National Register Listings in
Huntington County, Indiana

Chenoweth-Coulter Farm Chief Richardville House and Miami Treaty Grounds Drover Town Historic District German Reformed Church Hawley Heights Historic District Hotel LaFontaine Huntington Courthouse Square Historic District Kline, John and Minerva, Farm Memorial Park Moore/Carlew Building North Jefferson Street Historic District Old Plat Historic District Purviance, David Alonzo and Elizabeth, House Purviance, Samuel, House Rangeline Road Bridge Sunken Gardens Taylor-Zent House Victory Noll-St. Felix Friary Historic District William Street School Young-Yentes-Mattern Farm
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
Huntington County, Indiana, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Miami, Potawatomi, and Wea tribes. These tribes lived off the land, hunting, farming, and trading with nearby communities.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the area, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1834 and named after Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The first town, Huntington, was founded in 1835 and quickly grew as more settlers arrived.

A significant event in the county's history occurred in the late 19th century with the arrival of the railroads. The rail lines connected Huntington County with the rest of the country, leading to increased trade and economic growth. The county became an important transportation hub, attracting industries and businesses, including manufacturing and agriculture.

Huntington County also played a role in the development of the automotive industry. R.S. Owen, a local inventor, built the first gasoline-powered tricycle in Huntington County in 1897, which is considered an early precursor to the automobile. The county has also had notable figures, such as Dan Quayle, who served as Vice President of the United States from 1989 to 1993, and astronaut Joe Allen, who flew on two space shuttle missions.

Today, Huntington County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. The county is known for its vibrant community, picturesque landscapes, and commitment to preserving its historical heritage.

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

  • 1832: Huntington County is established on February 2.
  • 1834: The first settlers arrive in the county.
  • 1835: The first school is built in the county.
  • 1839: The town of Huntington is platted.
  • 1848: The county's first newspaper, "The Democrat," is published.
  • 1850: The county's population reaches 4,110.
  • 1861-1865: Huntington County residents serve in the Civil War.
  • 1872: The Huntington County Courthouse is completed.
  • 1902: The interurban railway connects Huntington to nearby cities.
  • 1947: Our Sunday Visitor, a Catholic publishing company, is founded in Huntington.
  • 1979: Huntington University is granted university status.
  • 1994: The county's population reaches 37,124.
  • 2004: The Sheets Wildlife Museum opens in Huntington.