National Register Listing

Old Warrick County Jail

124 E. Main St., Boonville, IN
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

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 jails and prisons
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
Warrick County, located in southwestern Indiana, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Miami, Shawnee, and Delaware. European settlement in the region began in the late 1700s, with fur traders and settlers arriving along the Ohio River.

In the early 1800s, the Indiana Territory was established, and Warrick County was officially organized in 1813. The county was named after Captain Jacob Warrick, who had fought and died in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. During this time, farming and agriculture became the primary industries in the county, with settlers cultivating corn, wheat, and tobacco.

In the mid-19th century, Warrick County experienced significant growth and development with the arrival of railroads. The expansion of the railroad network brought increased commerce, transportation, and new opportunities for trade and industry. Boonville, the county seat, became an important trading hub and attracted businesses and residents.

Throughout its history, Warrick County has faced various challenges and changes. The county was heavily impacted by the Great Depression in the 1930s, causing economic hardship for many residents. However, the establishment of Alcoa Warrick Operations in the 1960s brought renewed economic growth to the county. Today, Warrick County continues to be a vibrant community with a diverse economy, blending its agricultural roots with modern industries and a thriving population.

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

  • 1813 - Warrick County was established on February 15.
  • 1818 - Boonville was chosen as the county seat.
  • 1820 - The first courthouse was constructed.
  • 1858 - The current Warrick County Courthouse was built.
  • 1861-1865 - Warrick County residents served in the American Civil War.
  • 1905 - The first steel bridge in the county was constructed.
  • 1937 - A devastating flood affected the county.
  • 1958 - Alcoa began aluminum production, becoming a major employer.
  • 2000 - Warrick County's population exceeded 50,000 residents.