Harper, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harper
Bigrest
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 Harper, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Harper, Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Decatur |
| Township | Sandcreek |
| Elevation | 781 ft (238 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (Eastern Daylight Time) |
| Area code(s) | 812 |
| GNIS feature ID | 435761 |
Harper is a small, unincorporated community located in Decatur County, Indiana, in the United States. It was also known by its earlier name, Bigrest. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes or businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.
A Glimpse into Harper's Past
Harper has a short but interesting history, mainly centered around its post office. In the late 1800s, post offices were very important. They were often the main way people sent and received letters, news, and even money.
The First Post Office
The very first post office in this area opened its doors in 1881. It was given the name Bigrest. This name was used for a short time before a change was made.
Becoming Harper
Just one year later, in 1882, the post office's name was officially changed to Harper. This new name stuck for many years. The post office served the local community, helping people stay connected.
The Post Office Closes
However, as time went on and transportation improved, smaller local post offices became less necessary. The Harper post office eventually closed down in 1907. Even though the post office is gone, the name Harper continues to identify this small community in Decatur County.
