National Register Listing

Bluffton Commercial Historic District

Roughly bounded by Wabash, Scott, Elm, and Marion Sts., Bluffton, IN
Local significance of the district:
Architecture; Commerce; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

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 commerce politics government
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the Indy 500, was originally built as a test track for car manufacturers. The first race was held in 1909 and it has since become one of the most famous race tracks in the world.
Indiana random facts
Wells County, Indiana, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Miami, Shawnee, and Delaware nations. European settlers began arriving in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile farmland and opportunities for trade. The county itself was officially established in 1837 and named after Captain William A. Wells, a prominent figure in local history who fought in the Battle of Tippecanoe.

The early years of Wells County were marked by rapid development and growth. Agriculture became a primary industry, with crops like corn, wheat, and oats being cultivated on the fertile soil. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s further accelerated growth, connecting Wells County to larger markets and boosting the local economy. The county became a major center for grain processing and became known for its flour mills and grain elevators.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wells County experienced industrial expansion and diversification. Factories and manufacturing plants were established, producing goods such as furniture, farm machinery, and automobile parts. The county's population also grew during this time, with many immigrants, mainly from Germany and Scandinavia, settling in the area.

In recent decades, Wells County has continued to evolve and adapt to changing times. Agriculture remains a significant part of the local economy, alongside a growing emphasis on business and industry. The county is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to preserving its rich history, which is evident in the many historical sites and museums scattered throughout the area.

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

  • 1837 - Wells County is established and named after Captain William Wells.
  • 1838 - The first settlers, Joseph S. Bell and William P. Huddleston, establish their homesteads in the county.
  • 1841 - The town of Bluffton is platted and becomes the county seat.
  • 1847 - The first newspaper, The Wells County Gazette, is published in Bluffton.
  • 1861-1865 - Wells County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - The population of Wells County reaches 10,000 residents.
  • 1884 - The Wells County Courthouse, designed by architect J.C. Johnson, is completed.
  • 1900-1950 - Wells County experiences significant agricultural growth and the development of manufacturing industries.
  • 1965 - The Bluffton Regional Medical Center is established to provide quality healthcare to the community.
  • 1989 - The Ouabache State Park is established, providing recreational activities for residents and visitors.
  • 2002 - The Little River Wetlands Project is initiated to preserve and restore wetland habitats in Wells County.