Mansfield, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mansfield, Indiana
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Mansfield Covered Bridge
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Parke County's location in Indiana
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 Mansfield, Indiana
Location in Parke County, Indiana
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Parke |
| Township | Jackson |
| Elevation | 591 ft (180 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
47837
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| Area code(s) | 765 |
| GNIS feature ID | 438533 |
Mansfield, also known as Mansfield Village, is a small community in Parke County, Indiana. It is an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of Jackson Township. This historic place is famous for its old mill and covered bridge.
History of Mansfield
Early Beginnings
The area that is now Mansfield was first settled in 1820. A person named James Kelsey originally called the village New Dublin. Over the next few years, its name changed a couple of times. It was known as Dickson's Mills and then Strain's Mills. Finally, in the 1830s, it became known as Mansfield.
Growth Around the Mill
Mansfield really started to grow and become important because of a roller mill built in 1820. This mill was constructed by James Kelsey and Francis Dickson. A roller mill is a type of factory that uses large rollers to grind grain into flour.
As the milling business became more successful, the village grew quickly. It became a busy town with more than 300 people living there. More industries were added, like a sash mill (which made window frames) and a carding mill (which prepared wool for spinning).
The growing town also gained many important businesses and services. There was a general store where people could buy supplies. A blacksmith made and repaired metal tools, and a cooperage made barrels. A wagon maker built and fixed wagons for transportation. The community also organized a church and a school for its residents.
