Frances, Indiana facts for kids

Frances is a small, unincorporated community located in Johnson County, Indiana, in the United States. An unincorporated community is a place where people live together, but it doesn't have its own official local government like a city or a town does. Instead, it's usually governed by the larger county it's a part of.

What is an Unincorporated Community?

An unincorporated community, sometimes called a hamlet or a village, is a group of homes and sometimes businesses that are not officially organized as a city or town. This means they don't have their own mayor, city council, or local police department. Instead, services like roads, police, and fire protection are usually provided by the county government.

How are they Different from Cities?

Cities and towns have their own local governments that make decisions about things like zoning, public services, and local taxes. They have clear boundaries and often provide more services directly to their residents. Unincorporated communities, however, rely on the county for these services. This can sometimes mean fewer local rules or different types of services compared to a nearby city.

Why Do Unincorporated Communities Exist?

Many unincorporated communities started as small settlements, perhaps around a general store, a church, or a railroad stop. Over time, some grew into cities, while others remained small. Sometimes, residents prefer not to form a city because they want to avoid local taxes or prefer the county to manage services.

The Name of Frances

The community of Frances got its name from a special person. According to historical records, it was named after the wife of a man who worked for the railroad. Railroads played a huge part in the development of many small communities across the United States, as they connected places and made it easier to transport goods and people.

Location in Johnson County, Indiana

Frances is found in Johnson County, Indiana. Johnson County is located in the central part of Indiana, just south of the state capital, Indianapolis. Indiana is a state in the Midwestern United States, known for its agriculture, manufacturing, and sports, especially basketball and the Indianapolis 500 race.

Johnson County's History

Johnson County was officially formed in 1823 and was named after John Johnson, a judge and politician. Like many areas in Indiana, its early development was tied to farming and the growth of transportation routes, including rivers and later, railroads. Small communities like Frances often grew up along these important routes.