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Newport, Indiana facts for kids

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Newport, Indiana
Main Street during the Antique Auto Hill Climb
Main Street during the Antique Auto Hill Climb
Location of Newport in Vermillion County, Indiana.
Location of Newport in Vermillion County, Indiana.
Map of Newport
Map of Newport
Country United States
State Indiana
County Vermillion
Township Vermillion
Area
 • Total 0.87 sq mi (2.26 km2)
 • Land 0.87 sq mi (2.26 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
528 ft (161 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 416
 • Density 477.06/sq mi (184.27/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
47966
Area code(s) 765
FIPS code 18-53496
GNIS feature ID 440148

Newport is a small town located in Vermillion County, Indiana, in the United States. It is the main town and county seat of Vermillion County. In 2010, about 515 people lived there.

Discover Newport's Past

A post office opened in Newport way back in 1820. The town itself was officially planned out in 1828.

Two important historical buildings in Newport are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are the Vermillion County Courthouse and the Vermillion County Jail and Sheriff's Residence. They are recognized for their historical importance.

Newport's Role in a Special Project

During World War II, Newport played a small but interesting part in a big science project. Scientists were looking for ways to create special materials for new technologies. One idea involved using something called "heavy water."

A company called DuPont was asked to build plants to make this heavy water. One of these plants was built right here in Newport, at the Wabash River Ordnance Works. Construction started in January 1943 and was finished by December 1943. This plant helped produce important materials for the project.

Newport's Location and Size

Newport is located where two rivers meet: the Little Vermilion River and the Wabash River. You can find it along Indiana State Road 63. It's about halfway between the northern and southern edges of Vermillion County.

According to information from 2010, Newport covers a total area of about 0.87 square miles (2.26 square kilometers). All of this area is land.

Newport's Population Over Time

Historical population
Census Pop.
1850 328
1860 287 −12.5%
1870 398 38.7%
1880 591 48.5%
1890 551 −6.8%
1900 610 10.7%
1910 732 20.0%
1920 703 −4.0%
1930 777 10.5%
1940 795 2.3%
1950 660 −17.0%
1960 627 −5.0%
1970 708 12.9%
1980 704 −0.6%
1990 627 −10.9%
2000 578 −7.8%
2010 515 −10.9%
2020 416 −19.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

Population in 2010

In 2010, the census showed that 515 people lived in Newport. There were 211 households, which are groups of people living together in one home. Most of the people living in Newport were White.

The average age of people in Newport was about 42 years old. About 23% of the residents were under 18 years old. The town had a fairly even number of males and females.

Learning in Newport

Newport has a public library where people can borrow books and other materials. It's called the Vermillion County Public Library.

Fun Events and Culture

Newport is famous for a special event that happens every fall. It's called the Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb. This event takes place on the first weekend of October.

Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb

During the Hill Climb, old cars, trucks, and motorcycles race up a steep hill. The hill is 1,800 feet long and 140 feet tall! Vehicles from different time periods, like the Steam, Brass, and Classic Car eras, take turns trying to reach the finish line.

This event is very popular and brings in over one hundred thousand visitors to Newport. Besides the race, there's also a car show, a parade, and a pageant. It's one of the biggest auto events in Indiana, after the famous Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 races.

Newport, Indiana, is also mentioned in the movie "Grace is Gone" as the hometown of the character Grace Anne Phillips.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Newport (Indiana) para niños

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