Asphaltum, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Asphaltum, Indiana
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 Asphaltum, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Asphaltum, Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Jasper |
| Township | Gillam |
| Elevation | 689 ft (210 m) |
| ZIP code |
46392
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| FIPS code | 18-02512 |
| GNIS feature ID | 430316 |
Asphaltum was a small, unincorporated community in Gillam Township, Jasper County, Indiana. This means it was never officially a town or city. It existed for only a short time around the early 1900s. The community was known for its connection to an oil boom in the area.
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Where Was Asphaltum?
Asphaltum was located in Gillam Township, Jasper County, Indiana. You could find it about one mile north and six miles west of a town called Medaryville. Its exact location was at 41 degrees, 6 minutes, 1 second North latitude and 86 degrees, 59 minutes, 53 seconds West longitude. The elevation of the area was about 689 feet above sea level.
A Short History of Asphaltum
Asphaltum was planned in 1901 by a person named B. F. Rouse. This happened during a time when many people were excited about finding oil in the area. It was a period known as an "oil boom."
The Oil Refinery
An oil refinery was built in Asphaltum by a company called American Lubricating and Refining Company. This refinery processed the crude oil found nearby. However, it only operated for a short time.
Why the Oil Boom Ended
The oil wells that led to the community's creation did not last long. The oil was found in shallow deposits, meaning it was not very deep underground. After hundreds of wells were drilled in the area, they soon stopped producing much oil. Also, the crude oil found here was sulfurous and not of very good quality. This made it less valuable.
The Post Office
A post office opened in Asphaltum in 1901. This allowed people in the community to send and receive mail. However, because the oil boom ended quickly, the post office also closed just a few years later, in 1904.
