Vanderburgh County, Indiana

Albion Flats Alhambra Theatorium American Trust and Savings Bank (Indiana Bank) Auto Hotel Building Barrett's Britz Building Bayard Park Historic District Bedford, William, Sr., House Bernardin-Johnson House Bitterman Building Black, Glenn A., House Boehne, John W., House Building at 223 Main Street Busse House Cadick Apartments (Plaza Building) Carpenter, Willard, House Central Library Citizens National Bank Conner's Bookstore Court Building (Furniture Building) Culver Historic District Eagles Home Evansville Brewing Company Evansville College Evansville Downtown Historic District Evansville Journal News Evansville Municipal Market Evansville Post Office Fellwock Garage Firestone Tire and Rubber Store Former Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Residence Garvin Park Geiger, Fred, and Sons National Biscuit Company Gemcraft-Wittmer Building General Cigar Company German Bank Greyhound Bus Terminal Harding and Miller Music Company Hebron Meadows Historic District Helfrich, Michael D., House Hooker-Ensle-Pierce House Hose House No. 10 Hose House No. 12 Huber Motor Sales Building Igleheart, Edgar A., House Independence Historic District Indiana Bell Building Ingle Terrace Koester/Patburg House Kuebler-Artes Building Kuehn, August, House Leich, Charles, and Company Liberty Baptist Church Lincolnshire Historic District Lockyear College Maier, Peter Augustus, House Masonic Temple McCurdy Building (Sears, Roebuck and Company Building) McCurdy Hotel McJohnston Chapel and Cemetery Mead Johnson River-Rail-Truck Terminal and Warehouse Montgomery Ward Building Morris Plan (Central Union Bank) National City Bank Newman, M. G., Building O'Donnell Building Oak Hill Cemetery Ohio Street Bridge Old Bittermann Building Old Fellwock Auto Company Old Vanderburgh County Courthouse Orr Iron Company Parson and Scoville Building Pearl Steam Laundry Puster, L., and Company Furniture Manufactory Reitz, John Augustus, House Ridgway Building Riverside Historic District Roelker, John H., House Rose Terrace Salem's Baptist Church Schaeffer, Michael, House Siegel's Department Store Smith, Robert, Mortuary Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Coliseum St. John's Evangelical Protestant Church Sunset Park Pavilion Sweeton, Charles, House USS LST 325 (tank landing ship) Van Cleave Flats Victory Theater and Hotel Sonntag Washington Avenue Historic District Willard Library YMCA YWCA Zion Evangelical Church

Vanderburgh County, located in the southwestern part of Indiana, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee, Miami, and Potawatomi, who utilized the abundant natural resources for hunting, farming, and trade. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement being established in 1803.

The county was officially organized in 1818 and named after Henry Vanderburgh, a judge and prominent political figure in the Indiana Territory. During the 19th century, Vanderburgh County became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal in the 1830s, connecting the county to other regions. This led to increased trade and economic growth, with industries like manufacturing, coal mining, and riverboat navigation flourishing.

Vanderburgh County played a significant role in the Civil War, with several residents volunteering to fight for the Union cause. The county also witnessed the arrival of African American settlers, many of whom were former slaves seeking freedom and opportunities. The African American community made significant contributions to the county's culture and economy.

In the 20th century, Vanderburgh County continued to develop economically and socially. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to a boom in the petroleum industry, and the growth of manufacturing and healthcare sectors contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Vanderburgh County is home to the city of Evansville, which serves as its county seat and remains a vibrant center for commerce, education, and culture.
Brief timeline of the history of Vanderburgh County, Indiana:

  • January 7, 1818 - Vanderburgh County is established by the Indiana General Assembly.
  • 1818-1820 - County population grows slowly as settlers begin to establish farms and businesses in the area.
  • 1821 - Evansville, the county seat, is officially laid out and begins to attract more settlers and economic growth.
  • 1830 - Vanderburgh County's population reaches over 2,000.
  • 1837-1839 - The county experiences rapid growth due to the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal, which connects the county to the Great Lakes.
  • 1850s - Vanderburgh County becomes an important shipping and manufacturing center, with industries such as brewing, distilling, and tobacco processing.
  • 1862-1865 - Vanderburgh County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • Late 1800s - The county sees further growth with the expansion of railroads and the rise of coal mining and oil drilling industries.
  • Mid-1900s - Vanderburgh County becomes a center for healthcare, education, and service industries.
  • 1970s-present - The county continues to grow and develop, with a focus on urban revitalization and economic diversification.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Vanderburgh County, Indiana.