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HISTORY
A general history of Orange County is found
on this page. For more details
on the communities of Orange County, click the town name
below.
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A brief history. For more specific information,
click on any of the links on his page.
The rolling hills, scenic valleys, and flowing waters
of the area lured the first settlers to Orange County
with an abundance of towering timber, varieties of
wildlife, and natural shelters for means of survival.
The mysterious and magical quality of the land and water
is the cornerstone of the county’s history, which
officially began in 1815 following an act of the Indiana
Territorial Legislature.
 Long
before that act, though, Native Americans inhabited the
area. One group, in particular, was known as the Oliver
Phase people, a group believed to have been in the area
between 1000 and 1500 A.D. They were farmers who lived
in small colonies of about 100 people.
Shortly before the act of the Indiana Territorial
Legislature, settlers from the south began to migrate to
Orange County and incorporate many of the customs and
traditions of their ways of life into the area. Those
ways of life produced some interesting tidbits of
colorful history.
The name "Orange County" was borrowed from Orange
County, North Carolina, the home of many of the early
settlers to this county in southern Indiana. The early
settlers of Orange County, Indiana depended on corn as
the staff of life and it was used to feed the people, as
well as animals.
It was also quickly discovered that the staff of life
could be distilled and made into whiskey. As it became
more profitable, the county commissioners determined the
prices taverns could charge. In 1818, one-half pint of
whiskey cost 12.5 cents, apple or peach brandy ran 18.75
cents, and wine or French Brandy went for 37.5 cents.
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Back in the day a tourist could stay in a local lodging
establishment for 12.5 cents and get a meal for another
quarter. Unfortunately for modern-day tourists, prices have
understandably risen in the past two centuries.
 The
centerpiece of Orange County is the two-story courthouse,
located in Paoli. The picturesque
Greek Revival building boasts tall columns, white brick and
two chimneys. The treasured landmark was built in 1850 and
has been featured in numerous magazines, including Life.
Slavery was an issue for the citizens of Orange County
at the time. While the county was unified in its
anti-slavery position at the beginning of the Civil War,
opinions became more diverse as the struggle continued.
There were even 20 soldiers from the county who fought with
the U. S. Colored Troops during the war. The anti-slavery
position remained predominant, though, and remnants of the
Underground Railroad can still be found in the county.
From the very beginning of it history, Orange County’s
modes of transportation have been crucial to its
development. Prior to the development of modern-day
automobiles and airplanes, the rails provided the most
efficient transportation. Now, three towns in the county do
have small airports.
In 1973 construction began on the largest tourist
attraction in the county.
Patoka Lake
filled to its current 8,800-acre reservoir
in 1980 and it now includes the full-service
Patoka Lake Marina, beach, and numerous
lodging facilities.
Today, it is still removed from the hustle and bustle
of the more populated areas, but yet provides tourists with
a diversity of activities ranging from outdoor activities to
upscale attractions.
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Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Post Office Box 71, French Lick, Indiana 47432
www.orangecounty.travel
Toll free: (877) 422-9925 Local: (812) 936-3418 Fax: (812) 936-7112
© 2007. Website maintained
by Creative
Internet Consulting.
Any Reproduction
of this site or its likeness without written consent of
Creative
Internet Consulting or
The
Orange County Indiana Convention & Visitor's
Bureau is punishable by law.
Privacy Policy Revised:
October 26, 2007 08:59 AM
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