Orange County, Indiana

Braxtan, Thomas Newby, House Dixie Garage First Baptist Church French Lick Springs Hotel Homestead Hotel Jenkins Place Lindley, Thomas Elwood, House Lynd School Newberry Friends Meeting House Orange County Courthouse Orleans Historic District Oxford Hotel Paoli Historic District Shindler-Stetson House West Baden National Bank West Baden Springs Hotel

Apollo: Spring No. 3 Archway Brick Drive Freeman Corner Freeman's Corner French Lick - Historic Hotels of America Golf Courses Indiana Initial Point Memorial Joe Louis Bridge Orange County Civil War Memorial Orange County Courthouse Orange County Honor Roll Orange County Revolutionary War Honor Roll / Orleans Area War Memorial Orleans Congress Square Orleans Public Library Orleans School Bell Orleans War Memorial Phoenix on the Square Pivot Point Seal Fountain Site of The French Lick Fort Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company Sprudel: Spring No. 7 St. Ignatius Cemetery Sunken Garden The Eighth Wonder of the World Revived The Springs Traveling in Style: The Monon Connection U.S. Army Hospital West Baden Depot

Orange County, Indiana has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Potawatomi, who lived off the land and used the rivers for transportation and trade. European settlers began moving to the area in the early 1800s, establishing small communities and farms.

The county was officially formed in 1816, making it one of the oldest counties in the state of Indiana. It was named after the orange hue of the local soil, which was unusual for the region. The early economy of Orange County revolved around agriculture, with crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco being the mainstay of the local farmers.

The discovery of mineral springs in the late 19th century brought tourism and a new industry to Orange County. Visitors flocked to the area to experience the healing properties of the springs, leading to the establishment of numerous hotels and resorts. This development brought prosperity and growth to the county, and the towns of French Lick and West Baden Springs became popular tourist destinations.

During the early 20th century, Orange County faced economic challenges due to the decline of mineral springs as a tourist attraction. However, the construction of the West Baden Springs Hotel in 1902 revitalized the tourism industry, making it one of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Today, Orange County continues to be a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, charming towns, and beautiful natural landscapes.

Brief timeline of the history of Orange County, Indiana:

1816 - Orange County, Indiana is established as part of the Indiana Territory.
1817 - Paoli is selected as the county seat.
1830 - Population of Orange County reaches 5,046.
1859 - The first railroad, Southern Railway, is constructed in Orange County.
1863 - During the American Civil War, Paoli is the site of the Battle of Paoli, a minor engagement.
1900 - The population of Orange County peaks at 18,946.
1911 - West Baden Springs Hotel, a luxurious resort and spa, opens in West Baden Springs.
1920s - Prohibition negatively affects the spa industry in Orange County.
2004 - Orange County approves the construction of the French Lick Resort Casino, reviving the tourism industry.
2010 - The population of Orange County stands at 19,840.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Orange County, Indiana.

Orange County, Indiana

National Register Listings 16

Historical Markers 31

Brief timeline of the history of Orange County, Indiana: