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Tipton, Indiana

Coordinates:40°16′55″N86°02′32″W/ 40.28194°N 86.04222°W/40.28194; -86.04222
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Tipton, Indiana
City
Tipton County Courthouse in Tipton
Tipton County Courthousein Tipton
Location of Tipton in Tipton County, Indiana.
Location of Tipton in Tipton County, Indiana.
Coordinates:40°16′55″N86°02′32″W/ 40.28194°N 86.04222°W/40.28194; -86.04222
CountryUnited States
StateIndiana
CountyTipton
Government
•MayorKegan Schmicker (R)[citation needed]
Area
[1]
• Total2.63 sq mi (6.80 km2)
• Land2.63 sq mi (6.80 km2)
• Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) 0%
Elevation
[2]
869 ft (265 m)
Population
(2020)
• Total5,275
• Density2,009.52/sq mi (775.79/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5(EST)
• Summer (DST)UTC-4(EDT)
ZIP code
46072
Area code765
FIPS code18-75986[3]
GNISfeature ID2397028[2]
Websitewww.tiptongov.com

Tiptonis a city in and thecounty seatofTipton County,Indiana,United States.[4]The population was estimated to be 5,275 as of July 1, 2021.[5]

History[edit]

TheTipton County CourthouseandTipton County Jail and Sheriff's Homewere added to theNational Register of Historic Placesin 1984.[6]

Samuel King founds Kingston[edit]

The first white person to settle in the area now known as Tipton was Samuel King, who purchased land between 1835 and 1836. The land was still a part ofHamilton County.He resided inRush County,but visited the area frequently.Strawtown, Indianawas the closest trading post. King decided to found a town on the land he purchased and heplattedthe town on April 16, 1839. The town was named Kingston.[7]Despite efforts, King failed to sell any of the plots that he platted. A fewMiami Indiansresided in the area still.[8]

In January, 1844,Tipton Countywas founded and a county seat needed to be created. The county seat was originally going to be located in the middle area of the county, however, Miami Indians resided on the land and they were unable to create a town there. The county commissioners put out a call for landowners to propose that the county seat be placed on their land. King offered to donate 100 acres of Kingston. On October 16, 1844, the commissioners accepted his offer.[8]

Canton[edit]

The commissioners were in charge of also naming the new town. Commissioner John D. Smith, who used to reside inOhio,proposed to name the town Canton, afterCanton, Ohio.The commission accepted the name. After October, it was decided toplatCanton. The area had to be cleared of trees and plants, and John Criswell did the surveying for $2 a day. Sales of the plots began in November. As of March 1845, 34 lots had been sold.[9]

Canton becomes Tipton[edit]

In 1845, apost officewas going to be established in Canton. However, this did not proceed because it was discovered that there was a town already namedCantonin the state, which was founded in 1838.[10][11][12]The town was renamed Tipton, afterJohn Tipton,a veteran of theBattle of Tippecanoeand theWar of 1812.He was also the leader of theIndiana Rangers.[10][13]Tipton served asUnited States Senatorfor Indiana from 1831 until shortly before his death in 1839.[14]Finally, a post office was founded and John S. Ressler became the firstpostmaster.[10]

Early Tipton was unorganized, with log cabins and poorly built homes riddling the streets and not following the platting. Cows wandered through town and wild game was chased by residents through the streets. It was veryrural.There was no telegraph or steam train, so communication with areas outside of the area were rare during this time. Residents lived mainly on hunting. Agriculture was poorly developed.[15]Tipton was also known for flooding and mud, with people having to frequently walk through flood waters and swamp-like areas to get from house to house during wet seasons. By 1850, the population doubled and a physician, Isaac Parker, had founded his practice in the city.[16]

Cholera epidemic[edit]

Around August 1, 1845, the city entered into acholeraepidemic. The majority of residents fled the city. Livestock began dying of starvation and dehydration due to being left in their pens due to their owners deaths or fleeing of the city. One resident, Mason Lyons, freed all the animals that were still alive, allowing them to wander into the forest to feed. Stores and businesses closed. There were three doctors in town, including Isaac Parker. Over 20 people died. The epidemic lasted approximately one month.[16][17]

Late 1800s and incorporation[edit]

In 1854, the TiptonPresbyterianChurch was founded in the city, after being dissolved inNormanda.[18]AChristian churchwas founded in Tipton in 1855. Its congregation met at the Methodist Episcopal church until a church was built in 1870. The congregation built a new church, the West Street Christian church, that was completed in 1908.[19]The court house burnt down in 1857. The Methodist church served as the court house for three years until the new courthouse was finished.[20]In 1872, the Jefferson street canal was built, which helped to drain the surface areas of the town. The canal was nonexistent by 1914.[17]The firstCatholicchurch was built in Tipton in 1874.[21]By 1880, Tipton was primarily low-income and had little to no economy. Saloons were the most profitable businesses. Starting in 1880, the town began to rebuild its reputation. An incentive was offered to whoever built the first brick building. The Methodist church outgrew its building and the new church was the first brick building, starting the trend for two-story brick buildings in the town.[17]Tipton wasincorporatedin 1884, becoming the "city" of Tipton. The first city election was held in 1884.[22]

In 1888, theSisters of St. Josepharrived in Tipton to settle. A small church was built and they founded St. Joseph Academy, aparochial school.[23]The school closed in 1977.[24]ABaptist churchwas organized in Tipton in 1898, with a church being built in 1900.[25]

Geography[edit]

Tipton is located 36 miles (58 km.) almost due North of the state Capital, Indianapolis.

According to the 2010 census, Tipton has a total area of 2.5 square miles (6.47 km2), all land.[26]

Natural environment[edit]

In 1849, the city was covered in trees,underbrush,logs, stumps and wild vines and weeds. A largeswampwas located on the southeastern part of the town square. On the north side of the square was aslough.Wolves,bull frogs,deer,mosquitos,and wild game were commonplace.[15]

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850197—
1860513160.4%
187089273.9%
18801,25040.1%
18902,697115.8%
19003,76439.6%
19104,0758.3%
19204,50710.6%
19304,8617.9%
19405,1014.9%
19505,63310.4%
19605,604−0.5%
19705,313−5.2%
19805,004−5.8%
19904,751−5.1%
20005,25110.5%
20105,106−2.8%
20205,2753.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[27]

2010 census[edit]

As of thecensus[28]of 2010, there were 5,106 people, 2,218 households, and 1,356 families residing in the city. Thepopulation densitywas 2,042.4 inhabitants per square mile (788.6/km2). There were 2,471 housing units at an average density of 988.4 per square mile (381.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.1%White,0.1%Black,0.2%Native American,0.6%Asian,0.7% fromother races,and 1.3% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 2,218 households, of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% weremarried couplesliving together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age in the city was 39.9 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.3% were from 25 to 44; 25.9% were from 45 to 64; and 17.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census[edit]

As of thecensus[3]of 2000, there were 5,251 people, 2,239 households, and 1,415 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,834.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,094.6/km2). There were 2,401 housing units at an average density of 1,296.2 per square mile (500.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.00%White,0.15%African American,0.17%Native American,0.55%Asian,0.27% fromother races,and 0.86% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoof any race were 1.54% of the population.

Tipton County courthouse

There were 2,239 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% weremarried couplesliving together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.8% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.91. In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,075, and the median income for a family was $47,083. Males had a median income of $35,805 versus $22,112 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $19,489. About 3.8% of families and 7.2% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy[edit]

19th century[edit]

Daniel Smith opened the firsttavernin Tipton, then known as Canton, called the Canton House. A second tavern was opened in 1846 by Andrew J. Redmond, who would eventually become the townsheriff.[9]John Cassler was the first merchant to locate his business in Tipton. On the east side of the town square, Cassler ran his business out of alog cabin.In 1845, he was granted the license to sell groceries and liquor. Starting in 1850, Newton J. Jackson began selling goods. He eventually became the firstauditorfor the county. Charles and Conde Bishop were the firstcarpentersin Tipton. A tanyard was founded by William and Elijah Hall in 1847. The business closed in 1882 due to innovations intanning.[10]Merchandise was delivered to Tipton via wagons and on horseback fromLafayette,Peru,andIndianapolis.[15]By 1851, Tipton hadblacksmiths,acabinetmaker,a bakery, asaddlery,and agunsmith.The Young Furniture Company was founded in 1850.[16]

20th century[edit]

The Lake Erie & Western Shops were located in Tipton, which, as of 1914, employed 350-400 people.[29]The TiptonChamber of Commercewas founded on March 24, 1914.[30]Canningwas a popular industry in Tipton during the early 20th century. The industry was brought to Tipton by N.S. Martz. Tomato processing was common due to the high quality blackloamin the area. The Fame Canning Company canned corn, peas and tomatoes. The Snider Preserve Company processed tomatopulp.The Oakes Manufacturing Company producedpoultryincubatorsand related supplies for international distribution. There were twobuggyfactories in Tipton, too: the Binkley Buggy Company and the Charles Bros. Carriage Factory. The J.J. McIntoshbroomfactory was the largest in the state.[31]

Tourism[edit]

A hotel was founded in 1852 by Harrison A. Woodruff. As of 1914, the hotel had become the location of anOddfellowshall. A second hotel, the Smith Hotel, was built in 1852, too, at the corner of Main and Jefferson. Two additional hotels were built in the town, the City Hotel, which is no longer standing, and a frame hotel built by John Long in 1865. The hotel was destroyed by a fire in 1873. A brick hotel was built on the same site, called the Commercial Hotel. In 1914, it was described as "a first-class hotel," with "all modern hotel conveniences."[10]

Arts and culture[edit]

The city library was founded in 1900 and built in 1901. It opened in Spring 1901 and over 500 books were donated to the library. In 1915,Andrew Carnegiedonated $10,000 to the city with the agreement that city would contribute $1,000 towards library operations annually. TheCarnegie Librarybegan construction on October 15, 1902. The library does not stand today. An endowment was founded by a donor, Nannie R. Shirk, who named the endowment after her late husband, E.H. Shirk.[32]

Annual cultural events[edit]

Every year, the weekend afterLabor Daythe Tipton County Pork Festival takes place. The event features a parade, a queen contest where Miss Pork Cuisine is crowned, food and music.[33]

Parks and recreation[edit]

In the early 20th century, 26 acres of land were set aside for a Tipton City Park, with streams and trees. The park was prone to flooding fromCicero Creek,however, during the summer, the park was popular for itshoneysuckleplants.[29]

Education[edit]

Early history[edit]

The first school to open in Tipton was in the winter of 1846–7. School took place at alog cabinin what is now downtown Tipton. Students attended school two to three months out of the year. Teachers were poorly paid and often boarded with the families of the students they taught to make ends meet. Aframe school housewas built in 1852, which provided a permanent learning space for residents. The school was also used as a church at times, and as of 1914 a church had been built on the former school site.[34]

In 1867, a new school was built due to the growth of the population. The new school cost $15,000, had two stories and six rooms and a library. Classes were first held in 1869. A second school, totaling eight rooms, was built in 1890. A high school was built in 1910.[35]

TheSisters of St. Josephcame to Tipton in 1888 and founded a parochial school called St. Joseph's Academy. The school servedhigh schoolstudents. It ceased operations in 1972.[24]

Today[edit]

Primary and secondary schooling[edit]

Tipton Community School Corporation serves the city of Tipton, and the southern half of Tipton County, with anelementary school,middle school,andhigh schoolco-located on one campus on the south-side of town. District enrollment for the 2014–15 school year comprised 1,732 students.[36]As of 2006, 93% of the school population wasCaucasian.[37]

Tipton Schools counts 1,851 students in K-12, with 97% beingwhite,and the remaining 3% eitherAfrican-American,Hispanic,Native American,Indian, ormultiracial. St. John the Baptist School served grades K-5, and was aRoman Catholicschool. This institution closed in 2014 due to low enrollment.[38]

Tipton County jail.

Tipton has apublic library,a branch of the Tipton County Public Library.[39]

Infrastructure[edit]

Transportation[edit]

In the mid to late 19th century, Tipton was known as being a very dirty and muddy place. Transportation was poor, with a poorly maintained railroad and "mud boats" being noted types of transportation. Mud boats were boat-like vehicles which were powered byoxenand transported people through the large amounts of mud in the area.[15]Flooding was also common during this period.

In 1890, Tipton became the first city in the state to have brick paved streets. Representatives from Tipton traveled toBloomington, Illinoisto examine that city's brick streets and upon returning to Tipton they commissioned 2 1/2 blocks of brick paving on Jefferson Street.[22]It was resurfaced with brick in 1914.[22][29]Even in 1914, Tipton had more paved streets than any other city in the state.[29]

Highways

RailRoads

Historically, Tipton had no formal railroad. Around 1850, a railroad was located in the area and was described by a visitor as being "the worst railroad bed I had ever seen." The train would stop anywhere on the line and pick up people, not needing a proper station. It sometimes did not stop, moving slowly enough that people could jump onto it.[15]

Utilities[edit]

The Tipton Light, Heat and Power Company was founded in 1888. Citizens' Gas Company as founded in 1892. Indiana Gas Light Company bought Citizens' in 1913.Natural gaswas piped in fromWest Virginiato a depot inElwoodfor distribution in Tipton. The Tipton Electric Light and Water Works was founded in 1898. Thewater supplystation was built in 1894-5 for $3,500.[22]As of 1914, Tipton had asewersystem with 12 miles of piping.[29]

Healthcare[edit]

As of 1845, Tipton had no proper healthcare.Quinineandwhiskeywere used to help withmiasmafrom the surrounding wetlands and country.[15]By 1850, the first physician had founded his practice in Tipton, Isaac Parker.[16]In 1854, the town suffered from a cholera epidemic.

Notable people[edit]

References[edit]

Footnotes[edit]

  1. ^"2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMarch 16,2022.
  2. ^abU.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Tipton, Indiana
  3. ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 31,2008.
  4. ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
  5. ^"QuickFacts Tipton County, Indiana".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedJanuary 16,2023.
  6. ^"National Register Information System".National Register of Historic Places.National Park Service.July 9, 2010.
  7. ^Pershing, p. 92
  8. ^abPershing, p. 93
  9. ^abPershing, p. 94
  10. ^abcdePershing, p. 95
  11. ^History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington Counties, Indiana: From the Earliest Time to the Present.Higginson Book Company. 1884. pp.781.
  12. ^Stevens, Warder William & Davis, Lulie (1916).Centennial History of Washington County, Indiana: Its People, Industries and Institutions.McDowell Publications. p. 549.
  13. ^M.W. Pershing (c. 1905).The Life of General John Tipton And Early Indiana History.Indiana: Tipton Literary And Suffrage Club of Tipton, Indiana. p. 45.
  14. ^De Witt Clinton Goodrich & Charles Richard Tuttle (1875).An Illustrated History of the State of Indiana.Indiana: R. S. Peale & co. pp.574.
  15. ^abcdefPershing, p. 96
  16. ^abcdPershing, p. 97
  17. ^abcPershing, p. 98
  18. ^Pershing, p. 209
  19. ^Pershing, p. 201
  20. ^Pershing, p. 196
  21. ^Pershing, p. 204
  22. ^abcdPershing, p. 99
  23. ^Pershing, p. 205
  24. ^abCullen, Kevin."Sisters to leave St. Joseph Center in Tipton".The Catholic Moment.Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana.RetrievedApril 18,2015.
  25. ^Pershing, p. 206
  26. ^"G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon February 13, 2020.RetrievedJuly 29,2015.
  27. ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
  28. ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedDecember 11,2012.
  29. ^abcdePershing, p. 100
  30. ^Pershing, p. 103
  31. ^Pershing, p. 104
  32. ^Pershing, p. 101
  33. ^Official Tipton County Pork Festival 2007 - Got Pork?
  34. ^Pershing, p. 186
  35. ^Pershing, p. 187
  36. ^School Enrollment by Grade Level, 2014,Indiana Department of Education
  37. ^Corporation Enrollment by Ethnicity and Free/Reduced Price Meal Status, 2006, Indiana Department of Education
  38. ^"St John the Baptist School - Tipton, Indiana".privateschoolsreport.com.
  39. ^"Homepage".Tipton County Public Library.RetrievedMarch 15,2018.
  40. ^"Jouer au Keno dans un casino - Casino en ligne"(PDF).Casino en ligne.
  41. ^Chinen, Nate."John Bunch, Pianist With Goodman and Bennett, Dies at 88".New York Times.RetrievedApril 10,2015.
  42. ^"Chris Faulkner".Players.NFL.RetrievedApril 10,2015.

Sources[edit]

  • Pershing, Marvin W. "History of Tipton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions". Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen (1914).

Further reading[edit]

  • Forstall, Richard L. (editor) (1996).Population of states and counties of the United States: 1790 to 1990: from the twenty-one decennial censuses.United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Population Division.ISBN0-934213-48-8.{{cite book}}:|first=has generic name (help)
  • Pershing, Marvin W. (c. 1905).The Life of General John Tipton And Early Indiana History.Tipton Literary And Suffrage Club of Tipton, Indiana. call number: 31833024982594.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tipton,_Indiana&oldid=1233953523"