National Register Listing

Liberty Courthouse Square Historic District

Courthouse Sq, & adjacent blks. along Union & Market Sts., Liberty, IN
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Politics/government; Commerce

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

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 politics government commerce law courthouses buildings
The first European settlement in Indiana was established by the French in 1732 at Vincennes, in the southwestern part of the state.
Indiana random facts
Union County, Indiana, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and varied history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami and Shawnee, who sought the fertile land along the Whitewater River. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, with the establishment of a trading post in the area.

Union County was officially established in 1821 and named after the Constitutional Union Party, which aimed to preserve the country's unity during a time of great political turmoil. The county began to flourish as agriculture and manufacturing industries developed over the years. In the mid-1800s, the construction of railroads brought further growth and prosperity to the region.

During the American Civil War, Union County responded to the call for troops and contributed soldiers to the Union cause. The war had a significant impact on the county, with many families losing loved ones and the local economy being disrupted. Nevertheless, Union County persevered and resumed its growth in the post-war years.

In the 20th century, Union County adapted to the changing times and embraced modernization. The agricultural industry expanded, especially with the production of livestock and poultry. The county also saw advancements in education, with the establishment of a high school and numerous elementary schools. Today, Union County retains its agricultural heritage while also welcoming new industries and businesses, making it a vibrant and thriving community in Indiana.

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

  • 1805 - Union County is established by the Indiana Territory.
  • 1821 - A courthouse is built in Liberty, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1863 - During the American Civil War, Union County residents support the Union Army.
  • 1877 - The Pan Handle Railroad is completed, bringing economic growth to the county.
  • 1901 - The first automobile is introduced in Union County.
  • 1930 - The Great Depression impacts Union County, causing economic hardships.
  • 1964 - The Union County Historical Society is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 1997 - The Union County Courthouse undergoes a major renovation and restoration.