National Register Listing

North Vernon Downtown Historic District

a.k.a. 079-087-472-21000

Bounded by Sixth and Chestnut Sts., Keller St., Fourth and Main, and Jennings, North Vernon, IN
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

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.

architecture commerce transportation
Indiana is home to the world's largest ball of paint, which is located in Alexandria. The ball started as a small paint-covered baseball in 1977 and has been continuously added to by visitors ever since.
Indiana random facts
Located in the state of Indiana, Jennings County has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Miami. European settlers began to arrive in the late 18th century, with the arrival of the French and British explorers. The county was officially founded in 1817 and is named after Jonathan Jennings, the first Governor of Indiana.

One significant event in Jennings County's history was the construction of the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad in the mid-19th century. This railroad connected the county to major cities, leading to an increase in population and economic growth. Agriculture played a crucial role in the county's development, with the fertile soil supporting a thriving farming community. The arrival of the railroad also facilitated the growth of industries such as manufacturing and lumber.

During the American Civil War, Jennings County was divided in its support for the Union and the Confederacy. Many residents enlisted in both armies, leading to tensions within the community. The county suffered from both military actions and guerrilla warfare. Post-war reconstruction brought changes to the county, including the development of infrastructure such as roads and schools.

In the 20th century, Jennings County continued to evolve. The city of North Vernon became the county seat in 1873 and has remained an important center of commerce and government. The county's population expanded, and education and healthcare systems developed to meet the needs of its residents. Today, Jennings County is a vibrant community that maintains strong ties to its agricultural roots while embracing modern industries and technologies.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jennings County, Indiana.

  • 1816 - Jennings County is established on February 1.
  • 1844 - The county seat is moved from Vernon to Vernon Cross Roads, which is later renamed as North Vernon.
  • 1851 - The first railroad, the Madison and Indianapolis Railroad, is completed in Jennings County.
  • 1854 - The county courthouse, built in North Vernon, is destroyed by fire.
  • 1859 - The current county courthouse is constructed in North Vernon.
  • 1861-1865 - Jennings County is heavily involved in the American Civil War.
  • 1888 - The Vernon-Muscatatuck Consolidated School is founded, which later becomes Muscatatuck State Developmental Center.
  • 1937 - The county courthouse is extensively remodeled.
  • 1983 - The Jennings County Historical Society is founded.
  • 2008 - FEMA, in partnership with Jennings County, constructs an emergency operations center as part of the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center near North Vernon.