Mauckport, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mauckport, Indiana
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Location of Mauckport in Harrison County, Indiana.
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Harrison |
| Township | Heth |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.21 sq mi (0.55 km2) |
| • Land | 0.20 sq mi (0.52 km2) |
| • Water | 0.01 sq mi (0.03 km2) |
| Elevation | 427 ft (130 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 46 |
| • Density | 230.00/sq mi (88.73/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
47142
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| Area code(s) | 812 |
| FIPS code | 18-47628 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0438737 |
Mauckport is a small town in Harrison County, Indiana, United States. It is located along the Ohio River. In 2010, 81 people lived there.
Contents
History of Mauckport
Early Settlers and the Mauck Family
Long ago, famous explorers like Daniel Boone and his brother Squire Boone often visited the Mauckport area. Squire Boone even settled nearby in 1806. His remains are buried just north of Mauckport, inside the Squire Boone Caverns.
The first people to permanently settle in Mauckport came from the Shenandoah Valley and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The town is named after the Maucks, a family who moved there from Germany. John Peter Mauck received the land for the town in 1811. His son, Fredrick, officially planned the town on May 7, 1827. He called it Mauck's Port. The original town had three streets running north-south and four streets running east-west. It was divided into 107 lots.
Transportation and Trade
In 1809, the first road from Indiana's state capital to the Ohio River was built. This road connected Corydon, Indiana, the capital at the time, to the river at Mauckport. The Ohio River was very important for travel and trade back then.
John Peter Mauck also started Indiana's first ferry service. This ferry used a raft and a tow line to cross the river from Mauckport to Brandenburg, Kentucky. It began operating around 1808. In the early days, this ferry was the best way for new settlers to enter the region. Mauckport became a busy port where boats carried timber and farm products. Later, when steamships became popular, Mauckport had a wharf and was a frequent stop. It was the closest river port to Corydon, the first state capital.
Name Changes and Incorporation
In 1847, the people of Mauckport asked to change the town's name to New Market. Their request was approved. However, in 1850, the name was changed back to Mauckport. This was because there was another New Market post office in Indiana. The town officially became an incorporated town in 1853.
Mauckport During the Civil War
In July 1863, Mauckport was the site of a small battle during "Morgan's Raid" in the American Civil War. A Confederate general named John Hunt Morgan and his soldiers tried to cross the Ohio River into Indiana here. People from Brandenburg, Kentucky, helped them.
When Morgan first tried to cross, a small group of local defenders from Harrison County fired cannons at them. They also had armed men on a riverboat called the Lady Pike. But when Morgan's army fired back with their own cannons, the local defenders quickly left. They went back towards Corydon, leaving Mauckport unprotected. After landing his army east of Mauckport, Morgan burned a steamboat called the Alice Dean. The people of Mauckport had been warned. They left town and went west until Morgan's army had passed through.
Decline and Major Events
In 1900, the Ohio River froze completely during winter. This destroyed the town's ships. In 1905, the river froze again, and this time it destroyed the town's wharf. These events marked the beginning of Mauckport's decline. The town's importance had already been decreasing since the Civil War.
The first car arrived in Mauckport in 1913. It was a "Maxwell" car, owned by Daniel Baker Beanblossom.
During the Ohio River flood of 1937, Mauckport was severely damaged. Most of the town was destroyed, and many people moved away. Mauckport High School closed in 1950. Its building stopped being used as an elementary school in 1957 and was torn down in 1958. The rise of railroads also contributed to the town's decline, as people relied less on river transportation.
Mauckport's population was highest in 1900, with 290 people. It then decreased to 209 by 1930. After the 1937 flood, it dropped to 154 people by the 1940 census.
Mauckport Today
Today, Mauckport is home to the Matthew E. Welsh Bridge. This bridge was built in 1966. It is the only bridge crossing the Ohio River between New Albany, Indiana, and Tell City, Indiana. It used to be a toll bridge. The bridge connects Harrison County, Indiana, with Meade County, Kentucky. Frederick Mauck, who first planned the town, is buried in an unmarked grave near this bridge.
The oldest house still standing in Mauckport was built in 1850 by James H. Miller. It is now owned by Mrs. Myrtle Fisher and is located on Back Street.
Mauckport still celebrates "Mauckport Days" every spring. This event includes a parade, weekend activities, bazaar-style booths, and competitions. Many people from Mauckport and nearby townships attend this celebration.
Geography of Mauckport
Mauckport is located at 38°1′25″N 86°12′7″W / 38.02361°N 86.20194°W. According to the 2010 census, Mauckport covers about 0.2 square miles (0.52 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Population Information
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 278 | — | |
| 1890 | 272 | −2.2% | |
| 1900 | 290 | 6.6% | |
| 1910 | 279 | −3.8% | |
| 1920 | 239 | −14.3% | |
| 1930 | 203 | −15.1% | |
| 1940 | 154 | −24.1% | |
| 1950 | 154 | 0.0% | |
| 1960 | 107 | −30.5% | |
| 1970 | 119 | 11.2% | |
| 1980 | 109 | −8.4% | |
| 1990 | 95 | −12.8% | |
| 2000 | 83 | −12.6% | |
| 2010 | 81 | −2.4% | |
| 2020 | 46 | −43.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 Census Details
In 2010, there were 81 people living in Mauckport. These people lived in 36 households, and 15 of these were families. The town's population density was about 426 people per square mile. All of the residents were White.
Out of the 36 households, about 36% had children under 18 living there. About 17% were married couples. About 25% had a female head of household with no husband present. Almost half of all households (47%) were made up of single individuals. About 25% of households had someone living alone who was 65 years old or older. The average household had 2.25 people, and the average family had 3.20 people.
The average age of people in Mauckport was 34.2 years. About 32% of residents were under 18. About 7% were between 18 and 24. About 25% were between 25 and 44. About 20% were between 45 and 64. And 16% were 65 years old or older. The population was almost evenly split between males (50.6%) and females (49.4%).
Notable People from Mauckport
- Strother M. Stockslager
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