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History of Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA
Journey back in time to Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville, Clark, IN
In 1786 Fort Finney was situated where the Kennedy Bridge is today to protect the area from Indians, and a settlement grew around the fort. The fort was renamed in 1791 to Fort Steuben in honor of Baron von Steuben. In 1793 the fort was abandoned. Precisely when the settlement became known as Jeffersonville is unclear, but it was probably around 1801, the year in which President Thomas Jefferson took office. In 1802 local residents used a grid pattern designed by Thomas Jefferson for the formation of a city. On September 13, 1803, a post office was established in the city. In 1808 Indiana's second federal land sale office was established in Jeffersonville, which initiated a growth in settling in Indiana that was further spurred by the end of the War of 1812.
Shortly after formation, Jeffersonville was named to be the county seat of Clark County in 1802, replacing Springville. In 1812 Charlestown was named the county seat, but the county seat returned to Jeffersonville in 1878, where it remains.
In 1786 Fort Finney was situated where the Kennedy Bridge is today to protect the area from Indians, and a settlement grew around the fort. The fort was renamed in 1791 to Fort Steuben in honor of Baron von Steuben. In 1793 the fort was abandoned. Precisely when the settlement became known as Jeffersonville is unclear, but it was probably around 1801, the year in which President Thomas Jefferson took office. In 1802 local residents used a grid pattern designed by Thomas Jefferson for the formation of a city. On September 13, 1803, a post office was established in the city. In 1808 Indiana's second federal land sale office was established in Jeffersonville, which initiated a growth in settling in Indiana that was further spurred by the end of the War of 1812.
Shortly after formation, Jeffersonville was named to be the county seat of Clark County in 1802, replacing Springville. In 1812 Charlestown was named the county seat, but the county seat returned to Jeffersonville in 1878, where it remains.
Sourcekids.kiddle.co
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VINTAGE JEFFERSONVILLE
Jeffersonville Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA
Postcard
Falls of the Ohio, Ohio River between Jeffersonville and New Albany, Ind.
Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA
Postcard
Boat Construction. Howards Ship Yards and Residence of Capt. Ed Howard, Jeffersonville, Ind.
Jeffersonville, Indiana, USA
Postcard
Masonic Temple
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to JEFFERSONVILLE
Hoosier Hilarity: Indiana Basketball and Cornfield Mug
Step into the heart of the Hoosier state with our Indiana-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming, 'I'm from Indiana! That explains a lot about my love for basketball rivalries that divide families and cornfield mazes that reunite them.' Perfect for anyone with Indiana roots or a love for the state's quirky culture, this mug is a tribute to the joys and jests of life in the Midwest.
INDIANA - Hoosier Hilarity: Basketball and Cornfield Mug
Step into the heart of the Hoosier state with our Indiana-inspired ceramic mug, proudly proclaiming, "I'm from Indiana! That explains a lot about my love for basketball rivalries that divide families and cornfield mazes that reunite them." Perfect for anyone with Indiana roots or a love for the state's quirky culture, this mug is a tribute to the joys and jests of life in the Midwest.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Jeffersonville: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Jeffersonville through the years.
1854 - Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville, a flourishing town of Clarke county, Indiana, is situated on the Ohio, nearly opposite Louisville, Kentucky, immediately above the falls, and 40 miles be low Madison. The situation is elevated, and presents a delightful view of the city of Louisville, of the broad and winding river with its verdant islands, and of a range of hills a few miles distant. The Ohio is about a mile wide opposite this town, and descends 22 feet in 2 miles, producing a rapid current. Jeffersonville is the S. terminus of a railroad which connects with the Madison and Indianapolis railroad at Columbus. For several years this town has increased rapidly in population and business. The penitentiary of Indiana is located at this place. Population in 1853, about 3000.
1895 - Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville, a city of Indiana, the capital of Clarke co., on the Ohio River, opposite Louisville, Ky., 5 or 6 miles above New Albany, and 108 miles S. of Indianapolis. The river encloses several verdant islands, and falls 22 feet in 2 miles. Jeffersonville is the S.W. terminus of a branch of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, which connects with the main line at North Vernon, and is the S. terminus of the Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, which here crosses the river on an iron bridge,— perhaps the longest iron structure in the United States. This bridge is the connecting link between the great railway systems of the North and South. The city is built on elevated ground, which commands a fine view of the river and of Louisville. It contains 14 churches, the Jefferson depot for army supplies (the largest in the United States), 2 national banks, the Southern State Prison, a high school, several iron-foundries and machine-shops, and the Ohio Falls Car-Works. A daily...
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1916
Jeffersonville, a city of Indiana, the capital of Clark co., on the Ohio River, opposite Louisville, Ky., 5 miles above New Albany and 108 miles S. of Indianapolis, on the Baltimore and Ohio Southwestern and other railroads, which here cross the river on imposing iron bridges. The city is built on elevated ground, which commands a fine view of the river and of Louisville. It contains the Jefferson depot for army supplies (one of the largest in the United States), the Southern State Prison, several iron-foundries and machine-shops, extensive car-works, hollow ware-works, steamboat-yard, chain-works, etc. Pop. in 1900, 10,774.
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Jeffersonville, Indiana:
1. Big Four Bridge: Start your journey with a walk or bike ride across the Big Four Bridge. This former railroad bridge has been converted into a pedestrian and cyclist bridge connecting Jeffersonville to Louisville. The views of the Ohio River and downtown Louisville are stunning, especially at sunset.
2. Vintage Fire Museum: If you're a history enthusiast or just curious about the past, the Vintage Fire Museum is a must-visit. It houses a fascinating collection of vintage firefighting equipment and memorabilia. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the antique fire engines.
3. Howard Steamboat Museum: Another great historical stop is the Howard Steamboat Museum. This mansion-turned-museum offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of steamboat captains in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The architecture and artifacts are a treat for history buffs.
4. Falls of the Ohio State Park: Just a short drive from Jeffersonville, this park is a geological wonder. It's...
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2. Vintage Fire Museum: If you're a history enthusiast or just curious about the past, the Vintage Fire Museum is a must-visit. It houses a fascinating collection of vintage firefighting equipment and memorabilia. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the antique fire engines.
3. Howard Steamboat Museum: Another great historical stop is the Howard Steamboat Museum. This mansion-turned-museum offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of steamboat captains in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The architecture and artifacts are a treat for history buffs.
4. Falls of the Ohio State Park: Just a short drive from Jeffersonville, this park is a geological wonder. It's...
GENEALOGY IN JEFFERSONVILLE
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Updated: 9/19/2023 9:10:31 AM
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