National Register Listings in Greene County, Indiana
The limestone industry has played a significant role in Indiana's economy and culture. The state is often called the "Limestone Capital of the World" and the stone has been used in many notable buildings, including the Empire State Building in New York City.
About Greene County
Greene County Timeline
Greene County, Indiana has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1821. The first settlers in the area were primarily of Scotch-Irish descent, drawn to the region for its fertile farmland and abundant natural resources. These early pioneers relied on agriculture and hunting for their livelihoods, carving out a life in the wilderness.
In the mid-19th century, the discovery of coal brought significant changes to Greene County. The county's vast coal reserves attracted mining companies and immigrants, resulting in rapid economic growth. Coal mining became the backbone of the local economy, with the county boasting numerous mines, railroads, and bustling mining towns. The influx of workers from various backgrounds transformed the county's demographics and contributed to its cultural diversity.
The county also played a noteworthy role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. Many abolitionists in Greene County were part of this clandestine movement, risking their lives to assist those seeking to escape the horrors of slavery. The county's proximity to the Ohio River made it a crucial stop on the journey to freedom for many enslaved individuals.
In the 20th century, Greene County continued to evolve and adapt. The decline of coal mining in the mid-20th century led to economic challenges for the county. However, efforts to diversify the local economy through industrialization and the development of agriculture helped the county recover. Today, Greene County is known for its mining heritage, natural beauty, and agricultural prowess, with a mix of small towns and rural landscapes that preserve its historical charm.
In the mid-19th century, the discovery of coal brought significant changes to Greene County. The county's vast coal reserves attracted mining companies and immigrants, resulting in rapid economic growth. Coal mining became the backbone of the local economy, with the county boasting numerous mines, railroads, and bustling mining towns. The influx of workers from various backgrounds transformed the county's demographics and contributed to its cultural diversity.
The county also played a noteworthy role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to freedom. Many abolitionists in Greene County were part of this clandestine movement, risking their lives to assist those seeking to escape the horrors of slavery. The county's proximity to the Ohio River made it a crucial stop on the journey to freedom for many enslaved individuals.
In the 20th century, Greene County continued to evolve and adapt. The decline of coal mining in the mid-20th century led to economic challenges for the county. However, efforts to diversify the local economy through industrialization and the development of agriculture helped the county recover. Today, Greene County is known for its mining heritage, natural beauty, and agricultural prowess, with a mix of small towns and rural landscapes that preserve its historical charm.
Greene County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Greene County, Indiana.
- 1811 - Greene County established by an act of the Indiana Territory legislature
- 1821 - Bloomfield becomes the county seat
- 1839 - Linton founded and becomes a key trading and agricultural center
- 1851 - First railroad, the Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad, reaches Greene County
- 1861-1865 - Greene County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1875 - Switz City founded as a shipping point for the railroad
- 1900s - Coal mining becomes a major industry in Greene County
- 1937 - Production of the Newark Group Mill begins in Worthington
- 1980s - Decline of the coal mining industry affects the county's economy
- Present - Greene County continues to be a rural community with a focus on agriculture and manufacturing