Fontanet, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fontanet, Indiana
|
|
|---|---|
Location of Fontanet in Vigo County, Indiana.
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Vigo |
| Township | Nevins |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.08 sq mi (10.56 km2) |
| • Land | 4.05 sq mi (10.49 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.07 km2) |
| Elevation | 597 ft (182 m) |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 347 |
| • Density | 85.68/sq mi (33.08/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| ZIP Code |
47851
|
| Area code(s) | 812, 930 |
| GNIS feature ID | 434631 |
Fontanet (also called Fountain, Fountain Station, or Hunter) is a small community in Indiana, United States. It is located in Vigo County, in a part of the county called Nevins Township. Fontanet is northeast of Terre Haute, which is the main city of Vigo County.
Fontanet is known as an "unincorporated census-designated place." This means it's a community that the government counts for population numbers, but it doesn't have its own local city government. Even without a city government, Fontanet has its own post office and a ZIP Code of 47851. It is also part of the larger Terre Haute metropolitan area.
Contents
Fontanet, Indiana: A Small Town's Story
Fontanet is a quiet place with a rich history. It sits along Baldwin Street and is about 614 feet (187 meters) above sea level. This small community has seen many changes over the years.
Fun Facts About Fontanet
One of the most exciting events in Fontanet is the Annual Fontanet Bean Dinner Festival. This festival happens every year on the last weekend of August. It's a very old tradition that started from a picnic held by Civil War veterans in 1890.
The first festivals were held near the DuPont Powder Mill. After a big event at the mill in 1907, the picnic moved. It found a new home at a place called Holloway Grove. This land was kindly given by a local landowner named Bill Holloway.
A Look Back: Fontanet's History
Fontanet was once an important town for coal mining. It was located just two miles west of Coal Bluff. The Coal Bluff Mining Company ran many operations here. Fontanet was also a key stop on the Indianapolis and St. Louis railroad line. In 1890, over 300 miners lived in Fontanet. The mining company even had a large general store for the community.
The town's post office has had a few different names over time. It first opened in 1870 as Fountain Station. In 1877, its name changed to Hunter. Then, in 1881, it was renamed Fontanet, which it has been ever since. The post office is still open today.
The DuPont Powder Mill Event
On October 15, 1907, a major event happened at the DuPont Powder Mill in Fontanet. A large amount of powder, about 40,000 kegs, exploded. This tragic event caused significant damage and affected many lives. The sound of the explosion was heard over 200 miles (320 km) away. Buildings as far as 25 miles (40 km) away also felt the impact. This event greatly changed the town of Fontanet.
Population Snapshot
According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Fontanet was 347 people.
