Fountain, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fountain, Indiana
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Fountain County's location in Indiana
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 Fountain, Indiana
Location in Fountain County, Indiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Fountain |
| Township | Shawnee |
| Elevation | 551 ft (168 m) |
| ZIP code |
47932
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| GNIS feature ID | 434710 |
Fountain, originally named Portland, is a small community in Indiana, United States. It is located in Shawnee Township, within Fountain County. A very important waterway, the Wabash and Erie Canal, used to pass right through this community.
Contents
History of Fountain
How Fountain Was Founded
Fountain was first called Portland. It was planned out in April 1828. Three people helped create the town: William Miller, Barnard Preble, and Major Whitlocke.
Early Trading in Portland
One of the first important places in Portland was Keep's store. This store was a key trading spot. It sold goods to people living all along the Wabash River.
A writer named Sandford C. Cox wrote about what people traded back then. They often exchanged things like gunpowder, salt, and iron. In return, they got beeswax, animal furs, and other natural goods from the area.
Growth of the Community
Over time, Portland grew quite a bit! It had 11 stores, a hotel, and even six doctors. Many different craftspeople lived there, and the town had a good number of people.
Name Change and Post Office
The town's post office was called Portland from 1828 to 1868. Then, its name changed to Fountain in 1868. The post office closed down in 1905.
Geography of Fountain
Location and Elevation
Fountain is located on the southeast side of the Wabash River. It sits about 560 feet above sea level.
Nearby Natural Features
To the south of Fountain, you'll find Bear Creek. This creek flows into the Wabash River on the western edge of town. Also nearby is the beautiful, wooded Portland Arch Nature Preserve.
