Howard County, Indiana

Howard County, Indiana has a rich history dating back to its founding on December 22, 1844. Named after General Tilghman A. Howard, an early settler and member of the Indiana State Legislature, the county was created out of a portion of neighboring Cass County. The county's initial settlement can be traced back to the 1830s when pioneers began to establish small communities in the area.

During its early years, Howard County was primarily an agricultural region, with settlers engaging in farming and raising livestock. The advent of the railroad in the mid-19th century brought about significant growth and development to the area. The arrival of the rail system facilitated the transportation of goods and attracted new industries to the county, including milling, manufacturing, and mining.

One of the most significant events in the county's history occurred in the late 19th century when natural gas was discovered in the area. The discovery brought about an economic boom, leading to the establishment of numerous companies and industries, including glass manufacturing and natural gas extraction. The abundance of natural gas propelled the region into a period of rapid growth and prosperity.

In the 20th century, the county continued to evolve, diversifying its industries and expanding its population. The city of Kokomo, the county seat, became a hub for automobile manufacturing, with several well-known automobile companies setting up production facilities in the area. The county also experienced its fair share of challenges, including economic downturns and the impact of natural disasters, but through resilience and innovation, it has maintained its position as a dynamic and thriving community.
Brief timeline of the history of Howard County, Indiana:

  • 1844 - Howard County is officially established as a county in Indiana
  • 1849 - Kokomo, the county seat, is platted
  • 1852 - The first courthouse in Howard County is completed
  • 1854 - The first railroad reaches Kokomo, boosting the local economy
  • 1872 - Kokomo becomes a city
  • 1884 - The discovery of natural gas leads to rapid industrial growth in the county
  • 1904 - The first automobile is produced in Howard County by the Apperson brothers
  • 1923 - Highway US 31 is completed, connecting Kokomo to other parts of Indiana
  • 1940s - Kokomo becomes a major manufacturing center during World War II
  • 1974 - The headquarters of Chrysler Corporation is established in Kokomo
  • 1990s - Howard County experiences a decline in manufacturing jobs
  • 2000s - Efforts to revitalize downtown Kokomo lead to redevelopment projects

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

Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.