Gibson County, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Gibson County is a county located in the southwestern
part of the U.S. state
of Indiana
and is included in the Evansville
, Indiana
–Kentucky
Metropolitan Statistical Area
. As of 2010, the population was 33,503. The county seat
is Princeton
.
, Indiana
–Kentucky
Metropolitan Statistical Area
. Nearly 90% of the county exists within the Ohio River Valley American Viticultural Area
along with all of neighboring Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties and a portion of Pike County
. Despite being close to Evansville and experiencing a large growth of population in the central areas, Gibson County still remains a largely rural county with half of the ten townships having populations less than 2,000. Less than 7 percent of the county's 500 square miles (1,295 km²) lies within incorporated settlements, or 10 percent if subdivisions are included.
The western part of the county consists largely of spread-out flood-prone farms with spotty marshes along the Wabash and White Rivers. There are rolling hills around Owensville
, and large forest and marshland tracts lie near the Gibson Generating Station
and the three river settlements of Crawleyville, East Mount Carmel, and Skelton. The northern part is near the White River and is more given to hills and forest. The eastern part contains many hills and is also dotted with strip pits and active coal mines. The southern part is more given to valley and marshland, drained by the Pigeon Creek
which flows south through Evansville.
Even without Interstate 69
, The county is within a day's drive of Chicago, Cincinnati
, Chattanooga
, Columbus
, Indianapolis
, Louisville
, Memphis
, Nashville
, Springfield
, St. Louis
, even South Bend
, Fort Wayne
despite the lack of freeway connection. There are two major intersections in the southern extremes of the county. One is the intersection of Interstate 64 and US 41. The other is between Interstate 64 and Interstate 69
, which will eventually link the county and Evansville to Indianapolis and Memphis and make a day trip to even Detroit
possible.
The western half of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
lies within Gibson County.
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 499.16 square miles (1,292.8 km²), of which 487.49 square miles (1,262.6 km²) (or 97.66%) is land and 11.68 square miles (30.3 km²) (or 2.34%) is water. It is one of several United States counties which border eight other counties.
* Baldwin Heights and Northbrook Hills are within the city limits of Princeton
.
:
Two townships, Wabash and Washington, contain no incorporated towns.
, and by the Indiana Code
.
The county council is the fiscal branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four-year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, including income and property taxes (which are subject to state-level approval), excise taxes, and service taxes. The Council Members are, George Ankenbrand, W.W. George, Bill McConnell,Tony Wolfe, LeAnn Smith, Craig Pflug, and Jeremy Overton.
The Board of Commissioners is the legislative and executive body of the county government. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered four-year terms. One of the commissioners—typically the most senior—serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government. The Commissioners are Bob Townsend, Gerald Bledsoe, and Alan Douglas.
The county maintains two court systems, Circuit Court, with Judge Jeff Mead, presiding and Superior Court, with Judge Earl Penrod, presiding. The judges on the court are elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
.
The county has several other elected offices, including Sheriff, George Ballard; Coroner, Barrett Doyle; Auditor, C. T. Montgomery; Treasurer, Mary Key; Recorder, Debbie Wethington; Surveyor, Michael Stevenson; Assessor, Juanita Beadle; and Circuit Court Clerk, Becky Woodburn. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Gibson County is part of Indiana's 8th congressional district
; Indiana Senate
districts 48 and 49; and Indiana House of Representatives
districts 64, 75 and 76.
and came with his parents to America several years before the Revolutionary War. He settled in Gibson County in 1789-90 on the south bank of the Patoka River at a place now known as Severns Bridge. Another early Gibson County settler was William Hargrove, who came from Kentucky
by pack mule
in 1803; Captain Hargrove commanded a company of militia from Gibson County at the Battle of Tippecanoe
in 1811.
The Rev. Joseph Milburn, along with his son, Robert Milburn, also arrived in 1803. They settled near Princeton
, between the Patoka
and White Rivers
. The Milburns were from the area of Washington County
, Kentucky
. Rev. Milburn, a Baptist, established the first church; Robert established the first distillery in Indiana.
In 1805, Jacob Warrick
arrived, along with his father-in-law, Thomas Montgomery. They burned out the last Indian
village in 1807, chasing the inhabitants into the Illinois Territory
. Captain Warrick was killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe
in 1811.
Gibson County was organized in 1813 out of Knox County
. The county was named for John Gibson
, an officer in the French and Indian War
and the Revolutionary War. Gibson was Secretary of the Indiana Territory
, serving as acting Governor on two occasions. Warrick County was organized out of Gibson County almost a month later, the two counties separated by Rector's Base Line. When organized on April 1, 1813, Gibson County occupied everything from the Paoli Base Line to the Wabash River and from the White River to the Ohio River. Rector's Base Line separated the southern half of the county to form Warrick County which was organized on April 30, 1813. The counties of Warrick
, Orange
, Perry
, Spencer
, Posey
, Pike
, Dubois
, Crawford
, and Vanderburgh
, and part of Lawrence County
all came from the roughly 2000 square miles (5,180 km²) area occupied by the original Gibson County.
When the county was organized, Patoka
was initially intended to be the county seat. However, Patoka's low-lying location along the Patoka River
gave rise to a malaria epidemic; to avoid this, the commissioners chose to establish a new town, eventually known as Princeton
, on higher ground approximately 4 miles (6 km) south. However, although Princeton contends that it was the only county seat, some contend that county records indicate that Owensville was a temporary county seat since Princeton was not even laid out until late 1814, at least a year after Gibson County's organization.
was closed down. The Indiana National Guard was dispatched, and many local farmers with knowledge of the area and vehicles that were not hampered by the snow were also recruited to assist in emergency services for the stranded motorists. This snowstorm was so intense that it apparently snowed in Galveston
, Texas
, which typically experiences very mild winters.
at Hazleton
got as high as 31 feet (almost high enough to overtake US 41), while the Wabash River
at Mount Carmel
, Illinois
rose to 33.95 feet (10.3 m). Extreme flooding occurred throughout the county and hundreds of local high school students from many counties assisted the Indiana National Guard in shoring up levees and sandbagging towns. Hazleton
was evacuated because its levee was showing signs of fatigue. The effort given by those who participated was enough to for all of the levees to hold. By the end of January 2005, the rivers had receded enough to allow people to return to their homes. Overall, over 100 homes were lost in the flood, which was considered the second-worst flood in the area's history (after the Flood of 1913).
of Illinois
, measuring a magnitude
of 5.2. It occurred at 4:37:00 a.m. CDT
(9:37:00 UTC) on April 18 within the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone
at a depth of 11.6 km. It was centered near West Salem, Illinois
and Mount Carmel, Illinois
, specifically at 38.450° N, 87.890° W. Because of its proximity, Gibson County was impacted in less than one second after the initial quake.
of 2000, there were 32,500 people, 12,847 households, and 9,095 families residing in the county. The population density
was 66 people per square mile (26/km²). There were 14,125 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile (11/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.46% White
, 1.91% Black
or African American
, 0.19% Native American
, 0.52% Asian
, 0.22% from other races
, and 0.69% from two or more races. 0.70% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 35.4% were of German
, 21.9% American
, 11.9% English
and 10.2% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 12,847 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.10% were married couples
living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% 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 2.98.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,515, and the median income for a family was $44,839. Males had a median income of $35,511 versus $21,284 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,169. About 6.60% of families and 8.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.40% of those under age 18 and 7.20% of those age 65 or over.
While the housing markets around the area have been down as much 18% in 2007, Gibson County's home sales were up almost 11% in 2007. Areas that showed the most increases were in the southern part of the county, particularly around Haubstadt and Fort Branch. Owensville and Princeton also have recently seen increases in home sales and/or restorations, but on a somewhat smaller scale, despite the weak housing market.
(a north-south road) and State Road 64
(an east-west road) are near the meridian and division lines for the county, respectively.
. This project has its controversy, highlighted by a small group of protesters in attendance.
As of July 15, a section of Indiana State Road 168
has been temporarily closed to through traffic in order to install an interchange. This will be the first in a series of Gibson County Highways temporarily closed in order to construct interchanges as the highway expands northward, toward Pike County
on its way to Indianapolis
. Other temporary closures will include Indiana State Road 168
and Indiana State Road 64
.
Some self-proclaimed "environmentalists" have sworn to do everything possible to stop I-69 construction in Southern Indiana. Especially active is a group called Roadblock Earth First which has been responsible for a number of incidents in Oakland City
and at a Haubstadt
asphalt yard given the contract for the first segment; however, on the other hand, there are many environmentalists who are highly supportive of this project, as they see the value of constructing additional wetlands, other land improvements, and potential for better air quality due to the new road. Some supporters come from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife who see the advantages of having improved travel to the recently established Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. One Representative has said they hope to locate a park facility near I-69 and Oakland City.
A portion of the first segment opened in late September 2009. It is about 1 miles (2 km) long, stretching from the I-64/I-164/SR57 intersection to SR 68, which has reopened, but remains under construction to complete the interchange that will continue the road project northward.
operates a north-south line, and Norfolk Southern Railway
operates an east-west line; they intersect in Princeton. A north-south Indiana Southern Railroad
line intersects the Norfolk Southern line at Oakland City
.
players and announcers such as Gary Denbo
, Dave Niehaus
, Eric Campbell
, and most notably MLB legend Gil Hodges
the namesake of Gil Hodges Field, a little league field in Princeton.
Gibson County has recently made is mark on the High School
scene with two softball titles by Gibson Southern
and a double overtime Boys Basketball State Title by Princeton
in 2009, completing a 29-0 Season. In addition there are three State Runner-Up Titles. All of these titles have been acquired since Gibson Southern's
Softball Runner-Up Title in 2001.
State Titles - AAA Softball (2003, 2005)
State Runner-Up Titles - AA Softball (2001), AAA Girls Basketball (2002)
Princeton Community
State Title - AAA Boys Basketball (2009)
Wood Memorial
State Runner-Up - A Girls Basketball (2007)
have hosted the Gibson County Toyota Teamwork Classic a 8-team playoff basketball classic tourney in December, sponsored by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
.
Coach and Washington, Indiana
native Alan Hopewell in 1981 as the Gibson Southern Cross Country Class Invitational, its name was changed in 2008 in his honor. Hopewell, who was very active in the invitational for 28 years until 2008 when he was battling cancer, had to let others run the invitational, Alan Hopwell died a week later in September, 2008. The 2009 Invitational featured 20 Cross Country Teams out of the expected 22 Teams and is the largest Cross Country meet in Southern Indiana
, drawing cross-country teams from six of the ten Evansville
Schools as well as teams from Illinois
and for the first time, Kentucky
.
(NS) - No Show
- Oakland City:
North Gibson School Corporation
- Princeton:
South Gibson School Corporation
- Fort Branch:
s run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville
and one non-Catholic Christian school. Holy Cross and St. James field basketball teams. Enrollment and Grades are in the 1st parenthesis. Mascot (I/A) is in 2nd parenthesis.
Industry
Proposed Industry or Industry under construction
(None at this time.)
Broadcast media
Newspapers
Websites
Southwestern Indiana
Southwestern Indiana is a 11-county region of Indiana located at the southernmost and westernmost part of the state. As of the 2000 census, the region's combined population is 465,338. Evansville, Indiana's third largest city, is the primary hub for the region as well as the primary regional hub...
part of the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
and is included in the Evansville
Evansville, Indiana
Evansville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the largest city in Southern Indiana. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 117,429. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for both Southwestern Indiana and the...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
–Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Evansville, IN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area
The Evansville, IN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area is the 142nd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States. The primary city is Evansville, Indiana. Other Indiana cities include Boonville, Mount Vernon, Oakland City, and Princeton...
. As of 2010, the population was 33,503. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Princeton
Princeton, Indiana
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...
.
Geography
Gibson County is the northern part of the EvansvilleEvansville, Indiana
Evansville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the largest city in Southern Indiana. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 117,429. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for both Southwestern Indiana and the...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
–Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Evansville, IN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area
The Evansville, IN-KY Metropolitan Statistical Area is the 142nd largest Metropolitan Statistical Area in the United States. The primary city is Evansville, Indiana. Other Indiana cities include Boonville, Mount Vernon, Oakland City, and Princeton...
. Nearly 90% of the county exists within the Ohio River Valley American Viticultural Area
Ohio River Valley AVA
The Ohio River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area centered around the Ohio River and surrounding areas. It is the second largest wine appellation of origin in the United States with in portions of the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia...
along with all of neighboring Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties and a portion of Pike County
Pike County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,837 people, 5,119 households, and 3,680 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 people per square mile . There were 5,611 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile...
. Despite being close to Evansville and experiencing a large growth of population in the central areas, Gibson County still remains a largely rural county with half of the ten townships having populations less than 2,000. Less than 7 percent of the county's 500 square miles (1,295 km²) lies within incorporated settlements, or 10 percent if subdivisions are included.
The western part of the county consists largely of spread-out flood-prone farms with spotty marshes along the Wabash and White Rivers. There are rolling hills around Owensville
Owensville, Indiana
For communities with a similar name, see Owensville.Owensville is a town in and the seat of Montgomery Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States...
, and large forest and marshland tracts lie near the Gibson Generating Station
Gibson Generating Station
The Gibson Generating Station is a coal-burning power plant located at the northern end of northern Montgomery Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. It is close to the Wabash River, just opposite Mount Carmel, Illinois...
and the three river settlements of Crawleyville, East Mount Carmel, and Skelton. The northern part is near the White River and is more given to hills and forest. The eastern part contains many hills and is also dotted with strip pits and active coal mines. The southern part is more given to valley and marshland, drained by the Pigeon Creek
Pigeon Creek (Indiana)
Pigeon Creek is a tributary of the Ohio River in southwestern Indiana. It runs approximately from its eastern source in rural Gibson County near Princeton and its western source near Owensville. The forks merge southeast of Fort Branch, and from there it heads southeast into Warrick County near...
which flows south through Evansville.
Even without Interstate 69
Interstate 69
Interstate 69 is an Interstate Highway in the United States. It exists in two parts: a completed highway from Indianapolis, Indiana, northeast to the Canadian border in Port Huron, Michigan, and a mostly proposed extension southwest to the Mexican border in Texas...
, The county is within a day's drive of Chicago, Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio. Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. Settled in 1788, the city is located to north of the Ohio River at the Ohio-Kentucky border, near Indiana. The population within city limits is 296,943 according to the 2010 census, making it Ohio's...
, Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Chattanooga is the fourth-largest city in the US state of Tennessee , with a population of 169,887. It is the seat of Hamilton County...
, Columbus
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...
, Indianapolis
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....
, Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
, Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Springfield is the third and current capital of the US state of Illinois and the county seat of Sangamon County with a population of 117,400 , making it the sixth most populated city in the state and the second most populated Illinois city outside of the Chicago Metropolitan Area...
, St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, even South Bend
South Bend, Indiana
The city of South Bend is the county seat of St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States, on the St. Joseph River near its southernmost bend, from which it derives its name. As of the 2010 Census, the city had a total of 101,168 residents; its Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 316,663...
, Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is a city in the US state of Indiana and the county seat of Allen County. The population was 253,691 at the 2010 Census making it the 74th largest city in the United States and the second largest in Indiana...
despite the lack of freeway connection. There are two major intersections in the southern extremes of the county. One is the intersection of Interstate 64 and US 41. The other is between Interstate 64 and Interstate 69
Interstate 69
Interstate 69 is an Interstate Highway in the United States. It exists in two parts: a completed highway from Indianapolis, Indiana, northeast to the Canadian border in Port Huron, Michigan, and a mostly proposed extension southwest to the Mexican border in Texas...
, which will eventually link the county and Evansville to Indianapolis and Memphis and make a day trip to even Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
possible.
The western half of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area
The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area established in 1994, is a collection of wildlife refuges and habitats situated along the Patoka River in Gibson and Pike Counties in Southwestern Indiana. It consists mostly of the main body refuge along nearly 40 miles of the river's...
lies within Gibson County.
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 499.16 square miles (1,292.8 km²), of which 487.49 square miles (1,262.6 km²) (or 97.66%) is land and 11.68 square miles (30.3 km²) (or 2.34%) is water. It is one of several United States counties which border eight other counties.
Adjacent counties
|
Pike County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 12,837 people, 5,119 households, and 3,680 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 people per square mile . There were 5,611 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile... (east & northeast) Warrick County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 52,383 people, 19,438 households, and 15,181 families residing in the county. The population density was 136 people per square mile . There were 20,546 housing units at an average density of 54 per square mile... (southeast & east) Vanderburgh County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 171,922 people, 70,623 households, and 44,421 families residing in the county. The population density was 733 people per square mile . There were 76,300 housing units at an average density of 325 per square mile... (south) Posey County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 27,061 people, 10,205 households, and 7,612 families residing in the county. The population density was 66 people per square mile . There were 11,076 housing units at an average density of 27 per square mile... (southwest & west) |
Cities
- Oakland CityOakland City, IndianaOakland City is the second-largest city but third-largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States, after the city of Princeton and the town of Fort Branch. It is the home of Oakland City University...
(47660) - PrincetonPrinceton, IndianaThe 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...
(47670)
Towns
- BuckskinBuckskin, IndianaBuckskin is a small unincorporated town in Barton Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Buckskin no longer has a post office but retained it's zip code, 47647.-Geography:Buckskin is located at . Nearby towns are Mackey and Somerville....
(47647) - Fort BranchFort Branch, IndianaFort Branch is the largest town and second largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States after Princeton. The population was 2,320 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Fort Branch is located at ....
(47648) - FranciscoFrancisco, IndianaFrancisco is a town in Center Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 459 at the 2010 census. It was founded in 1851...
(47649) - HaubstadtHaubstadt, IndianaHaubstadt is a town in Johnson Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,529 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Haubstadt is located at ....
(47639) - HazletonHazleton, IndianaHazleton is a town in White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 263 at the 2010 census.- History :Hazleton is the second oldest town in Gibson county after Princeton. It was named in honor of Gervas Hazleton, the second settler in the county to permanently...
(47640) - MackeyMackey, IndianaMackey is a town in Barton Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 106 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Mackey is located at ....
(47654) - OwensvilleOwensville, IndianaFor communities with a similar name, see Owensville.Owensville is a town in and the seat of Montgomery Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States...
(47665) - PatokaPatoka, IndianaPatoka is a town in White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 735 at the 2010 census. The town's name comes from an Indian word meaning "log on bottom".-Geography:Patoka is located at ....
(47666) - SomervilleSomerville, IndianaSomerville is a town in Barton Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 312 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Somerville is located at ....
(47683)
Unincorporated communities
|
Johnson, Indiana Johnson is an unincorporated town in Montgomery Township, Gibson County, Indiana, USA.-Geography:Johnson is located at at an elevation of 430 feet.... King, Indiana King is an unincorporated community in Patoka Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. It is also referred to as Kings or as King's Station.... Lyles Station, Indiana Lyles or Lyles Station is an unincorporated community in Patoka Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Founded by freed Tennessee slave Joshua Lyles in 1849, the community was Indiana's first black settlement and the only one still remaining today... Mount Olympus, Indiana Mount Olympus is an unincorporated community in Washington Township, Gibson County, Indiana.... |
Saint James, Indiana Saint James is a small area sub-located in Haubstadt, Indiana in Johnson Township, Gibson County, Indiana. It is home of the St. James Catholic School.The current pastor at St. James is Fr. Kenneth Betz. The current principal is Angela Johnson.... Snake Run, Gibson County, Indiana Snake Run is an unincorporated community stretched along Indiana 168 nearly halfway between Fort Branch and Mackey in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. It is in both Barton and Union Townships. It is named after the creek which runs through the central part of the community. Saint Bernards... Warrenton, Gibson County, Indiana Warrenton is an unincorporated town in Johnson Township, Gibson County, Indiana. Warrenton is home to The Log Inn, one of the oldest restaurants in Indiana. It is also home to the Weather Rock COA Campgrounds, 1 mile east.... Wheeling, Gibson County, Indiana Wheeling is an unincorporated community in Washington Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. It was once a thriving agricultural community on the banks of the Patoka River... |
Princeton, Indiana
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...
.
Townships
Gibson County consists of ten townshipsTownship (United States)
A township in the United States is a small geographic area. Townships range in size from 6 to 54 square miles , with being the norm.The term is used in three ways....
:
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Patoka Township, Gibson County, Indiana Patoka Township is one of ten townships in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, its population was 11,502. Patoka Township is the center of the North Gibson School Corporation. Patoka Township is the location of the county seat of Princeton and the center of Gibson... Union Township, Gibson County, Indiana Union Township is one of ten townships in Gibson County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,954. Fort Branch is the township seat. 2005 Estimate: 4,980... Wabash Township, Gibson County, Indiana Wabash Township is one of ten townships in Gibson County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, its population was 44. Wabash Township has no organized seat within the township, as the only settlement is in two river camps Crawleyville and Jimtown. The township seat is Owensville, in... Washington Township, Gibson County, Indiana Washington Township is one of ten townships in Gibson County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 703. Like Wabash Township, Washington Township also has no organized seat within the township, despite its two corporation-worthy towns Mount Olympus and Wheeling... White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana White River Township is one of ten townships in Gibson County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,714. Hazleton is the township seat.-Geography:White River Township covers an area of ; of this, or 2.83 percent is water.... |
Two townships, Wabash and Washington, contain no incorporated towns.
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in Princeton have ranged from a low of 21 °F (-6.1 °C) in January to a high of 88 °F (31.1 °C) in July, although a record low of -19 °F was recorded in January 1985 and a record high of 113 °F (45 °C) was recorded in July 1936. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.9 inches (7.4 cm) in January to 5.11 inches (13 cm) in May.Government
The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of IndianaConstitution of Indiana
There have been two Constitutions of the State of Indiana. The first constitution was created when the Territory of Indiana sent forty-three delegates to a constitutional convention on June 10, 1816 to establish a constitution for the proposed State of Indiana after the United States Congress had...
, and by the Indiana Code
Indiana Code
The Indiana Code is the code of laws for the US State of Indiana. The contents are the codification of the all the laws currently in effect within Indiana...
.
The county council is the fiscal branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four-year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, including income and property taxes (which are subject to state-level approval), excise taxes, and service taxes. The Council Members are, George Ankenbrand, W.W. George, Bill McConnell,Tony Wolfe, LeAnn Smith, Craig Pflug, and Jeremy Overton.
The Board of Commissioners is the legislative and executive body of the county government. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered four-year terms. One of the commissioners—typically the most senior—serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government. The Commissioners are Bob Townsend, Gerald Bledsoe, and Alan Douglas.
The county maintains two court systems, Circuit Court, with Judge Jeff Mead, presiding and Superior Court, with Judge Earl Penrod, presiding. The judges on the court are elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court
Circuit court
Circuit court is the name of court systems in several common law jurisdictions.-History:King Henry II instituted the custom of having judges ride around the countryside each year to hear appeals, rather than forcing everyone to bring their appeals to London...
.
The county has several other elected offices, including Sheriff, George Ballard; Coroner, Barrett Doyle; Auditor, C. T. Montgomery; Treasurer, Mary Key; Recorder, Debbie Wethington; Surveyor, Michael Stevenson; Assessor, Juanita Beadle; and Circuit Court Clerk, Becky Woodburn. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
affiliations and to be residents of the county.
Gibson County is part of Indiana's 8th congressional district
Indiana's 8th congressional district
Indiana's 8th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. Based in Southwest and west central Indiana, the district is anchored in Evansville and also includes Terre Haute, Vincennes and Washington....
; Indiana Senate
Indiana Senate
The Indiana Senate is the upper house of the Indiana General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Indiana. The Senate is composed of 50 members representing an equal number of constituent districts. Senators serve four-year terms without term limits...
districts 48 and 49; and Indiana House of Representatives
Indiana House of Representatives
The Indiana House of Representatives is the lower house of the Indiana General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Indiana. The House is composed of 100 members representing an equal number of constituent districts. House members serve two-year terms without term limits...
districts 64, 75 and 76.
History
The first white settler of Gibson County was John Severns. He was a native of WalesWales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
and came with his parents to America several years before the Revolutionary War. He settled in Gibson County in 1789-90 on the south bank of the Patoka River at a place now known as Severns Bridge. Another early Gibson County settler was William Hargrove, who came from Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
by pack mule
Mule
A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. Horses and donkeys are different species, with different numbers of chromosomes. Of the two F1 hybrids between these two species, a mule is easier to obtain than a hinny...
in 1803; Captain Hargrove commanded a company of militia from Gibson County at the Battle of Tippecanoe
Battle of Tippecanoe
The Battle of Tippecanoe was fought on November 7, 1811, between United States forces led by Governor William Henry Harrison of the Indiana Territory and Native American warriors associated with the Shawnee leader Tecumseh. Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa were leaders of a confederacy of...
in 1811.
The Rev. Joseph Milburn, along with his son, Robert Milburn, also arrived in 1803. They settled near Princeton
Princeton, Indiana
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...
, between the Patoka
Patoka River
The Patoka River is a tributary of the Wabash River in southwestern Indiana in the United States. It drains a largely rural area of forested bottomland and agricultural lands among the hills north of Evansville.-Description:...
and White Rivers
White River (Indiana)
The White River is a two-forked river that flows through central and southern Indiana and is the main tributary to the Wabash River. Via the west fork, considered to be the main stem of the river by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, the White River is long.-West Fork:The West Fork, long, is...
. The Milburns were from the area of Washington County
Washington County, Kentucky
Washington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 10,916. Its county seat is Springfield. The county is named for George Washington. Washington County was the first county formed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky when it reached statehood...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. Rev. Milburn, a Baptist, established the first church; Robert established the first distillery in Indiana.
In 1805, Jacob Warrick
Jacob Warrick
Jacob Warrick was an Indiana militia leader.Jacob Warrick was born at Warrick's Station, in present-day Greenbrier County, West Virginia, the son of John Warrick, who fought at the Battle of Point Pleasant, in Lord Dunmore's War in 1774. Jacob Warrick moved on to Nicholas County, Kentucky.In 1795,...
arrived, along with his father-in-law, Thomas Montgomery. They burned out the last Indian
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
village in 1807, chasing the inhabitants into the Illinois Territory
Illinois Territory
The Territory of Illinois was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 1, 1809, until December 3, 1818, when the southern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the State of Illinois. The area was earlier known as "Illinois Country" while under...
. Captain Warrick was killed at the Battle of Tippecanoe
Battle of Tippecanoe
The Battle of Tippecanoe was fought on November 7, 1811, between United States forces led by Governor William Henry Harrison of the Indiana Territory and Native American warriors associated with the Shawnee leader Tecumseh. Tecumseh and his brother Tenskwatawa were leaders of a confederacy of...
in 1811.
Gibson County was organized in 1813 out of Knox County
Knox County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 39,256 people, 15,552 households, and 10,139 families residing in the county. The population density was 76 people per square mile . There were 17,305 housing units at an average density of 34 per square mile...
. The county was named for John Gibson
John Gibson (Indiana)
John Gibson was a veteran of the French and Indian War, Lord Dunmore's War, the American Revolutionary War, Tecumseh's War, and the War of 1812. A delegate to the first Pennsylvania constitutional convention in 1790, and a merchant, he earned a reputation as a frontier leader and had good...
, an officer in the French and Indian War
French and Indian War
The French and Indian War is the common American name for the war between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. In 1756, the war erupted into the world-wide conflict known as the Seven Years' War and thus came to be regarded as the North American theater of that war...
and the Revolutionary War. Gibson was Secretary of the Indiana Territory
Indiana Territory
The Territory of Indiana was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 4, 1800, until November 7, 1816, when the southern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the state of Indiana....
, serving as acting Governor on two occasions. Warrick County was organized out of Gibson County almost a month later, the two counties separated by Rector's Base Line. When organized on April 1, 1813, Gibson County occupied everything from the Paoli Base Line to the Wabash River and from the White River to the Ohio River. Rector's Base Line separated the southern half of the county to form Warrick County which was organized on April 30, 1813. The counties of Warrick
Warrick County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 52,383 people, 19,438 households, and 15,181 families residing in the county. The population density was 136 people per square mile . There were 20,546 housing units at an average density of 54 per square mile...
, Orange
Orange County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,306 people, 7,621 households, and 5,342 families residing in the county. The population density was 48 people per square mile . There were 8,348 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile...
, Perry
Perry County, Indiana
Perry County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 19,338. The county seat is Tell City. It is the hilliest county as well as one of the most forested counties of in Indiana as it features more than of Hoosier National Forest...
, Spencer
Spencer County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 20,391 people, 7,569 households, and 5,752 families residing in the county. The population density was 51 people per square mile . There were 8,333 housing units at an average density of 21 per square mile...
, Posey
Posey County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 27,061 people, 10,205 households, and 7,612 families residing in the county. The population density was 66 people per square mile . There were 11,076 housing units at an average density of 27 per square mile...
, Pike
Pike County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,837 people, 5,119 households, and 3,680 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 people per square mile . There were 5,611 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile...
, Dubois
Dubois County, Indiana
Dubois County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. The county seat is Jasper. As of 2010, the population was 41,889.Dubois County is part of the Jasper Micropolitan Statistical Area.-History:...
, Crawford
Crawford County, Indiana
Crawford County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 10,713. The county seat is English.-Geography:...
, and Vanderburgh
Vanderburgh County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 171,922 people, 70,623 households, and 44,421 families residing in the county. The population density was 733 people per square mile . There were 76,300 housing units at an average density of 325 per square mile...
, and part of Lawrence County
Lawrence County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 45,922 people, 18,535 households, and 13,141 families residing in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile . There were 20,560 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile...
all came from the roughly 2000 square miles (5,180 km²) area occupied by the original Gibson County.
When the county was organized, Patoka
Patoka, Indiana
Patoka is a town in White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 735 at the 2010 census. The town's name comes from an Indian word meaning "log on bottom".-Geography:Patoka is located at ....
was initially intended to be the county seat. However, Patoka's low-lying location along the Patoka River
Patoka River
The Patoka River is a tributary of the Wabash River in southwestern Indiana in the United States. It drains a largely rural area of forested bottomland and agricultural lands among the hills north of Evansville.-Description:...
gave rise to a malaria epidemic; to avoid this, the commissioners chose to establish a new town, eventually known as Princeton
Princeton, Indiana
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...
, on higher ground approximately 4 miles (6 km) south. However, although Princeton contends that it was the only county seat, some contend that county records indicate that Owensville was a temporary county seat since Princeton was not even laid out until late 1814, at least a year after Gibson County's organization.
Late 2004 Snowstorm
In the holiday season of 2004, a crippling snowstorm struck. The event was well forecast, but was not forecasted to be as heavy. The storm dumped over twice the usual annual snowfall in only three days. The total accumulations from this storm averaged 20 inches in Gibson County, with snow drifts reaching over 4 feet (1.2 m) in spots and some spots of Gibson County receiving as much as 32 inch (0.8128 m). This resulted in a very chaotic situation, as travel between towns was impossible and even basic public services were unable to function. The snowstorm was so intense that Interstate 64Interstate 64
Interstate 64 is an Interstate Highway in the Midwestern and Southeastern United States. Its western terminus is at I-70, U.S. 40, and U.S. 61 in Wentzville, Missouri. Its eastern terminus is at an interchange with I-264 and I-664 at Bowers Hill in Chesapeake, Virginia. As I-64 is concurrent with...
was closed down. The Indiana National Guard was dispatched, and many local farmers with knowledge of the area and vehicles that were not hampered by the snow were also recruited to assist in emergency services for the stranded motorists. This snowstorm was so intense that it apparently snowed in Galveston
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is a coastal city located on Galveston Island in the U.S. state of Texas. , the city had a total population of 47,743 within an area of...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, which typically experiences very mild winters.
Flood of Early January 2005
The snowstorm ended just about as fast as it started. By the end of December 2004, temperatures were above 50 to 60 degrees and the snow that fell began to melt very quickly. The White RiverWhite River (Indiana)
The White River is a two-forked river that flows through central and southern Indiana and is the main tributary to the Wabash River. Via the west fork, considered to be the main stem of the river by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, the White River is long.-West Fork:The West Fork, long, is...
at Hazleton
Hazleton, Indiana
Hazleton is a town in White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 263 at the 2010 census.- History :Hazleton is the second oldest town in Gibson county after Princeton. It was named in honor of Gervas Hazleton, the second settler in the county to permanently...
got as high as 31 feet (almost high enough to overtake US 41), while the Wabash River
Wabash River
The Wabash River is a river in the Midwestern United States that flows southwest from northwest Ohio near Fort Recovery across northern Indiana to southern Illinois, where it forms the Illinois-Indiana border before draining into the Ohio River, of which it is the largest northern tributary...
at Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel, Illinois
Mount Carmel is a city in and the county seat of Wabash County, Illinois, United States. At the time of the 2000 census, the population was 7,982, while the next largest town in Wabash County is Allendale, population 528. Located at the confluence of the Wabash, Patoka, and White Rivers, Mount...
, Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
rose to 33.95 feet (10.3 m). Extreme flooding occurred throughout the county and hundreds of local high school students from many counties assisted the Indiana National Guard in shoring up levees and sandbagging towns. Hazleton
Hazleton, Indiana
Hazleton is a town in White River Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 263 at the 2010 census.- History :Hazleton is the second oldest town in Gibson county after Princeton. It was named in honor of Gervas Hazleton, the second settler in the county to permanently...
was evacuated because its levee was showing signs of fatigue. The effort given by those who participated was enough to for all of the levees to hold. By the end of January 2005, the rivers had receded enough to allow people to return to their homes. Overall, over 100 homes were lost in the flood, which was considered the second-worst flood in the area's history (after the Flood of 1913).
April 2008 Earthquake
The 2008 Illinois earthquake was one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded in the stateU.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, measuring a magnitude
Moment magnitude scale
The moment magnitude scale is used by seismologists to measure the size of earthquakes in terms of the energy released. The magnitude is based on the seismic moment of the earthquake, which is equal to the rigidity of the Earth multiplied by the average amount of slip on the fault and the size of...
of 5.2. It occurred at 4:37:00 a.m. CDT
Central Time zone
In North America, the Central Time Zone refers to national time zones which observe standard time by subtracting six hours from UTC , and daylight saving, or summer time by subtracting five hours...
(9:37:00 UTC) on April 18 within the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone
Wabash Valley Seismic Zone
The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone is a tectonic region located in the Midwest of the United States, centered on the valley of the Lower Wabash River, along the state line between southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana.-Geology:The Wabash Valley Seismic Zone consists largely of...
at a depth of 11.6 km. It was centered near West Salem, Illinois
West Salem, Illinois
West Salem is a village in Edwards County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,001 at the 2000 census.-Earthquake:West Salem is within the Wabash Valley seismic zone. On April 18, 2008 at 09:36:56 UTC a moderate earthquake of 5.2 magnitude was centered near the village...
and Mount Carmel, Illinois
Mount Carmel, Illinois
Mount Carmel is a city in and the county seat of Wabash County, Illinois, United States. At the time of the 2000 census, the population was 7,982, while the next largest town in Wabash County is Allendale, population 528. Located at the confluence of the Wabash, Patoka, and White Rivers, Mount...
, specifically at 38.450° N, 87.890° W. Because of its proximity, Gibson County was impacted in less than one second after the initial quake.
List of Impacts form the Earthquake
- In Princeton, IndianaPrinceton, IndianaThe 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...
, a woman was cut when a crystal figurine was knocked from a shelf in her home.
- Unit 4 at Duke Energy'sDuke EnergyDuke Energy , headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, is an energy company with assets in the United States, Canada and Latin America.-Overview:...
Gibson Generating StationGibson Generating StationThe Gibson Generating Station is a coal-burning power plant located at the northern end of northern Montgomery Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. It is close to the Wabash River, just opposite Mount Carmel, Illinois...
automatically shut down after the earthquake due to its vibration sensors.
- A coal mine was also evacuated after the earthquake, but miners returned to work shortly afterwards.
- The county's 9-1-19-1-19-1-1 is the emergency telephone number for the North American Numbering Plan .It is one of eight N11 codes.The use of this number is for emergency circumstances only, and to use it for any other purpose can be a crime.-History:In the earliest days of telephone technology, prior to the...
system experienced a short outage due to a flood of calls resulting from the earthquake, but after about 15 minutes service was restored.
Flood of June 2008
Another major flood occurred in June 2008. Four elements made this flood very different from the 2008 Flood. First, unlike the previous flood, this was caused by intense rainfall as opposed to intense snowfall. Secondly, the source of the 2008 flood was entirely upstream rather in the area. Third and one of the major difference between the 2008 and 2005 floods is that both the Wabash and White Rivers were severely flooded, whereas the 2005 flood was predominately from the White River. The fourth was that unlike the 2005 flood, nearly all of Gibson County's levees held the flood back while many levees upstream were failing, this was due once again to the Indiana National Guard.Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 32,500 people, 12,847 households, and 9,095 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 66 people per square mile (26/km²). There were 14,125 housing units at an average density of 29 per square mile (11/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.46% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.91% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.19% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.52% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.22% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.69% from two or more races. 0.70% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 35.4% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 21.9% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 11.9% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 10.2% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 12,847 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.10% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.10% 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 2.98.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 23.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $37,515, and the median income for a family was $44,839. Males had a median income of $35,511 versus $21,284 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,169. About 6.60% of families and 8.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.40% of those under age 18 and 7.20% of those age 65 or over.
While the housing markets around the area have been down as much 18% in 2007, Gibson County's home sales were up almost 11% in 2007. Areas that showed the most increases were in the southern part of the county, particularly around Haubstadt and Fort Branch. Owensville and Princeton also have recently seen increases in home sales and/or restorations, but on a somewhat smaller scale, despite the weak housing market.
Transportation
County roads
Gibson County has over 1700 miles (2,735.9 km) of county roads, one of the largest amounts of county-maintained roads outside of an urban county. Like most Indiana counties, Gibson County uses the Indiana county road system to identify its roads. U.S. Route 41U.S. Route 41
U.S. Route 41 is a north–south United States Highway that runs from Miami, Florida to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Until 1949, the part in southern Florida, from Naples to Miami, was U.S...
(a north-south road) and State Road 64
Indiana State Road 64
State Road 64 in the U.S. State of Indiana is an east–west highway that crosses most of the southern portion of the state, covering a distance of about .-Route description:...
(an east-west road) are near the meridian and division lines for the county, respectively.
Major highways
*- Construction is currently underway - See below article.
Interstate 69
A section of Interstate 69's construction groundbreaking occurred on July 16, 2008, at the Centre in EvansvilleEvansville, Indiana
Evansville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the largest city in Southern Indiana. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 117,429. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for both Southwestern Indiana and the...
. This project has its controversy, highlighted by a small group of protesters in attendance.
As of July 15, a section of Indiana State Road 168
Indiana State Road 168
State Road 168 is a long east–west two-lane highway that exists entirely within Gibson County in the far southwestern portion of the state, spanning Barton, Montgomery, and Union townships.-Route description:...
has been temporarily closed to through traffic in order to install an interchange. This will be the first in a series of Gibson County Highways temporarily closed in order to construct interchanges as the highway expands northward, toward Pike County
Pike County, Indiana
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,837 people, 5,119 households, and 3,680 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 people per square mile . There were 5,611 housing units at an average density of 17 per square mile...
on its way to Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. Other temporary closures will include Indiana State Road 168
Indiana State Road 168
State Road 168 is a long east–west two-lane highway that exists entirely within Gibson County in the far southwestern portion of the state, spanning Barton, Montgomery, and Union townships.-Route description:...
and Indiana State Road 64
Indiana State Road 64
State Road 64 in the U.S. State of Indiana is an east–west highway that crosses most of the southern portion of the state, covering a distance of about .-Route description:...
.
Some self-proclaimed "environmentalists" have sworn to do everything possible to stop I-69 construction in Southern Indiana. Especially active is a group called Roadblock Earth First which has been responsible for a number of incidents in Oakland City
Oakland City, Indiana
Oakland City is the second-largest city but third-largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States, after the city of Princeton and the town of Fort Branch. It is the home of Oakland City University...
and at a Haubstadt
Haubstadt, Indiana
Haubstadt is a town in Johnson Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,529 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Haubstadt is located at ....
asphalt yard given the contract for the first segment; however, on the other hand, there are many environmentalists who are highly supportive of this project, as they see the value of constructing additional wetlands, other land improvements, and potential for better air quality due to the new road. Some supporters come from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife who see the advantages of having improved travel to the recently established Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge. One Representative has said they hope to locate a park facility near I-69 and Oakland City.
A portion of the first segment opened in late September 2009. It is about 1 miles (2 km) long, stretching from the I-64/I-164/SR57 intersection to SR 68, which has reopened, but remains under construction to complete the interchange that will continue the road project northward.
Railroads
Three railroad lines pass through the county. CSX TransportationCSX Transportation
CSX Transportation operates a Class I railroad in the United States known as the CSX Railroad. It is the main subsidiary of the CSX Corporation. The company is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, and owns approximately 21,000 route miles...
operates a north-south line, and Norfolk Southern Railway
Norfolk Southern Railway
The Norfolk Southern Railway is a Class I railroad in the United States, owned by the Norfolk Southern Corporation. With headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, the company operates 21,500 route miles in 22 eastern states, the District of Columbia and the province of Ontario, Canada...
operates an east-west line; they intersect in Princeton. A north-south Indiana Southern Railroad
Indiana Southern Railroad
The Indiana Southern Railroad is a short line or Class III railroad operating in the United States state of Indiana. It began operations in 1992, and was acquired by RailAmerica in 2000....
line intersects the Norfolk Southern line at Oakland City
Oakland City, Indiana
Oakland City is the second-largest city but third-largest community in Gibson County, Indiana, United States, after the city of Princeton and the town of Fort Branch. It is the home of Oakland City University...
.
Sports
Gibson County's association to baseball is far-reaching with known Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
players and announcers such as Gary Denbo
Gary Denbo
Gary Brian Denbo is currently a Major League Professional Scout for the New York Yankees professional baseball organization.-Playing career:...
, Dave Niehaus
Dave Niehaus
David Arnold Niehaus was an American sportscaster. He was the lead play-by-play announcer for the American League's Seattle Mariners from their inaugural season in until his death after the 2010 season. In 2008, the National Baseball Hall of Fame awarded Niehaus with the Ford C. Frick Award, the...
, Eric Campbell
Eric Campbell (baseball)
Eric Campbell is a minor league baseball third baseman. Listed at 6-feet and 205 pounds, Campbell bats and throws right-handed.Entering 2007, he was rated by Baseball America as the No...
, and most notably MLB legend Gil Hodges
Gil Hodges
Gilbert Ray Hodges was an American Major League Baseball first baseman and manager. During an 18-year baseball career, he played in 1943 and from 1947–63, spending most of his career with the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers...
the namesake of Gil Hodges Field, a little league field in Princeton.
Gibson County has recently made is mark on the High School
Indiana High School Athletic Association
The Indiana High School Athletic Association is the arbiter of interscholastic competition among public and private high schools in the State of Indiana. It monitors a system that divides athletically-competing high schools in Indiana based on the school's enrollment. The divisions, known as...
scene with two softball titles by Gibson Southern
Gibson Southern High School
Gibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
and a double overtime Boys Basketball State Title by Princeton
Princeton Community High School
Princeton Community High School is a four-year comprehensive secondary school in Princeton, Indiana. The high school is a part of the North Gibson School Corporation. The school is located on Old US Highway 41 North. The school operates a television station, W06BD, from studios at the high...
in 2009, completing a 29-0 Season. In addition there are three State Runner-Up Titles. All of these titles have been acquired since Gibson Southern's
Gibson Southern High School
Gibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
Softball Runner-Up Title in 2001.
State and Runner-Up Titles
Gibson SouthernGibson Southern High School
Gibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
State Titles - AAA Softball (2003, 2005)
State Runner-Up Titles - AA Softball (2001), AAA Girls Basketball (2002)
Princeton Community
Princeton Community High School
Princeton Community High School is a four-year comprehensive secondary school in Princeton, Indiana. The high school is a part of the North Gibson School Corporation. The school is located on Old US Highway 41 North. The school operates a television station, W06BD, from studios at the high...
State Title - AAA Boys Basketball (2009)
Wood Memorial
Waldo J. Wood Memorial Jr/Sr High School
The Waldo J. Wood Memorial Junior - Senior High School or simply Wood Memorial High School and sometimes as Oakland City Wood Memorial High School is a public education institution located in Oakland City, Indiana, serving the East Gibson School Corporation and drawing students from Barton, Center...
State Runner-Up - A Girls Basketball (2007)
Gibson County Toyota Teamwork Classic
Since 2000 Eight Gibson County schools and Oakland City UniversityOakland City University
Oakland City University, abbreviated as OCU, is a coeducational, small-town, urban, private university in Oakland City in eastern Gibson County, about north and slightly east of Evansville in Southwestern Indiana. Oakland City University is the only General Baptist Church-affiliated college in the...
have hosted the Gibson County Toyota Teamwork Classic a 8-team playoff basketball classic tourney in December, sponsored by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc. is an automobile manufacturing factory located nearly halfway between Princeton, Indiana and Fort Branch, Indiana, USA...
.
The Alan Hopewell Class Invitational
Another even larger sports gathering is the Alan Hopewell Class Invitational. Started by Gibson SouthernGibson Southern High School
Gibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
Coach and Washington, Indiana
Washington, Indiana
Washington is a city in Daviess County, Indiana, United States. The population was 11,509 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Daviess County.-History:...
native Alan Hopewell in 1981 as the Gibson Southern Cross Country Class Invitational, its name was changed in 2008 in his honor. Hopewell, who was very active in the invitational for 28 years until 2008 when he was battling cancer, had to let others run the invitational, Alan Hopwell died a week later in September, 2008. The 2009 Invitational featured 20 Cross Country Teams out of the expected 22 Teams and is the largest Cross Country meet in Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana, in the United States, consists of the 33 counties located in the southernmost part of the state. The region's history and geography has led to a blend of Northern and Southern culture distinct from the remainder of Indiana. It is often considered to be part of the Upland South...
, drawing cross-country teams from six of the ten Evansville
Evansville, Indiana
Evansville is the third-largest city in the U.S. state of Indiana and the largest city in Southern Indiana. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 117,429. It is the county seat of Vanderburgh County and the regional hub for both Southwestern Indiana and the...
Schools as well as teams from Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
and for the first time, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
.
2009 Hopewell Class Invitational Participating Schools
- Barr-ReeveBarr-Reeve Junior-Senior High SchoolBarr-Reeve Junior/Senior High School is a public school located in Montgomery, Indiana serving Barr and Reeve Townships and is located in southeastern Daviess County...
(NS) - BoonvilleBoonville High SchoolBoonville High School is a public school in Boonville, Indiana. The school is one of three in Warrick County that make up the Warrick County School Corporation.Principal: Mike WhittenAssistant Principal: Keith PaigeSchool Hours: 7:40-2:45...
- Castle
- Evansville Harrison
- Evansville Mater DeiMater Dei High School (Evansville, Indiana)Mater Dei High School or Evansville Mater Dei High School is a private Catholic high school on the west side of Evansville, Indiana. It is one of two Catholic high schools that serve the students of Vanderburgh, Posey, Gibson, and Warrick counties as part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of...
- Evansville ReitzFJ Reitz High SchoolFrancis Joseph Reitz High School is a historic public high school on the west side of Evansville, Indiana. It was founded in 1918, and is the second oldest high school still in use today in the city. It is a member of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.-History:The idea for a school on...
- Evansville Reitz MemorialReitz Memorial High SchoolReitz Memorial High School or Evansville Memorial High School outside of Evansville or simply Memorial High School inside Evansville, is a diocesan interparochial Catholic High school in Evansville, Indiana. It sits on a tract of land off Lincoln Avenue that was donated by Francis Joseph Reitz in...
- Evansville SignatureSignature SchoolSignature School is a charter high school located in downtown Evansville, Indiana, on the Main Street Walkway. The school opened in 2002 and is Indiana's first public charter high school. The first graduation ceremony for Signature School students was held in May 2003 in the Victory Theatre. There...
- Gibson SouthernGibson Southern High SchoolGibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
- Heritage HillsHeritage Hills High SchoolHeritage Hills High School is a grade nine through twelve public high school located in Lincoln City, Indiana in the United States. The school's principal is Nick Alcorn, and its vice-principal is Jeff Cochren. Heritage Hills High School has a population of about 800 students and about 100 faculty...
- Mt. Carmel (Illinois)Mount Carmel High School (Mount Carmel, Illinois)Mount Carmel High School is the only high school in Wabash County, Illinois, which is in southern Illinois, just across the Wabash River from Gibson County, Indiana. Other towns that send students to MCHS include Allendale, Patton, Keensburg, and Friendsville...
- Mt. VernonMt. Vernon Senior High SchoolMount Vernon Senior High School is a public high school in Mount Vernon, Indiana and is part of the M.S.D. of Mount Vernon. The current campus was completed in 1960 and was expanded in the 1980s. It serves high school students from 4 townships in the southern half of Posey County.-Student...
- North PoseyNorth Posey High SchoolNorth Posey Senior High School is a public high school in Poseyville, Indiana. North Posey was established in 1959 when the four separate schools of Poseyville, Cynthiana, Wadesville and Griffin consolidated...
- Owensboro Senior (Kentucky)Daviess County Public SchoolsDaviess County Public Schools is a school district that manages the public schools inDaviess County, Kentucky, USA; However within the city limits Owensboro Public Schools is an independent district from the county schools.-Apollo High School:...
- Pike CentralPike Central High SchoolPike Central is the only high school in Pike County, Indiana.This past October , Pike Central High School was selected as one of 14 Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams and one of only 4 teams to present on stage at the convention. -- a program that grants selected high schools up to $10,000 to invent...
- Princeton CommunityPrinceton Community High SchoolPrinceton Community High School is a four-year comprehensive secondary school in Princeton, Indiana. The high school is a part of the North Gibson School Corporation. The school is located on Old US Highway 41 North. The school operates a television station, W06BD, from studios at the high...
- South KnoxSouth Knox High SchoolSouth Knox High School is a high school located southeast of Vincennes in an unincorporated community called Verne. Its athletic nickname is the "Spartans", and it participates in the Blue Chip Conference....
- Tecumseh
- Vincennes Lincoln
- WashingtonWashington High School (Washington, Indiana)for schools of the same nameWashington High School is a high school in Washington, Indiana. Its athletic mascot is "The Hatchets". The School's primary colors are old gold and black. WHS plays in the Big Eight Conference...
- Washington CatholicWashington Catholic High SchoolWashington Catholic High School is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Washington, Indiana. It is a part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville. It is part of a larger school system that was founded by Mother Theodore Guerin in 1857...
(NS)
(NS) - No Show
Education
Gibson County's three municipal school districts
East Gibson School CorporationEast Gibson School Corporation
The East Gibson School Corporation is the smallest of the three public school governing institutions in Gibson County in both land area and student body with just over 1,000 students . The EGSC is responsible for a district including three townships of easternmost Gibson County; Barton, Center, and...
- Oakland City:
- Waldo J. Wood Memorial Jr/Sr High SchoolWaldo J. Wood Memorial Jr/Sr High SchoolThe Waldo J. Wood Memorial Junior - Senior High School or simply Wood Memorial High School and sometimes as Oakland City Wood Memorial High School is a public education institution located in Oakland City, Indiana, serving the East Gibson School Corporation and drawing students from Barton, Center...
- Oakland City
(TrojanTroyTroy was a city, both factual and legendary, located in northwest Anatolia in what is now Turkey, southeast of the Dardanelles and beside Mount Ida...
s) - Oakland City Elementary School - Oakland City
(Acorns) - Francisco Elementary School - Francisco
(Owls) - Barton Township School - Mackey
(Aces)
North Gibson School Corporation
North Gibson School Corporation
The North Gibson School Corporation is the second largest of the three public school governing institutions in Gibson County, Indiana, United States as well as one of the twenty largest in enrollment in Southwestern Indiana. The NGSC is responsible for a district including three townships of...
- Princeton:
- Princeton Community High SchoolPrinceton Community High SchoolPrinceton Community High School is a four-year comprehensive secondary school in Princeton, Indiana. The high school is a part of the North Gibson School Corporation. The school is located on Old US Highway 41 North. The school operates a television station, W06BD, from studios at the high...
- Princeton
(TigerTigerThe tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
s) - Princeton Community Middle School - Princeton
(Tigers) - Lowell North Elementary School (formerly the "Early Learning Center") - Princeton
(Tiger Cubs) - Lowell South Elementary School - Princeton
(Tiger Cubs) - Brumfield Elementary SchoolBrumfield Elementary SchoolBrumfield Elementary School is an elementary school located near Princeton Community High School in Princeton, Indiana, USA and is part of the North Gibson School Corporation. The school was opened in 1976 and the current principal is Mary Ann O'Neal. The sports teams are known as the 'Little...
- Princeton
(Tiger Cubs)
South Gibson School Corporation
South Gibson School Corporation
-The School Corporation:The South Gibson School Corporation is the largest of the three public school governing institutions in enrollment and territory covered in Gibson County, Indiana as well as one of the ten largest in enrollment in Southwestern Indiana...
- Fort Branch:
- Gibson Southern High SchoolGibson Southern High SchoolGibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
- Fort Branch
(TitansTitan (mythology)In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful deities, descendants of Gaia and Uranus, that ruled during the legendary Golden Age....
) - Fort Branch Community SchoolFort Branch Community SchoolFort Branch Community School is one of the three K-8 learning institutions serving the South Gibson School Corporation in Fort Branch, Indiana. Like the other two schools, FBCS also uses the mascot and colors of their former high school, in this case, the Fort Branch Marlette High School Twigs as...
(K-8) - Fort Branch
(Twigs) - Haubstadt Community SchoolHaubstadt Community SchoolHaubstadt Community School is one of the three K-8 learning institutions feeding into Gibson Southern High School for the South Gibson School Corporation. Like the other two, Haubstadt Community School also has adopted the mascot of their former high school, Haubstadt High School. Their Colors are...
(K-8) - Haubstadt
(Elites) - Owensville Community SchoolOwensville Community SchoolOwensville Community School is a K-8 learning institution located 1.8 miles south and slightly west of Owensville, Indiana. the Mascot is the Kickapoos, the mascot of the former Owensville Montgomery High School which consolidated into Gibson Southern High School in 1974. The school serves...
(K-8) - Owensville
(Kickapoos)
Private Education
Gibson County's Private Education consists of four Catholic SchoolCatholic school
Catholic schools are maintained parochial schools or education ministries of the Catholic Church. the Church operates the world's largest non-governmental school system...
s run by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville
Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Evansville is a Roman Catholic diocese in Southwestern Indiana. It was founded on October 21, 1944.The diocese includes the entirety of the eleven southwestern Indiana counties of Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, and...
and one non-Catholic Christian school. Holy Cross and St. James field basketball teams. Enrollment and Grades are in the 1st parenthesis. Mascot (I/A) is in 2nd parenthesis.
- Bethel Christian School - Princeton (K-6:112)
- Holy Cross Catholic School - Fort Branch (K-5:111) (Crusaders)
- St. James Catholic School - St. James/Haubstadt (K-8:185) (Cougars)
- St. Joseph Catholic School - Princeton (K-5:185)
- St.s Peter & Paul Catholic School - Haubstadt (K-5:200)
Higher education
- Oakland City UniversityOakland City UniversityOakland City University, abbreviated as OCU, is a coeducational, small-town, urban, private university in Oakland City in eastern Gibson County, about north and slightly east of Evansville in Southwestern Indiana. Oakland City University is the only General Baptist Church-affiliated college in the...
- Oakland City, Private university - Vincennes University Workforce Training CenterVincennes UniversityVincennes University is a public university in Vincennes, Indiana, in the United States. Founded in 1801 as Jefferson Academy, VU is the oldest public institution of higher learning in Indiana. Since 1889, VU has been a two-year university, although baccalaureate degrees in seven select areas are...
- Princeton Branch - 2 blocks west of Gibson County Courthouse - Ivy TechIvy Tech Community College of IndianaIvy Tech Community College of Indiana is Indiana's community college system, encompassing 24 campuses in 14 regions. The community college system now has more than 165,000 students...
Campus - 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Princeton, soon to be within city limits in upcoming annexation. - Vincennes University Center for Advanced ManufacturingVincennes UniversityVincennes University is a public university in Vincennes, Indiana, in the United States. Founded in 1801 as Jefferson Academy, VU is the oldest public institution of higher learning in Indiana. Since 1889, VU has been a two-year university, although baccalaureate degrees in seven select areas are...
- located near Fort Branch Community SchoolFort Branch Community SchoolFort Branch Community School is one of the three K-8 learning institutions serving the South Gibson School Corporation in Fort Branch, Indiana. Like the other two schools, FBCS also uses the mascot and colors of their former high school, in this case, the Fort Branch Marlette High School Twigs as...
at U.S. 41 and Coal Mine Road (CR 800 South). Groundbraking on October 23, 2009 with Construction starting on November 3, 2009.
Businesses
- Gibson Generating StationGibson Generating StationThe Gibson Generating Station is a coal-burning power plant located at the northern end of northern Montgomery Township, Gibson County, Indiana, United States. It is close to the Wabash River, just opposite Mount Carmel, Illinois...
(Coal), Owensville (across IN-64 from East Mount Carmel and across the Wabash River from Mount Carmel, IllinoisMount Carmel, IllinoisMount Carmel is a city in and the county seat of Wabash County, Illinois, United States. At the time of the 2000 census, the population was 7,982, while the next largest town in Wabash County is Allendale, population 528. Located at the confluence of the Wabash, Patoka, and White Rivers, Mount...
). - Toyota Motor Manufacturing IndianaToyota Motor Manufacturing IndianaToyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc. is an automobile manufacturing factory located nearly halfway between Princeton, Indiana and Fort Branch, Indiana, USA...
, Princeton (located almost exactly halfway between Princeton and Fort Branch and largely in Union Township but addressed to Princeton.) - Hansen Corporation, Princeton (located on the south side)
- TISA (Total Interior Systems of America), Princeton (located in the north end of the Industrial Park on Gach Road)
- Millennium Steel, Princeton (Located Immediately north of Toyota).
- Vuteq, Princeton (Located at north east corner of Toyota Plant).
- Gibson County Quality Assurance, Princeton (Located in Gibson County Warehousing Complex— 1 miles (2 km) north of the Toyota Plant).
- Toyota Tsusho, Princeton (Located in Gibson County Warehousing complex— 1 miles (2 km) north of Toyota Plant).
- Toyota BoshokuToyota BoshokuToyota Boshoku Corporation is a Japanese corporation. It is a member of the Toyota Group of companies. The Toyota Boshoku Corporation has recently entered into the North America market via Toyota Boshoku America...
, Princeton (Located at north end of the Industrial Park on Gach Road).
Proposed Industry or Industry under construction
(None at this time.)
Broadcast media
- TV 06 W06BDW06BDW06BD is a low-power television station based in Princeton Community High School in Princeton, Indiana, broadcasting locally on Insight Cable channel 7 and over-the-air on Channel 6. The station is owned by North Gibson School Corporation in partnership with Vincennes University...
- Operated by Princeton Community High SchoolPrinceton Community High SchoolPrinceton Community High School is a four-year comprehensive secondary school in Princeton, Indiana. The high school is a part of the North Gibson School Corporation. The school is located on Old US Highway 41 North. The school operates a television station, W06BD, from studios at the high...
. - FM 98.1 WRAY (FM) - Princeton - Country Music
- FM 101.5 WBGW - Fort Branch - Religious Music/Talk
- AM 1250 WRAY (AM) - Princeton - News/Talk
Newspapers
- Gibson County Today - Princeton
- Princeton Daily ClarionPrinceton Daily ClarionThe Princeton Daily Clarion is a newspaper circulating every weekday morning, 5 days a week in Princeton, Indiana and Gibson County. It is the only daily newspaper in Gibson County, Indiana. It is affiliated with Tri-State Media, along with the Mt. Carmel Daily Republican Register, Boonville...
- Princeton - Oakland City Journal - Oakland City
- South Gibson Star-Times - Owensville + Fort Branch
- South Gibson Bulletin - Owensville + Fort Branch
Websites
Recreation
- Gibson County FairgroundsGibson County (Indiana) FairgroundsThe Gibson County Fairgrounds are located along Embree Street across from Lafayette Park and across an intersection from Princeton Community High School in Princeton, Indiana....
- Princeton - site of Indiana's oldest county fairCounty Fair"County Fair" is a song written by Brian Wilson and Gary Usher for the American rock band The Beach Boys. It was originally released as the second track on their 1962 album Surfin' Safari. On November 26th of that year, it was released as the B-side to The Beach Boys' third single, "Ten Little...
, started in 1852. - Azalea Path Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Located South of Mt Olympus on the Gibson/Pike County Line)
- Oakland City New Lake - Oakland City
- Lafayette Park - Princeton
- Gil Hodges Field - Princeton
- Camp Carson YMCA Campground - Princeton
- Haubstadt Old School Park and Old Gym - Haubstadt
- Tri-State Speedway - Haubstadt
- Weather Rock Campground - Warrenton
- Montgomery Park - Owensville
- REH Center (Old Owensville Gym) - Owensville
- Gibson LakeGibson Lake (Indiana)Gibson Lake is the cooling pond for Duke Energy Indiana's Gibson Generating Station. Measuring at around , it is the largest lake in Indiana built completely above ground, its shores consisting of rock levees on all but two of the lake's six sides both of which were also built up to build the power...
- Owensville - Marlette Park - Fort Branch
- Old Gym - Fort Branch
- City Park of Fort Branch
- Gibson Southern High SchoolGibson Southern High SchoolGibson Southern High School is a public high school located near Fort Branch, Indiana in Gibson County.-School Description:Completed in 1974, Gibson Southern was created as a consolidation of Fort Branch Marlette, Haubstadt Johnson, and Owensville Montgomery High Schools...
Grounds - Fort Branch - Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management AreaPatoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management AreaThe Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area established in 1994, is a collection of wildlife refuges and habitats situated along the Patoka River in Gibson and Pike Counties in Southwestern Indiana. It consists mostly of the main body refuge along nearly 40 miles of the river's...
- Francisco and Oakland City