Mount Meridian, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mount Meridian
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 Mount Meridian
Location in Indiana
Mount Meridian
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Putnam |
| Township | Marion |
| Elevation | 810 ft (250 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
46128
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| Area code(s) | 765 |
| GNIS feature ID | 439601 |
Mount Meridian is a small community in Putnam County, Indiana. It's called an "unincorporated community" because it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. You can find it mostly along US 40. This spot is about 34 miles (55 km) west of Indianapolis. It got its name, Mount Meridian, because it's one of the highest points in the county and the areas nearby.
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History of Mount Meridian
Mount Meridian wasn't always called that! When it was first created in 1833, its name was "Carthage." A few years later, in 1835, a post office opened here. It was named Mount Meridian, and that name eventually stuck for the whole community. The post office served the area for many years before closing in 1905.
The Famous Half Way House
One of the most interesting historical spots in Mount Meridian is The Half Way House. It was built way back in 1830. This building was located on the north side of the Old National Road, which is now US 40. The name "Half Way House" makes a lot of sense! It was roughly halfway between the cities of Terre Haute and Indianapolis.
This house served as an inn, a place where travelers could stop and rest during their long journeys. Imagine how many famous people might have stayed there! Even important figures like Daniel Webster and Abraham Lincoln spent a night at The Half Way House.
The house was first built by William Heavin. His family had experience running inns, as they owned The Lovely Mount Tavern in Virginia. Over the years, other families like the Scotts, Vermillions, and McCammacks owned and operated the inn. However, by 1940, fewer people needed inns like this. Cars became more common, making long stops less necessary.
Geography of the Area
Mount Meridian is located in a rural part of Indiana. It sits southeast of a larger town called Greencastle. The community's location on US 40 made it an important stop for travelers in the past.
Fun Places to Visit
Putnam Park Road Course
Just about half a mile southwest of Mount Meridian, you'll find the Putnam Park Road Course. This isn't just any road; it's a special track used for racing and testing vehicles.
- What happens there? It's mainly a test track. This means car companies and race teams use it to try out new cars and race car models.
- Who uses it? All kinds of motor vehicles, from motorcycles to high-performance cars like Porsche and Dodge Viper, use the track. Professional race car drivers also practice and compete here.
- Events: Besides testing, the track hosts races, practice sessions, and special events for car enthusiasts.
- On TV: The Putnam Park Road Course was even featured on the Speed Channel in 2007, showing how important it is in the racing world!
