Huntington County, Indiana

Banquo High School Burk's Lock Canal Landing on Washington Street / Jefferson Park Mall Chief Francis La Fontaine Civil War Memorial - - Monument City Cemetery Dallas Township World War II Roll of Honor Drover Town Elizebeth Smith Friedman Ex Parte Milligan Forks of Wabash Fred A. Loew General James R. Slack Home of Chief Richardville Huntington Civil War Memorial Huntington County Civil War Memorial Huntington County War Memorial Huntington Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Huntington High School Huntington Korean War Memorial Huntington Veterans Memorial Huntington Vietnam War Memorial Huntington World War I Memorial Huntington World War II Memorial Huntington's Ford and First Bridge / Huntington's Buildings Over the River In 1835, The Wabash & Erie Canal Was Completed In Memory of All Vietnam Veterans In Memory of Huntington County Boys, who lost their lives in the World War. Indian Mill Stone James Danforth Quayle John R. Kissinger Kiilhsoohkwa (Kilsoquah) Lessel Long Lockheed T-33A Shooting Star Markle Veterans Memorial Markle World War II Memorial Old Treaty Grounds Operation Iraqi Freedom Memorial Order of the Purple Heart Otto U. King, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. Pioneer Medical Doctors / Chase S. Osborn Rock House Samuel Huntington Scotton Grist Mill Taps The Hartleys The Huntington County Courthouse The Wabash & Erie Canal Fulfilled George Washington's Dream The “Lime City” Thomas Mill Water Turbine Wabash & Erie Canal Lock 4 Warren's Carnegie Library WWII Sherman Tank
Huntington County, Indiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Miami, Potawatomi, and Wea tribes. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading with nearby communities.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1834 and named after Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The first town, Huntington, was founded in 1835 and quickly grew as more settlers arrived.

A significant event in the county's history occurred in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroads. The rail lines connected Huntington County with the rest of the country, leading to increased trade and economic growth. The county became an important transportation hub, attracting industries and businesses, including manufacturing and agriculture.

Huntington County also played a role in the development of the automotive industry. R.S. Owen, a local inventor, built the first gasoline-powered tricycle in Huntington County in 1897, which is considered an early precursor to the automobile. The county has also had notable figures, such as Dan Quayle, who served as Vice President of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and astronaut Joe Allen, who flew on two space shuttle missions.

Today, Huntington County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The county is known for its vibrant community, picturesque landscapes, and commitment to preserving its historical heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Huntington County, Indiana:

  • 1832: Huntington County is established on February 2.
  • 1834: The first settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1835: The first school is built in the county.
  • 1839: The town of Huntington is platted.
  • 1848: The county's first newspaper, "The Democrat," is published.
  • 1850: The county's population reaches 4,110.
  • 1861-1865: Huntington County residents serve in the Civil War.
  • 1872: The Huntington County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1902: The interurban railway connects Huntington to nearby cities.
  • 1947: Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publishing company, is founded in Huntington.
  • 1979: Huntington University is granted university status.
  • 1994: The county's population reaches 37,124.
  • 2004: The Sheets Wildlife Museum opens in Huntington.

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