Hesston, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hesston, Indiana
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Christian Church building, Hesston, Indiana.
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 Hesston, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Hesston, Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | LaPorte |
| Township | Galena |
| Elevation | 640 ft (200 m) |
| ZIP code |
46350
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| FIPS code | 18-33232 |
| GNIS feature ID | 436073 |
Hesston is a small, unincorporated community located in LaPorte County, Indiana. An unincorporated community means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a city or town with its own local government. It's part of a larger area called Galena Township.
Contents
History of Hesston
Hesston has an interesting past, starting with a different name!
Early Days and Name Change
The area was first known as Mayes' Corners. This name came from Matthew Mayes, who opened a blacksmith shop there in 1835. A blacksmith is someone who makes and repairs things out of metal, like tools or horseshoes.
Later, in 1857, Valentine Smith started a sawmill near the Galena River. A sawmill is a place where logs are cut into lumber. Sadly, this sawmill burned down in 1862.
The community eventually got its current name, Hesston, from P. M. Hess. He moved to the area in 1856 and became a farmer. He also ran a sawmill and a store, which helped the community grow.
Community Growth
In 1865, a Christian Church was started in Hesston. Reverend Caleb Davis led the church before moving away.
A post office opened in Hesston in 1877. This was important because it made it easier for people to send and receive mail. However, the post office closed down in 1900.
Fun Things to Do in Hesston
One of the most exciting places near Hesston is the Hesston Steam Museum.
Hesston Steam Museum
The Hesston Steam Museum is a special place located just west of Hesston. It's like a living museum where you can see and learn about old machines powered by steam.
The museum is famous for its many different railroads. These aren't just any trains; they are steam-powered trains that run on tracks of various sizes, called "gauges." You can find trains that run on:
- 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge tracks
- 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge tracks
- 14 in (356 mm) gauge tracks
- 7 1⁄2 in (190.5 mm) gauge tracks
It's a great place to visit if you love trains and history!
