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Buddha, Indiana
Buddha, Indiana.jpg
Buddha, Indiana is located in Indiana
Buddha, Indiana
Buddha, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Buddha, Indiana is located in the United States
Buddha, Indiana
Buddha, Indiana
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Indiana
County Lawrence
Township Guthrie
Elevation
696 ft (212 m)
ZIP code
47421
FIPS code 18-08902
GNIS feature ID 431762

Buddha is a small, unincorporated community in Lawrence County, Indiana, in the United States. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city.

The name "Buddha" is interesting because people say it in different ways. Many older residents say "boo-dee," which rhymes with "Judy." However, younger people often say it like the name of the famous religious figure, "Buddha."

History of Buddha

Buddha was once known as Flinn's Crossroads. How it got its current name is a bit of a mystery. There are a few popular stories about it.

How Buddha Got Its Name

One story says a traveling salesman suggested the name. He stopped at the local store when the area was just known as a crossroads. Another tale suggests the name came from a hobo, a traveler who rode trains. This man often visited the area. People called him "Buddha" because he was short and heavy.

A third story connects the name to early settlers. An English family named Bodey lived there. They ran a supply port on the East Fork of the White River. This port was about a mile south of the crossroads. This might be how "Boo-dee" came about. Over time, it supposedly changed into the name "Buddha."

Local Landmarks

Buddha is home to the White River Baptist Church. The old Buddha store has been closed for many years. However, its faded name can still be seen on the white building. This building served as a store and trading post for a long time. Nearby, you can find Carlton Cemetery. Many of the area's first settlers are buried there.

Geography of Buddha

Buddha is located where Tunnelton Road and Old Buddha Road meet in Lawrence County. The East Fork of the White River is a little over a mile to the south and west of the community. Guthrie Creek is about a mile to the north and east.

The land around Buddha is quite hilly. It has many patches of forest. These forests are known for having sinkholes. Sinkholes are natural holes in the ground. The area also has many caves and caverns underground.

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