Leota, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leota, Indiana
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Country | United States |
State | Indiana |
County | Scott |
Township | Finley |
Elevation | 610 ft (190 m) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
ZIP code |
47170
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Area code(s) | 812, 930 |
GNIS feature ID | 437786 |
Leota is a small, quiet place in Scott County, Indiana, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community, which means it's a settlement without its own local government. Leota is located within Finley Township.
A Look Back: Leota's History and Culture
Leota was first called Finley Crossroads. It was named after John Finley, one of the very first people to settle there. The area is known for its strong farming traditions. Two of Scott County's oldest roads meet in Leota. These are Cincinnati Trace (now Leota Road) and Brownstown-Charlestown Road (now Bloomington Trail Road). There is even a covered bridge where these roads cross.
The community got its current name, Leota, in a special way. The first postmaster, Mathias Mount, named it after his daughter. Sadly, she passed away when she was only two years old. Long ago, Leota had a general store, a factory for canning food, and its own post office. The post office was open from 1884 to 1901. Finley Township also had eleven one-room schools for children.
The first doctor in the area was Dr. John Richey. He and his wife, Sichy Collings, were both survivors of the Pigeon Roost Massacre. This was a difficult event in the area's history.
During the summer of 1863, a group of soldiers known as Morgan's Raid passed through the township. They took horses, food, and money from the local people.
Even today, Leota is very connected to its farming roots. Many large farms and smaller family gardens are still active in the area. People also raise animals for food.
Bethel Baptist Church is the main church in Leota. It has about 100 active members. The church sits on a hill, offering views of the valley below. You can also see the hills of the Knobstone Escarpment to the west.
For many years, Helen Trueblood has hosted a famous Daffodil Show in Leota every April. The Leota Frolic is another popular event. It happens each August and celebrates the rich history and spirit of the community.
Where is Leota? Geography
Leota is located in southern Indiana. It is about 30 miles (which is about 47 kilometers) north of Louisville, Kentucky.