National Register Listing

Salem's Baptist Church

728 Court St., Evansville, IN
Local significance of the building:
European; Architecture; Religion

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

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.

ethnic heritage european architecture religion Baptist denomination churches
Audiobooks about the history of Indiana.
The notorious bank robber John Dillinger was born in Indiana in 1903. He gained national notoriety during the Great Depression for a string of daring bank robberies and was eventually shot and killed by law enforcement in 1934.
Indiana random facts
Vanderburgh County, located in the southwestern part of Indiana, has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Shawnee, Miami, and Potawatomi, who utilized the abundant natural resources for hunting, farming, and trade. European settlers began arriving in the late 18th century, with the first permanent settlement being established in 1803.

The county was officially organized in 1818 and named after Henry Vanderburgh, a judge and prominent political figure in the Indiana Territory. During the 19th century, Vanderburgh County became an important transportation hub with the construction of the Wabash and Erie Canal in the 1830s, connecting the county to other regions. This led to increased trade and economic growth, with industries like manufacturing, coal mining, and riverboat navigation flourishing.

Vanderburgh County played a significant role in the Civil War, with several residents volunteering to fight for the Union cause. The county also witnessed the arrival of African American settlers, many of whom were former slaves seeking freedom and opportunities. The African American community made significant contributions to the county's culture and economy.

In the 20th century, Vanderburgh County continued to develop economically and socially. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century led to a boom in the petroleum industry, and the growth of manufacturing and healthcare sectors contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Vanderburgh County is home to the city of Evansville, which serves as its county seat and remains a vibrant center for commerce, education, and culture.

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

  • January 7, 1818 - Vanderburgh County is established by the Indiana General Assembly.
  • 1818-1820 - County population grows slowly as settlers begin to establish farms and businesses in the area.
  • 1821 - Evansville, the county seat, is officially laid out and begins to attract more settlers and economic growth.
  • 1830 - Vanderburgh County's population reaches over 2,000.
  • 1837-1839 - The county experiences rapid growth due to the completion of the Wabash and Erie Canal, which connects the county to the Great Lakes.
  • 1850s - Vanderburgh County becomes an important shipping and manufacturing center, with industries such as brewing, distilling, and tobacco processing.
  • 1862-1865 - Vanderburgh County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • Late 1800s - The county sees further growth with the expansion of railroads and the rise of coal mining and oil drilling industries.
  • Mid-1900s - Vanderburgh County becomes a center for healthcare, education, and service industries.
  • 1970s-present - The county continues to grow and develop, with a focus on urban revitalization and economic diversification.