National Register Listing

Purviance, Samuel, House

a.k.a. Nazarene Annex

326 S. Jefferson, Huntington, IN
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

commerce architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.
Indiana is the birthplace of the first black Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but grew up in Indiana, where he attended high school and college.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.