National Register Listing

Union High Academy Historic District

a.k.a. Union Bible Seminary;Union Bible College;057-667-25001-4

434 S. Union St., Westfield, IN
Local significance of the district:
Education; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

education religion
The first European settlement in Indiana was established by the French in 1732 at Vincennes, in the southwestern part of the state.
Indiana random facts
Hamilton County, Indiana, named in honor of Alexander Hamilton, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The first non-native settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, predominantly from Kentucky and Ohio. The county was officially established on January 8, 1823, with Noblesville as its county seat.

During the 19th century, Hamilton County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Peru & Indianapolis Railroad in the 1850s fueled economic prosperity and brought increased connectivity to the region. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's economy during this period, with corn and wheat as the primary crops.

The late 19th century witnessed the growth of small towns surrounding Noblesville, such as Carmel, Fishers, and Westfield. The development of these towns was primarily driven by the expansion of transportation systems, including the interurban railway and the Indianapolis Traction Terminal. These infrastructure improvements allowed for increased commerce and commuting between Hamilton County and Indianapolis.

In the 20th century, Hamilton County continued to experience growth and urbanization. Post-World War II, suburbanization led to increased residential development in the county, as families sought more space and a quieter lifestyle outside the city. Today, Hamilton County is known for its thriving economy, excellent schools, and high quality of life. It continues to attract both businesses and residents, with a rich history that serves as a foundation for its vibrant present.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hamilton County, Indiana.

  • 1823 - Hamilton County is established.
  • 1833 - The county seat is established in Noblesville.
  • 1836 - The first school is built in Hamilton County.
  • 1851 - The first railroad, the Peru & Indianapolis Railroad, reaches Hamilton County.
  • 1858 - The first newspaper, the Hamilton County Ledger, is published.
  • 1861-1865 - Hamilton County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Hamilton County experiences significant growth in population and agriculture.
  • 1897 - The first automobile arrives in Hamilton County.
  • 1912 - The Indianapolis Power & Light Company brings electricity to Hamilton County.
  • 1942-1945 - Hamilton County supports the war effort during World War II.
  • 1950s - Suburbanization begins in Hamilton County.
  • 1962 - Conner Prairie, an interactive living history museum, is founded.
  • 1980 - The Indiana Transportation Museum is established in Hamilton County.
  • 1990s - Hamilton County becomes one of the fastest-growing counties in Indiana.
  • 2008 - Carmel, a city in Hamilton County, is named the "Best Place to Live in the United States" by Money magazine.