Depauw, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Depauw, Indiana
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Post Office
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Harrison County's Location In Indiana
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 Depauw, Indiana
Location in Harrison County, Indiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Harrison |
| Township | Blue River, Spencer |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.58 sq mi (4.10 km2) |
| Elevation | 666 ft (203 m) |
| Population | |
| • Estimate
(2020)
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120 |
| Time zone | UTC-4:00 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
47115
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| FIPS code | 18-17794 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2830404 |
Depauw is a small, unincorporated community in Harrison County, Indiana. An unincorporated community means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Depauw is located in both Blue River Township and Spencer Township. In 2020, about 120 people lived there. The number of residents is slowly getting smaller.
History of Depauw
Depauw was officially planned out by Felician Henriott. This happened on April 8, 1884. Some people believe the community was named after a person named Washington C. DePauw.
Depauw has experienced several strong tornadoes. One tornado hit on April 3, 1903. Two more hit on April 3, 1974. Another occurred on April 5, 1985, and one on June 2, 1990.
The 1974 F5 Tornado
On April 3, 1974, a very powerful tornado struck Depauw. It was an F5 tornado, which is the strongest type. This tornado hit around 3:20 PM. It completely destroyed some mobile homes and houses.
The tornado first formed near New Boston, Indiana. It then moved east, just missing Frenchtown, Indiana, before hitting Depauw. Many local residents who didn't have basements quickly went to neighbors' homes that did. After passing through Depauw, the tornado headed northeast towards Palmyra, Indiana.
This powerful tornado was on the ground for 68 miles (110 km). It caused the deaths of 6 people and injured 76 others. The tornado was also very wide, measuring 1.6 miles (2.5 km) across. It was the first of many F5 tornadoes that formed that day in the Midwest. This series of tornadoes is known as the 1974 Super Outbreak.
Geography
Depauw is located in the northwest part of Harrison County, Indiana.
Images for kids
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The path of the F5 tornado that hit Depauw in 1974.
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An approximate map showing the village limits for Depauw.
