Historical Markers in Putnam County, Indiana
10 O'Clock Treaty Line
Abraham Lincoln's Biography
Cannon's Men's Wear 1891 -- 1985
Donald J. Cook (1915 - 2005)
Dunbar Bridge
Eitel's Flowers
Eli Lilly & The Civil War ( 18611865 )
Foundation Rock
Handy's Dairy 1916 - -2002
Hillis Bridge
Houck Bridge
Indiana Asbury - - DePauw University
John Dillinger Was Here
Julian Family Home
Kappa Alpha Theta
Korean and Vietnam War Memorial
Minshall Laboratory, DePauw University
Percy Lavon Julian (1899-1975)
Portland Mills
Prevo 1900 - 1992
Putnam County Civil War Honor Roll
Putnam County Playhouse (PCPH)
Putnam County Revolutionary War Memorial
Putnam County Veterans Memorial
Putnam County World War I Memorial
Putnamville United Methodist Church
The Ancient Peoples Who Once Walked Here
The Buzz Bomb
The Founding of Greencastle, Indiana
The Founding of the Lilly Family in Greencastle, Indiana
The U.N. Tree
Women in Greencastle History
World War II War Memorial
About Putnam County
Putnam County Timeline
Putnam County, Indiana has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was named after Israel Putnam, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Delaware tribes. Settlement by European Americans began in the early 1820s, and the county was formally established in 1822.
During the 19th century, Putnam County saw significant growth and development. It became a prominent agricultural region, with farming and livestock becoming the main economic activities. The arrival of railroads in the mid-1800s further boosted growth, connecting the county to larger markets for its agricultural produce and encouraging industrial development.
In addition to its agricultural and industrial growth, Putnam County also played a role in the Underground Railroad. Some residents were active in helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Places like the Lincoln School and Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University) were important centers of the anti-slavery movement in the county.
The 20th century brought further changes and advancements to Putnam County. The county's agricultural economy evolved, with farming practices becoming more mechanized. The manufacturing sector also expanded, with the establishment of factories and industries that produced goods ranging from automobiles to farm machinery. Today, Putnam County continues to thrive as a diverse community, blending its rich history with a dynamic present.
During the 19th century, Putnam County saw significant growth and development. It became a prominent agricultural region, with farming and livestock becoming the main economic activities. The arrival of railroads in the mid-1800s further boosted growth, connecting the county to larger markets for its agricultural produce and encouraging industrial development.
In addition to its agricultural and industrial growth, Putnam County also played a role in the Underground Railroad. Some residents were active in helping enslaved African Americans escape to freedom in the northern states and Canada. Places like the Lincoln School and Indiana Asbury University (now DePauw University) were important centers of the anti-slavery movement in the county.
The 20th century brought further changes and advancements to Putnam County. The county's agricultural economy evolved, with farming practices becoming more mechanized. The manufacturing sector also expanded, with the establishment of factories and industries that produced goods ranging from automobiles to farm machinery. Today, Putnam County continues to thrive as a diverse community, blending its rich history with a dynamic present.
Putnam County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Putnam County, Indiana.
- 1821 - Putnam County was established on January 7th.
- 1831 - The county seat was relocated from Greencastle to Manhattan.
- 1833 - The county seat was moved back to Greencastle.
- 1861-1865 - Putnam County participated in the American Civil War.
- 1875 - DePauw University was founded in Greencastle.
- 1899 - The Cataract Falls State Reserve was established.
- 20th Century - Putnam County experienced agricultural growth and development.
- 1990s - The county saw a rise in population due to growth in the Indianapolis metropolitan area.