan's progress, and he was ultimately captured in Ohio.
In the 20th century, Daviess County experienced further growth and development. The discovery of oil and gas fields in the area led to an economic boom in the early 1900s, attracting new industries and investors. The county's agricultural sector also expanded, with an emphasis on livestock farming and dairies.
Today, Daviess County is a thriving community with a well-diversified economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Rich in history and natural beauty, the county offers a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit.
The county was officially established in 1817, and was named after Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, a soldier and lawyer who was killed during the Battle of Tippecanoe. The early economy of Daviess County relied heavily on agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The county flourished with the development of the railroad, which connected it to larger markets, facilitating trade and industry.
One significant event in the county's history was the Morgan's Raid during the Civil War. In July 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan led a group of soldiers through Daviess County on their way to the Ohio River. They caused chaos and destruction along their path, looting homes and businesses. However, local citizens managed to hinder Morgan's progress, and he was ultimately captured in Ohio.
In the 20th century, Daviess County experienced further growth and development. The discovery of oil and gas fields in the area led to an economic boom in the early 1900s, attracting new industries and investors. The county's agricultural sector also expanded, with an emphasis on livestock farming and dairies.
Today, Daviess County is a thriving community with a well-diversified economy, including manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Rich in history and natural beauty, the county offers a mix of rural charm and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit.
Daviess County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Daviess County, Indiana.
- 1816: Daviess County was founded on February 14 as one of the original 33 counties of Indiana.
- 1818: The county seat, Washington, was established.
- 1839: Daviess County experienced an economic boom due to the discovery of large amounts of coal, leading to increased mining activity.
- 1850s: The Underground Railroad became active in Daviess County, aiding escaped slaves in their journey to freedom.
- 1860s: During the Civil War, Daviess County sent troops to fight for the Union cause.
- 1875: The Daviess County Courthouse, a Romanesque-style building, was completed and still stands today.
- 1908: The first paved road in Daviess County was completed.
- 1926: The Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway in the United States, passed through Daviess County.
- 1970s: The county experienced a decline in coal mining activity and began to diversify its economy.
- 1990s: Development of the US 50 Bypass brought increased traffic and commerce to the county.
- Present: Daviess County continues to thrive as a rural community with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service-based industries.