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The notorious bank robber John Dillinger was born in Indiana in 1903. He gained national notoriety during the Great Depression for a string of daring bank robberies and was eventually shot and killed by law enforcement in 1934.
About Decatur County
Decatur County Timeline
Decatur County, Indiana holds a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1822. Named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, a prominent naval officer in the United States Navy, the county emerged as settlers from Kentucky, Virginia, and the Carolinas began moving westwards in search of new opportunities. The county was initially mainly covered in forests and established as an agricultural community.
In its early years, Decatur County experienced rapid growth, attracting both new settlers and industries. The development of railroads in the mid-19th century brought significant economic growth to the county, serving as a vital transportation link for both people and goods. This infrastructure development led to an increase in population and the establishment of small towns and villages throughout the county.
Decatur County's history is also marked by its involvement in the American Civil War. Many residents served in the Union Army, and the county experienced its fair share of battles and skirmishes. The town of Greensburg, the county seat, played a significant role during the war, serving as a supply depot for Union troops and even briefly housing Confederate prisoners. The war took a toll on the county, but it rebounded quickly in the post-war years.
In the 20th century, Decatur County continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The construction of highways and the rise of the automobile industry further connected the county to the rest of the nation. The county's agricultural and manufacturing industries thrived, and the ongoing development of infrastructure and services made Decatur County an attractive place to live and work.
Today, Decatur County remains a vibrant and close-knit community, valuing its rich history while embracing progress and growth. The county maintains a strong agricultural sector, while also fostering a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The sense of community pride and the preservation of its historic sites and landmarks serve as a reminder of the county's past and its potential for future development.
In its early years, Decatur County experienced rapid growth, attracting both new settlers and industries. The development of railroads in the mid-19th century brought significant economic growth to the county, serving as a vital transportation link for both people and goods. This infrastructure development led to an increase in population and the establishment of small towns and villages throughout the county.
Decatur County's history is also marked by its involvement in the American Civil War. Many residents served in the Union Army, and the county experienced its fair share of battles and skirmishes. The town of Greensburg, the county seat, played a significant role during the war, serving as a supply depot for Union troops and even briefly housing Confederate prisoners. The war took a toll on the county, but it rebounded quickly in the post-war years.
In the 20th century, Decatur County continued to evolve and adapt to the changing times. The construction of highways and the rise of the automobile industry further connected the county to the rest of the nation. The county's agricultural and manufacturing industries thrived, and the ongoing development of infrastructure and services made Decatur County an attractive place to live and work.
Today, Decatur County remains a vibrant and close-knit community, valuing its rich history while embracing progress and growth. The county maintains a strong agricultural sector, while also fostering a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The sense of community pride and the preservation of its historic sites and landmarks serve as a reminder of the county's past and its potential for future development.
Decatur County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Decatur County, Indiana.
- 1822 - Decatur County is established
- 1832 - The town of Greensburg is founded, serving as the county seat
- 1844 - First newspaper, The Decatur Register, is published
- 1861-1865 - Many residents of Decatur County serve in the Union Army during the American Civil War
- 1887 - Greensburg becomes the first city in the world to successfully operate the "Tree City" electric streetcar system
- 1925 - Decatur County Courthouse is destroyed by a fire
- 1927 - The current Decatur County Courthouse is built
- 1954 - Greensburg is struck by a devastating tornado, resulting in the rebuilding of the city
- 1973 - Decatur County Historical Society is formed
- 2005 - Greensburg becomes internationally recognized for its sustainable and energy-efficient initiatives