Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad Depot
111 N. 7th St., Decatur, IN Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2017.
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.
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.
The area that is now Adams County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Potawatomi. The first white settlers arrived in the area around 1835, seeking fertile land for farming. They established several small communities, including Decatur, the county seat, which became a central hub for the region's development.
In the mid-19th century, Adams County experienced significant growth with the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal in 1853. The canal connected the area to the Great Lakes, allowing for easier transportation of goods and fostering economic expansion. Farmers were able to ship their products more efficiently, and new businesses, such as mills and factories, emerged along the canal. This period of prosperity led to the increased settlement of the county.
Adams County played a significant role in the Civil War. Many young men enlisted in the Union Army, and the county provided soldiers for several notable regiments. The county also experienced firsthand the impact of the war, with conflicts and skirmishes occurring throughout the region. Following the war, Adams County's economy slowly recovered, and advancements in agriculture and industry brought a new era of growth and development.
Today, Adams County continues to be an important agricultural region, known for its corn, soybeans, and livestock production. It is also home to various manufacturing industries, offering employment opportunities for the local community. The county retains its small-town charm, with historic buildings, family farms, and a sense of community pride in its rich history.
Adams County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Indiana.
- 1835: Adams County is established as the 42nd county in Indiana.
- 1836: The county seat is founded and named Decatur.
- 1837: The courthouse is constructed in Decatur.
- 1852: The Wabash and Erie Canal reaches Decatur, boosting the area's economy.
- 1861-1865: Many residents of Adams County fight in the Civil War.
- 1871: The Decatur Bells, a local baseball team, is formed.
- 1897: The first automobile is owned by a resident of Decatur.
- 1934: The Adams County Historical Society is established.
- 1953: The Limberlost State Historic Site, dedicated to author Gene Stratton-Porter, is opened.
- 2003: The Adams County Bicentennial Plaza is constructed to celebrate the county's 200th anniversary.