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Rochester, Indiana

Rochester is a city in, and the county seat of, Fulton County, Indiana, United States. The population was 6,270 at the 2020 census.

History
Rochester was laid out in 1835. The founder Alexander Chamberlain named it for his former hometown of Rochester, New York. The Rochester post office was established in 1836.

The Potawatomi Trail of Death came through the town in 1838.

Rochester was incorporated as a city in 1853.

The Lyman M. Brackett House, Fulton County Courthouse, Rochester Downtown Historic District, and John W. Smith House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The formerly listed Germany Bridge was located nearby. The Wideman-Gerig Round Barn is in use at the Round Barn Golf Club in Rochester.

In 1967, the most complete known specimen of the extinct bear Arctodus was found in a cornfield.

In early April, 1974 Indiana was one of the states that were impacted by the super outbreak. On a Sunday, sometime in April, 1974, an F4 tornado formed a few miles outside of Rochester. The tornado reportedly hit multiple houses in Rochester, Also damaging Riddle Elementary, the tornado continued and killed a couple people before dissipating.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Rochester has a total area of 5.801 sqmi, of which 4.69 sqmi (or 80.85%) is land and 1.111 sqmi (or 19.15%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,218 people, 2,702 households, and 1,650 families living in the city. The population density was 1325.8 PD/sqmi. There were 3,211 housing units at an average density of 684.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.6% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.4% of the population.

Of the 2,702 households 28.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.9% were non-families. 33.8% of households were one person and 16.1% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.84.

The median age was 41.6 years. 22.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.5% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census there were 6,414 people, 2,757 households, and 1,734 families living in the city. The population density was 1,407.4 PD/sqmi. There were 3,188 housing units at an average density of 699.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.24% White, 0.59% Native American, 0.45% African American, 0.84% Asian, 0.86% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.86%.

Of the 2,757 households 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.1% were non-families. 32.2% of households were one person and 16.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.90.

The age distribution was 23.6% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.

The median household income was $33,424 and the median family income was $41,949. Males had a median income of $31,446 versus $20,796 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,866. About 7.8% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.4% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
Located on the east side of Rochester, Lake Manitou is a popular place in the summer for boating and other water-related activities. City Park is located on the western side of Rochester, near the high school.

Education
Rochester has a public library, a branch of the Fulton County Public Library. The Rochester Community School Corporation is housed in Rochester, operating two elementary level schools (Columbia, PK-grade 1 and Riddle, grades 2–4 ), Rochester Middle School (grades 5–7) and Rochester Community High School (grades 8–12). (Rochester Learning Center)| zebras.net

Historic structures

 * National Register of Historic Places listings in Fulton County, Indiana
 * Rochester Downtown Historic District
 * Fulton County Courthouse (Indiana)
 * Lyman M. Brackett House
 * John W. Smith House

Notable people

 * Nicole Gale Anderson, actress
 * Jorge Argüello, 2011-13 Ambassador of Argentina to the United States
 * Margret Holmes Bates (1844-1927), author
 * Otis R. Bowen, fourth United States Secretary of Health and Human Services; born nearby
 * John Angus Chamberlain, sculptor
 * Thurman C. Crook, one-term U.S. congressman
 * Gene DeWeese, science fiction writer; born in Rochester
 * Ron Herrell, former member of the Indiana House of Representatives
 * Elmo Lincoln, film actor and subject of the biography My Father, Elmo Lincoln: The Original Tarzan
 * Ray Mowe, shortstop for the 1913 Brooklyn Dodgers
 * Clyde Short, Chairman of the Kansas Democratic Party, 1934-1936

title: Rochester, Indiana


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Fort Branch, Indiana

Fort Branch is the largest town and 2nd largest community in Gibson County, Indiana after Princeton. The population was 2,965 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Evansville, Indiana, Metropolitan Area.

History
Fort Branch had its start in the year 1852 by the building of the railroad through that territory. The town was originally called LaGrange, for the original owner of the site, but as there was another post office of that same name in Indiana, the town was renamed in commemoration of an old fort.

On April 3, 1989, an F3 tornado passed through the town causing between 5 and 50 million dollars in damage.

On February 28, 2017, an EF3 wedge tornado, originating in Crossville, Illinois, passed to the north of the town, destroying or heavily damaging several structures along Indiana 168.

Geography
Fort Branch is located at 38.24694°N, -87.57611°W (38.246872, -87.576003).

According to the 2010 census, Fort Branch has a total area of 1.11 sqmi, of which 1.1 sqmi (or 99.1%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.9%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,771 people, 1,162 households, and 774 families living in the town. The population density was 2519.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,244 housing units at an average density of 1130.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.8% White, 0.3% African American, 0.1% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 1,162 households, of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.4% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the town was 38 years. 24.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.2% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 14.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,320 people, 985 households, and 647 families living in the town. The population density was 3,131.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,051 housing units at an average density of 1,418.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.53% White, 0.26% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.69% of the population.

There were 985 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.3% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,964, and the median income for a family was $46,397. Males had a median income of $34,125 versus $21,314 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,180. About 1.6% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.1% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
South Gibson School Corporation

K-8: Fort Branch Community School

9-12: Gibson Southern High School

College: Vincennes University Center for Advanced Manufacturing

Former Schools
Fort Branch High School (merged into Gibson Southern High School in 1974)

Marlette School

Public library
Fort Branch has a public library, a branch of the Fort Branch-Johnson Township Public Library system.

Economy
Like Princeton, Fort Branch is also largely a blue-collar town although of somewhat smaller size. For a long time the town's largest employer was the Emge Foods processing and packing plant, still located along the southwest portion of the town. When the plant closed in May 1999, it had been in operation for nearly 90 years.

As the Emge plant was starting to close, Toyota announced that it would be building a manufacturing facility on a patch of farmland located halfway between Fort Branch and nearby Princeton. While most of the suppliers for the new Toyota plant are located closer to Princeton, most of the population gains from employees moving closer to work moved into either Fort Branch, or into Haubstadt or Owensville.

Recently, Vincennes University announced plans to build an advanced manufacturing education facility just south of Fort Branch along U.S. 41 to provide such education to an area becoming more diverse in manufacturing methods. This is expected to provide a major boost to lifestyle in the Fort Branch-Haubstadt Area. Ground Broke on the new facility on October 23, 2009. The facility opened in August 2011.

On June 18, 2010, a fire started at the former Emge Foods plant. By June 22, the fire had destroyed the vacant meat processing plant portion of the complex but was put out. Fire departments from three counties battled to control the fire, dealing with the unstable structure of the 100+-year-old building and the 95+-degree temperatures that occurred during the five-day period the fire burned. As of February 2014, only the smokestack remains of the plant, with the remains being demolished along with the original water tower between September 2013 and January 2014. As of December 2014, there are no known plans for the future of the property.

Notable person
Sheriff Thomas Beloat, noted for his bravery in stopping a lynching in Gibson County, mentioned in an essay by Mark Twain, The United States of Lyncherdom.

Highways

 * [[Image:US 41.svg|30px]] U.S. Route 41
 * [[Image:indiana 168.svg|35px]] State Road 168 (Park Street)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Fort Branch, Indiana


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Francisco, Indiana

Francisco is the fifth largest town and seventh largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. A town in Center Township, the population was 469 at the 2010 census and was founded in 1851. Local tradition says the town was named for its first settler, a Spanish laborer working on the Wabash and Erie Canal who built a shack in the area. It is part of the Evansville, Indiana, Metropolitan Area.

Geography
Francisco is located at 38.33333°N, -87.44722°W (38.333360, -87.447314).

According to the 2010 census, Francisco has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land.

Francisco is located on State Highway 64 between Princeton and Oakland City.

As of the census of 2010, there were 469 people, 189 households, and 119 families residing in the town. The population density was 938.0 PD/sqmi. There were 226 housing units at an average density of 452.0 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the town was 97.0% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.9% of the population.

There were 189 households, of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.0% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.18.

The median age in the town was 39.6 years. 25.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.8% were from 25 to 44; 26% were from 45 to 64; and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 543 people, 233 households, and 150 families residing in the town. The population density was 995.5 PD/sqmi. There were 249 housing units at an average density of 456.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.26% White, 0.55% African American and 0.18% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.37% of the population.

There were 233 households, out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 24.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $39,250. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $18,125 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,499. About 10.6% of families and 9.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

History
The town was platted and laid out on the east side of the Wabash and Erie Canal by John Perkins in 1851. Francisco was incorporated in 1907 and the Francisco State Bank chartered a year later. Its heyday was in the mid-1850s during use of the ill-fated canal to ship goods and produce south to Evansville. Mills, grain warehouses and packing establishments thrived during the decade. Remnants of the old canal are still visible just south of Highway 64 and west of town.

Town Hall
Francisco Town Hall is located at 203 West Main St/SR64 with the Fire Department.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month. Wastewater meetings begin at 5:30p followed by Water & Town Business.

Highways and rail lines
State Road 64

Interstate 69 (Located 2 miles east of town)

Norfolk Southern Railway

Schools
Francisco Elementary School is part of the East Gibson School Corp.. F.E.S. is located on SR 64/Main St. in Francisco Indiana. The home of the Mighty Owls is grades K-6.

At least 3 schools have stood on these grounds, with the prior 2 falling to fire. The Last Francisco High School Burnt in the 1970s after being hit by lightning. The Lions Club pictured in the Gallery at the bottom of this page was built to serve as grades 5-8 during construction of a new school. Also used for classroom space was the Methodist, Baptist and Nazarene churches.

A small one-room school house once stood near the intersection of Green and School Streets and is why today the current school is not even located on the same side of town as School Street.

Other points of interest
Wabash & Erie Canal

Francisco was a town built on the East Banks of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The Manmade Canal ran from Lake Erie in Ohio to the Ohio River at Evansville. Francisco was home to many Rowdy Irishmen who came to help build the canal. The Heyday for the Wabash & Erie Canal was mid-1850s and the canal was closed to traffic around 1870.

A large outbreak of cholera broke out among canal workers near Francisco around 1852; as many as 100 workers died and many more fled from the area. Those who stayed and survived were assigned the task of burying the dead. Many were buried along the banks in long trenches, while others were burnt in piles on the floor of small shanties along the canal.

Drinking establishments or Doggeries were popular among canal workers and in that day were very prominent around Francisco. Whiskey was supplied by "Jigger Bosses" to workers four times a day and caused many fights among the Irish and Americans. The Irish were generally assigned to digging with shovels, while Americans built culverts and bridges.

title: Francisco, Indiana


text:
Haubstadt, Indiana

Haubstadt is the second largest town, after Fort Branch, and fourth largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,638 at the 2020 census. Haubstadt has recently become a bedroom community of Evansville and such, is part of the Evansville, Indiana, Metropolitan Area.

History
Haubstadt was originally called Haub's Station, and under the latter name, meaning "Haub town" in German, was laid out in 1855. Named after an early settler, Henry Haub, the town was incorporated in 1913.

Haub built the community's first home, combining a stagecoach shop, general store, and trading post to accommodate travelers on the Noon Day Stage Coach route running to Vincennes. A dance hall was later also built above Mr. Haub's tavern and store, and the complex would later become known as The Log Inn, the area's famous restaurant. The Log Inn is officially recognized as the oldest restaurant in Indiana.

The Haubstadt State Bank (now Town Hall) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Haubstadt Train Wreck of 1990
On June 14, 1990, a train, operated by Jacksonville, Florida-based CSX Transportation, was coming into Haubstadt from the south and around 7:00pm suddenly there was a large crash followed by a lightning-like flash from an electric pole accompanied by a thunderclap and a town-wide power failure. It did not take long for people to realize that a train had de-railed. In the derailment, at least five buildings, most of downtown and much of Haubstadt's history was destroyed in about ten seconds. When it was later learned the train was possibly carrying ammonia, Haubstadt was mostly evacuated, mainly by people with respiratory illnesses such as asthma. It was later found that the ammonia cars were empty and that the smell was residue that was released into the air. It was also discovered that the tracks had not been maintained properly and that a couple of loose ties coupled with the speed at which the trains move through Haubstadt and neighboring Fort Branch (between 55 - 65 mph) were to blame for the accident. There is fear among many in Haubstadt and nearby Fort Branch and Princeton that a worse train wreck may occur as the track's speed limit was increased to 70 mph from Princeton to Darmstadt in 2000.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Haubstadt has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, of which 0.7 sqmi (or 98.59%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 1.41%) is water.

Haubstadt has several schools, including Haubstadt Community School (or HCS), Saints Peter and Paul (or Sts. P&P), and Saint James, located approximately 2 miles south of town.

The Haubstadt area has two catholic churches, Saint James and Saints Peter & Paul, both having their own K-8 schools, plus several smaller churches scattered in town or around the surrounding Johnson Township.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,577 people, 667 households, and 431 families living in the town. The population density was 2252.9 PD/sqmi. There were 701 housing units at an average density of 1001.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.2% White, 0.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 667 households, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.4% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age in the town was 41.1 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 27.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,529 people, 613 households, and 424 families living in the town. The population density was 2,232.1 PD/sqmi. There were 640 housing units at an average density of 934.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 99.67% White, 0.07% African American, 0.07% Asian, 0.07% from other races, and 0.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.13% of the population.

There were 613 households, of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.7% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,837, and the median income for a family was $54,000. Males had a median income of $37,098 versus $24,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,482. About 4.0% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * South Gibson School Corporation
 * K-8: Haubstadt Community School Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School Saint James Catholic School
 * 9-12: Gibson Southern High School

Former Schools
Haubstadt Johnson High School (merged into Gibson Southern High School in 1974)

Public library
Haubstadt has a public library, a branch of the Fort Branch-Johnson Township Public Library system.

Sports
Tri-State Speedway, a 1/4 mile dirt oval racing track, was opened in 1957, roughly 1 mile east of town, next to US 41. and is host to World of Outlaws and USAC National Sprint Car Championship racing.

title: Haubstadt, Indiana


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Hazleton, Indiana

Hazleton is a town in White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 263 at the 2010 census making it the second smallest community in the county. While having almost no connection to it, it is part of the Evansville, Indiana, Metropolitan Area.

History
Hazleton is the second-oldest town in Gibson County after Patoka. It was named in honor of Gervas Hazleton, believed to be the second settler to permanently locate to the county. Hazleton first lived in a crude camp lit by large log fires that was a popular stopover for early migrants to the area.

The town was platted in 1856 by Lucius French. T. S. Fuller erected the town's first frame building, and John Breedlove built the town's blacksmith shop. The first steamboat of any note to travel up the White River was the Cleopatria in 1884.

On March 10, 1897, a passenger train of the Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad (now the Chicago & Eastern Illinois) wrecked near Hazleton. An embankment which carried the tracks past the White River had been weakened by the river's flood waters, and collapsed under the weight of the train, causing it to derail. Around a dozen people are believed to have been killed, though most bodies were never found.

Geography
Hazleton is located at 38.48889°N, -87.54167°W (38.488953, -87.541652). The town is situated along the south bank of the White River in northern Gibson County (the river marks the county line between Gibson and Knox counties). State Road 56 connects the town with U.S. Route 41, which runs northward to Vincennes and southward to the Evansville area. Hazleton is 422 ft above sea level.

According to the 2010 census, Hazleton has a total area of 0.33 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 194 people, 108 households, and 78 families residing in the town. The population density was 797.0 PD/sqmi. There were 120 housing units at an average density of 363.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.3% White, 2.3% African American, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 108 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.8% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the town was 44.9 years. 21.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 35.3% were from 45 to 64; and 14.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 288 people, 108 households, and 84 families residing in the town. The population density was 841.0 PD/sqmi. There were 119 housing units at an average density of 347.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.22% White, and 2.78% from two or more races.

There were 108 households, out of which 24.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.2% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,875, and the median income for a family was $36,406. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,156. About 25.0% of families and 25.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 12.5% of those 65 or over.

Education
Prior to 1963, students were zoned to Hazleton High School. That year, it merged into White River High School, which had the school colors as red, white, and blue and the mascots as the Little Giants. In 1965, that school in turn merged into Princeton Community High School. Nathan Blackford of Evansville Living described White River High as "Possibly the shortest-lived high school of the consolidation era" as many school districts and schools in 1960s Indiana were merging with one another.

title: Hazleton, Indiana


text:
Mackey, Indiana

Mackey is a town in Barton Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. With a population of 106 at the 2010 census, Mackey is the smallest incorporated community in Gibson County and one of the smallest incorporated communities in the state.

History
A post office was established at Mackey in 1885. The town was likely named for O. J. Mackey, a railroad official.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Mackey has a total area of 0.09 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 106 people, 45 households, and 28 families living in the town. The population density was 1177.8 PD/sqmi. There were 50 housing units at an average density of 555.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.1% White and 1.9% from two or more races.

There were 45 households, of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.8% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the town was 37.5 years. 19.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 12.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 31.1% were from 45 to 64; and 14.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 50.9% male and 49.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 142 people, 60 households, and 40 families living in the town. The population density was 1,721.8 PD/sqmi. There were 61 housing units at an average density of 739.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.89% White, 2.11% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.11% of the population.

There were 60 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.7% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 30.3% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $44,375. Males had a median income of $38,750 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,282. There were 6.5% of families and 8.0% of the population living below the poverty line, including 10.0% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Schools
Mackey and the easternmost half of Gibson County is served by the East Gibson School Corporation which currently operates five schools:

 * Wood Memorial High School (9-12)
 * Wood Memorial Junior High School (7-8)
 * Oakland City Elementary School (PK-6)
 * Francisco Elementary School (K-6)
 * Barton Township Elementary School (K-6)

Former schools
In 1968 Mackey High School consolidated with Francisco and Oakland City High Schools to form Waldo J. Wood Memorial Jr/Sr High School located in Oakland City.

Major highways

 * [[Image:i-69.svg|20px]] Interstate 69
 * [[Image:indiana 57.svg|20px]] State Road 57
 * [[Image:indiana 168.svg|20px]] State Road 168

title: Mackey, Indiana


text:
Oakland City, Indiana

Oakland City is the second-largest city, but third largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States, after Princeton and the town of Fort Branch. It is the site of Oakland City University. The population was 2,279 at the 2020 census.

History
Oakland City was laid out and platted in 1856. It was probably named for the presence of oak trees. The Oakland City post office was established in 1860.

The William M. Cockrum House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Oakland City has a total area of 1.132 sqmi, of which 1.13 sqmi (or 99.82%) is land and 0.002 sqmi (or 0.18%) is water.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 2,429 people, 973 households and 568 families living in the city. The population density was 2149.6 /sqmi. There were 1,157 housing units at an average density of 1,023.9 /sqmi. The racial make-up was 97.2% White, 0.4% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 973 households, of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.4% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.6% were non-families. 37.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age was 36.1 years. 20.6% of residents were under the age of 18, 16.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24, 21.7% were from 25 to 44, 23.8% were from 45 to 64 and 17.5% were 65 years of age or older. The sex make-up of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 2,588 people, 1,031 households and 642 families living in the city. The population density was 2,352.6 /sqmi. There were 1,176 housing units at an average density of 1,069.0 /sqmi. The racial make-up was 97.60% White, 0.73% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.55% of the population.

There were 1,031 households, of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.8% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.7% were non-families. 35.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.86.

20.6% of the opulation were under the age of 18, 16.3% from 18 to 24, 24.1% from 25 to 44, 19.2% from 45 to 64 and 19.8% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.

The median household income was $28,532 and the median family income was $37,440. Males had a median income of $30,500 and females $24,602. The per capita income was $13,806. About 7.6% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.1% of those under age 18 and 10.4% of those age 65 or over.

Higher education
Oakland City is the site of Oakland City University, the only General Baptist-affiliated university, with a global campus providing over 40 degrees from associate, bachelor, master and doctorate studies and Oakland City University School of Adult and Extended Learning with programs that specialize in busy adult students. Oakland City University was established in 1885 as Oakland City College. It attained university status and changed its name in the latter part of the 20th century. Oakland City University sports teams are the Mighty Oaks.

K-12 education
Oakland City is headquarters of the East Gibson School Corporation. Oakland City Elementary School, Waldo J. Wood Memorial Junior High School and Waldo J. Wood Memorial High School are all located on South Franklin Street. The Oakland City Elementary sports teams are the Acorns (relating to the Oaks above). The Waldo J. Wood Memorial Junior High teams and Waldo J. Wood Memorial High School teams are the Trojans. Other schools in the East Gibson School Corporation are Barton Township Elementary School, located in Mackey, and Francisco Elementary School, located in Francisco.

Public library
The town has a lending library, the Oakland City-Columbia Township Public Library.

Notable people

 * Gil Hodges, Brooklyn Dodgers first baseman, attended college at Oakland City College
 * Edd Roush, Cincinnati Reds outfielder in Baseball Hall of Fame, was born in Oakland City.
 * Jeremy Spencer, Five Finger Death Punch drummer, was born in Oakland City.

title: Oakland City, Indiana


text:
Owensville, Indiana

Owensville is the third largest town and the smallest of the five larger communities in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,338 in 2020.

History
Owensville was established in 1817 by Phillip Briscoe, when he filed the town plat consisting of 52 parcels and five out-parcels. A fire in 1876 destroyed many of the wood framed businesses on the eastern side of the town square.

It was not until 1881 that Owensville incorporated.

On March 18, 1925, the Tri-State Tornado struck just northwest of the town, killing nine people.

On February 28, 2017, an EF3 wedge tornado, originating in Crossville, Illinois, passed to the south of the town, destroying or heavily damaging several structures along Indiana 65. The highway was closed for several days as power crews replaced several large power poles.

On April 8, 2024, Owensville, along with most of the rest of southwestern Indiana viewed a total solar eclipse, lasting approximately 3 minutes and 55 seconds.

Geography
Owensville is located at 38.27167°N, -87.69056°W (38.271769, -87.690652).

According to the 2010 census, Owensville has a total area of 0.59 sqmi, all land.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Owensville has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps, although areas just north of town have a humid continental climate. Local meteorologists often tend to use nearby Interstate 64 for comparison of local weather events.

In relation to climate, in 2004, the National Weather Service installed a NEXRAD Doppler Radar station approximately 2 miles west of the town.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,284 people, 510 households, and 337 families living in the town. The population density was 2176.3 PD/sqmi. There were 567 housing units at an average density of 961.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.9% White, 0.2% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.2% of the population.

There were 510 households, of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 33.9% were non-families. 29.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the town was 40.6 years. 24% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.8% were from 45 to 64; and 19.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.5% male and 52.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,322 people, 523 households, and 359 families living in the town. The population density was 2,665.3 PD/sqmi. There were 565 housing units at an average density of 1,139.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 98.18% White, 0.23% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.53% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.13% of the population.

There were 523 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.2% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $34,306, and the median income for a family was $40,263. Males had a median income of $35,294 versus $23,897 for females. The per capita income for the town was $15,916. About 5.2% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * South Gibson School Corporation
 * K-8: Owensville Community School
 * 9-12: Gibson Southern High School

Former schools

 * Owensville High School (merged into Gibson Southern High School in 1974)

Public library
The town has a lending library, the Owensville Carnegie Public Library.

Economy

Unlike Princeton and Fort Branch, Owensville's economy practically consists of a scant few family-owned business with only three exceptions: Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Dollar General, Mount Carmel, Illinois-based Community Natural Gas, and Mount Vernon, Indiana-based Schultheis Insurance. The largest family-owned businesses in Owensville are Holder's Furniture and Holders Funeral Home (not owned by the same family). However, like Fort Branch, Owensville is largely surrounded by unincorporated subdivisions, primarily north of the town. The two largest employers of Owensville's residents are the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana plant located halfway between Princeton and Fort Branch, as well as Gibson Generating Station located 5.5 miles north-northwest of Owensville, as well two coal mines that opened up in 2008 and 2014, located 6 miles and 1 mile north of town respectively.

Like the other communities in Gibson County, Owensville's prime economy is based on agriculture. The farms immediately around the town primarily produce corn, soybeans, strawberries, and wheat. Like many other communities along the Lower Wabash Valley, the surrounding Montgomery Township is particularly known for its watermelons, pumpkins, squash, cantaloupes, and zucchini, all heavily produced in the sandy bottom grounds located from the north to the southwest of the town. In addition, milo tends to be produced in place of corn in areas prone to flooding from the Wabash, Patoka, or Black Rivers or any of the other smaller creeks or streams that flow into them.

Owensville High School, which merged with Fort Branch and Haubstadt high schools to form Gibson Southern, had the first high school gymnasium in Indiana with a glass backboard. One of those backboards is now in the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, Indiana.

Highways - local names

 * indiana 65.svg Indiana State Road 65 - First, Brummitt, and Mill Streets from north to south
 * indiana 165.svg Indiana State Road 165 - Brummitt Street west of Mill Street
 * indiana 168.svg Indiana State Road 168 - Walnut Street east of Mill Street

Notable people

 * Max Armstrong, farm news radio and television broadcaster reporting on American and worldwide agriculture
 * Valeska Suratt, silent film star, Broadway actress, Vaudevillian, early fashion icon

title: Owensville, Indiana


text:
Patoka, Indiana

Patoka is the fourth largest town and sixth largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 735 at the 2010 census.

History
Patoka was laid out and platted in 1813. The town's name comes from an Indian word meaning "log on bottom", on account of the many muddy logs at the bottom of the river. The Patoka post office was established in 1833.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Patoka has a total area of 1.14 sqmi, of which 1.12 sqmi (or 98.25%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 1.75%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 735 people, 295 households, and 215 families living in the town. The population density was 656.2 PD/sqmi. There were 344 housing units at an average density of 307.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 95.8% White, 1.1% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.4% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.0% of the population.

There were 295 households, of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.5% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.1% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the town was 41.4 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.8% were from 25 to 44; 27.8% were from 45 to 64; and 16.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 53.5% male and 46.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 749 people, 308 households, and 217 families living in the town. The population density was 1,064.2 PD/sqmi. There were 338 housing units at an average density of 480.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.06% White, 1.74% African American, 0.40% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.27% of the population.

There were 308 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 16.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $35,208, and the median income for a family was $40,227. Males had a median income of $33,636 versus $18,681 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,587. About 9.6% of families and 10.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Residents are in North Gibson School Corporation.

Prior to 1963, students were zoned to Patoka High School. That year, it merged into White River High School, which had the school colors as red, white, and blue and the mascots as the Little Giants. In 1965, that school in turn merged into Princeton Community High School. Nathan Blackford of Evansville Living described White River High as "Possibly the shortest-lived high school of the consolidation era" as many school districts and schools in 1960s Indiana were merging with one another.

title: Patoka, Indiana


text:
Princeton, Indiana

Princeton is the largest city in and the county seat of Patoka Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 8,301 at the 2020 United States Census, and it is part of the greater Evansville, Indiana, Metropolitan Area.

History
In 1800, the Indiana Territory was created with Vincennes (Knox County) as its capital. The rich farmlands in the southwest of the territory with access to the Ohio River attracted many pioneers and settlers to the area, one of whom was an Irish immigrant named William Prince. Born in 1772, he immigrated to America at the age of 22. He later became a Gibson County Commissioner and the county seat of Princeton is named after him.

The year 1813 saw the move of the territorial capital east from Vincennes to Corydon and the creation of Gibson County. Gibson had previously been part of the vast Knox County which covered all the land of southwestern Indiana, bordered by the Wabash and Ohio Rivers. By early 1814, settlers to this area were asking for a "seat of justice," or county seat. Captain William Prince was one of four commissioners who located the seat at the half-way stand on the Evansville and Vincennes stage line. By drawing of lots, commissioners decided to name the town after Captain Prince.

The iconic symbol of Princeton is the Gibson County Courthouse, a structure built in the Second Empire style. It has been featured as a collectible figurine by the Department 56 Original Snow Village. A post office was established in Princeton as early as 1816. The local newspaper, the Princeton Daily Clarion, was first published in 1846. Lyles Station, a small community just west of Princeton, was founded by freed Tennessee slave Joshua Lyles in 1849. It served as a haven for runaway slaves who braved the Ohio River on a northern trek towards freedom.

The Wabash and Erie Canal ran through the nearby towns of Francisco and Port Gibson, providing a means of reaching distant markets with goods from Princeton. The 1850s saw the advance of the railway system through Indiana, spelling doom for the canal system. The Evansville and Terre Haute Railroad line was run through town in 1852 and the Princeton Depot was constructed in 1875. The railroad became a boon to Princeton's industry as the Southern Railway Shops were constructed on the edge of town in 1892. Other industry included the Heinz plant (because of the area's famed tomatoes being good for ketchup making) and the Princeton Coal Mine.

In 1925, the Tri-State Tornado left its mark on the town. After hitting Griffin and narrowly missing Owensville to the southwest, the tornado devastated the southern side of Princeton, killing 44 people, injuring another 146 and leaving hundreds homeless. Princeton was the historic storm's final victim, as the tornado dissipated about 10 miles to the northeast near Petersburg. The deadliest tornado in US history claimed 95 lives in Indiana with almost half of those in Princeton.

On 9 December 1926, twenty-nine people were killed in a mine explosion in or near Princeton.

Toyota Motor Company opened a truck manufacturing plant between Princeton and Fort Branch in 1998 to build a new full-size pickup and SUV. Toyota significantly increased production at the plant in 2000. As of 2016, the plant builds two SUVs and a van.

On April 18, 2008, Princeton was shaken by the 2008 Illinois earthquake, epicentered approximately 18.5 mi away near West Salem, Illinois.

The Gibson County Courthouse and Welborn-Ross House are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Princeton has a total area of 5.075 sqmi, of which 5.07 sqmi (or 99.9%) is land and 0.005 sqmi (or 0.1%) is water.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen climate classification system, Princeton has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

2020 census
In the 2020 census, the population of Princeton was 8,301. There were 3,552 households. White population was 89.9%, of which 88.2% were not Hispanic or Latino; Black or African American alone 6.8%; two or more races 3.1%; Hispanic or Latino 1.7%; and Asian alone 0.1%.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,644 people, 3,516 households, and 2,129 families living in the city. The population density was 1704.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,976 housing units at an average density of 784.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.4% White, 4.6% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 3,516 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.0% were married couples living together, 15.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.4% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.99.

The median age in the city was 37.2 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.6% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,175 people, 3,451 households, and 2,146 families living in the city. The population density was 1,703.1 PD/sqmi. There were 3,806 housing units at an average density of 792.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.36% White, 5.36% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.44% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13% of the population.

There were 3,451 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.8% were non-families. 33.0% 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 2.28 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 24.1% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,689, and the median income for a family was $37,308. Males had a median income of $28,076 versus $19,825 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,049. About 15.0% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Major employers in Princeton include Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI), located 3 miles to the south, nearly halfway between Princeton and Fort Branch, where the Toyota Sequoia, Sienna and Highlander are manufactured; and Hansen Corporation. Many Toyota suppliers have facilities between the plant site and the city. These suppliers include EnovaPremier, Vuteq, TBIN, Millennium Steel, DXE, SMC, Global SQ, and Trigo. All of these facilities were either built or converted from other uses to furnish supplies, part and services to TMMI. Siemens at one point had research and manufacturing facilities in Princeton, but the manufacturing plant was closed in the early 1990s and the research facility was closed soon after. A large hardware store currently occupies the former Siemens site.

Toyota's announcement in late 1995 that it would be building a $1 billion manufacturing facility in Princeton created an economic boom, as many of Toyota's suppliers also built plants in or near Princeton to minimize shipping and logistical expenses. Additionally, many service businesses located in town to satisfy the needs of the employees, many of whom would be relocating to the Princeton area from elsewhere. However, the arrival of Toyota was not without controversy. Many objected to the ten-year tax abatement offered as part of the incentive package to induce Toyota to locate in the area, and others were worried by the fact that it would likely not be unionized (as of 2023, it is not).

More recently, many retail and restaurant chains have opened locations in Princeton. Analysts attribute much of this to the planned extension of Interstate 69—at the time many of these businesses were sited in Princeton, the leading proposal for the project was to upgrade U.S. 41 (it was later decided to build Interstate 69 over a new-terrain route, which would travel between nearby Oakland City and Francisco).

Princeton is served by two freight rail lines: CSX and Norfolk Southern. For people who enjoy watching trains online, Virtual Railfan, via YouTube, provides northbound and southbound cams along the tracks at W. Broadway St. for 24-hour viewing when the cameras are in operation. The cams are hosted by the Gibson County Visitors and Tourism Bureau. Greyhound Bus Lines stops at curbside to pick up and discharge passengers outside a Burger King restaurant at 2740 W. Broadway St.

Government
Princeton is governed by a mayor and a five-member city council, all of whom are elected for four-year terms. The current mayor is Greg Wright, Republican as of January 1, 2020. City functions are divided among the Police Department, Sanitation Department, Parks and Recreation Department, Street Department, Sewer Department, Water Department, Water Treatment Plant, and the Princeton Fire Territory (formed from a merger between the Princeton Fire Department and the Patoka Township Fire Department in early 2006).

Parks and recreation
Princeton has three main city parks, administered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Lafayette Park, on the city's north side, is the largest. It features a fishing pond, shelter houses, a playground, an open general-purpose recreation area, and a stage for public performances. The city swimming pool is adjacent to Lafayette Park, as is Kiddie Land, a playground for very young children. Gil Hodges field, where the Princeton Community High School baseball team plays its home games, is also located on the park property.

The other two city parks are South Side Park and East End Park

Media

 * Radio
 * FM 98.1 WRAY-FM – Country Music / Programs
 * FM 94.3 WRAY – FM-based repeater for AM 1250
 * AM 1250 WRAY – News / Talk / Programs

 * Newspapers
 * Princeton Daily Clarion – Tue-Fri Circulation

Education
Residents are in North Gibson School Corporation. Schools in this school district include:
 * Princeton Community High School
 * Princeton Community Middle School
 * Princeton Community Intermediate School
 * Princeton Community Primary School

Prior to 1965, students were zoned to Princeton High School. That year, it became Princeton Community High School, a merger of three high schools.

Private schools:
 * Bethel Christian School
 * St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School (Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville)

The town has a lending library, the Princeton Public Library.

Notable people

 * Michael A. Banks – author, born in Princeton in 1951
 * Gary Burton (born in Anderson, Indiana) – jazz vibraphonist
 * Taylor Caniff – Internet personality
 * Gary Denbo – Miami Marlins Vice President of Player Development and Scouting
 * Allen J. Flannigan – Wisconsin State Assemblyman
 * Gil Hodges – professional baseball player
 * Agnes Kimball – soprano
 * Jeron Criswell King – actor and alleged psychic, born in Princeton in 1907
 * David J. Lawson – pastor, played a key role establishing and developing Africa University, the only U.M.C. university in Africa.
 * Dave Niehaus – Seattle Mariners play-by-play announcer
 * Michael E. Pegram (born in Fort Knox, Kentucky) – thoroughbred owner; winner of 1998 Kentucky Derby, 1998 Preakness Stakes winner Real Quiet and 2010 Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky
 * John S. Poland, U.S. Army brigadier general
 * William Prince (born in Ireland) – politician, town's namesake.
 * Orville Redenbacher (born in Brazil, Indiana) – popcorn icon
 * Jamie Rowe (rock- heavy metal vocalist)
 * Dave Thomas (born in Atlantic City, New Jersey) – founder of Wendy's
 * Mack V. Wright – actor and film director
 * Jackie Young – American basketball player, chosen first for the 2019 WNBA Las Vegas Aces team

Highways

 * US 41.svg U.S. Route 41 Evansville – Terre Haute
 * indiana 64.svg State Road 64 Known as Broadway Avenue for its entire length in Princeton. Mount Carmel – I-69.svg.
 * indiana 65.svg State Road 65 Known as Broadway Avenue for first two thirds of its length up to the Courthouse Square, then turns onto Main Street for the remaining third. Heads for Petersburg or Owensville via Indiana 64.

Major roads

 * Broadway Avenue State Road 64 for east half, State Road 64/65 for west half where it becomes a four-lane road. Because Broadway Avenue does not have an overpass, it is often blocked as over 80 trains pass through town on a daily basis, sometimes with two trains passing each other over the intersection.
 * Brumfield Avenue Runs parallel to Broadway one to four blocks north, depending on location. Site of one of the two railroad overpasses over the CSX/Norfolk Southern junction running through Princeton.
 * Embree Street Though obscure at its beginning at Broadway, Embree Street is one of the major thoroughfares used in reaching Princeton Community High School, now known as Princeton Community Middle School. At the junction of Embree and Brumfield there is a roundabout, completed in 2009 to ease flow through the intersection as trains pass through town. Embree is also frequently used to bypass the railroad to get to the Brumfield Ave. Overpass from the square. The Gibson County Fairgrounds are also located along Embree Street immediately before the high school/middle school complex.
 * Main Street Signed as State Road 65 north of the Gibson County Courthouse Square, Main Street is the main north-south thoroughfare in Princeton. Main Street was also once signed as U.S. Route 41 for nearly all of its length through Princeton. A two-year widening and rehabilitation project was completed in 2008, making what was once one of the most unpleasant-looking streets in Princeton the most presentable. Main Street is the site of the other railroad overpass in Princeton. The current campus of Princeton Community High School, opened in 2012, is located along Main Street.
 * Mulberry/Spring Street Bypass often used to get to Princeton's South Side while avoiding the stoplights on the Courthouse Square. An overpass was considered for Mulberry in 2007, but was rejected due to the costs involved. Mulberry and Spring Streets meet on a sometimes hazardous curve that sits almost 15 feet over surrounding terrain.
 * Richland Creek Drive Around a curve are two new townhouse projects and a new Deaconess Hospital Clinic as well as a possible new strip mall. Richland Creek meets U.S. Route 41 about 200 feet south of the Broadway (State Roads 64/65) – US 41 Cloverleaf. At the northern end of Richland Creek Drive is Sherman Drive and the Gibson General Hospital campus.
 * North Prince Street The street runs parallel with Main Street, but has a number of 4-way stops near the center of town.
 * State Street Similar to Prince street, State Street runs parallel to Broadway, forming the north end of the square. State street is often used to bypass the light at Main and Brumfield, or to reach Embree Street to bypass the trains. Like Prince Street, State Street also has a number of 4-way stops near the center of town, one of which is with Prince. It forks with Broadway on the far east end of town, near the old middle school.

Sister City

 * 🇯🇵 Tahara, Aichi, Japan since August 8, 2002

title: Princeton, Indiana