National Register Listing

Hirt, Alfred, House

W. Walnut Street Rd., Greencastle, IN
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1991.

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.

commerce architecture houses residential buildings
The first public demonstration of the electric light bulb was given by Thomas Edison in Menlo Park, New Jersey, but the first practical incandescent light bulb was invented by Lewis Howard Latimer, who was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts, but lived in Indiana for a time. Latimer was also the first African American to be employed as an engineer by the U.S. Patent Office.
Indiana random facts
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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.