Pittsboro, Indiana Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Pittsboro, Indiana

Town

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Location of Pittsboro in Hendricks County, Indiana.

Country

Indiana

Middle, Brown

Established

December 9, 1834

Incorporated

1906

Area

• Total

3.79 sq mi (9.83 km²)

• Land

3.78 sq mi (9.80 km²)

• Water

0.01 sq mi (0.03 km²)

Elevation

942 ft (287 m)

Population

(2020)

• Total

3,682

• Density

973.56/sq mi (375.88/km²)

• Summer (DST)

46167

317

Pittsboro is a friendly town in the state of Indiana. It sits in Hendricks County, spread across Middle and Brown townships. Pittsboro offers a peaceful suburban setting with parks, local schools, and fun community parades. By the 2020 census, Pittsboro was home to 3,682 people.

History of Pittsboro Indiana
- Big Celebrations and Local Heroes
Geography and Roads
Community and People
How the Town Government Works
- Important Town Boards
Public Services and Departments
Schools and Learning
Famous People
Images for kids
See also

History of Pittsboro Indiana

The Pittsboro 175th Birthday Museum set up in 2009

The story of Pittsboro began on December 9, 1834. Two men named Simon T. Hadley and William L. Matlock founded the settlement. Hadley chose the original name "Pittsborough" to honor his old home in North Carolina. Over time, people shortened the name to Pittsboro.

In 1906, local citizens decided it was time to turn their community into an official town. They held an election on April 6, 1906, where 83 people voted in favor and 38 opposed. Becoming an incorporated town helped Pittsboro grow quickly. Workers soon built sidewalks, put up street lights, and created a public water system.

Big Celebrations and Local Heroes

A colorful parade marching through Downtown Pittsboro

Pittsboro loves to celebrate special events together as a community. In 2008, the town threw a huge parade for Olympic silver medalist Bridget Sloan. Sloan is a champion gymnast who grew up in the area. Hundreds of fans lined Main Street holding colorful banners before meeting at the high school in neighboring Lizton.

In 2009, Pittsboro celebrated its 175th birthday. The town hosted three days of festivities from June 26 through 28. Visitors enjoyed a temporary history museum, music concerts, delicious food, parades, and bright evening fireworks. Historical signs were placed on old buildings so everyone could learn about the past.

Geography and Roads

The Deer Meadows neighborhood in Pittsboro

Pittsboro is located in northeastern Hendricks County. The main road going straight through the center is U.S. Route 136, also known as Main Street. If you drive southeast along this route for 18 miles, you will reach downtown Indianapolis. Heading northwest along US-136 for 10 miles leads right into Jamestown.

Drivers can also travel along Interstate 74, which runs right near the northern border of the town. Cars can enter or exit the highway easily at Exit 61. Pittsboro covers an area of almost four square miles, providing plenty of room for neighborhoods and green lawns.

Community and People

Pittsboro has grown steadily over the decades as more families move in. The 2020 census counted 3,682 residents living in 1,383 households. About 27 percent of the town's population was under the age of 18, making it a wonderful place for kids.

The community includes people from different backgrounds. According to official surveys, the population includes White, Black or African American, Asian, American Indian, and multiracial residents. Many neighbors also share Hispanic or Latino heritage.

How the Town Government Works

The Pittsboro Town Hall

A group called the town council runs Pittsboro. The council has five members who are elected by local citizens. They pass town rules, choose yearly budgets, and set rates for town services. A clerk-treasurer manages money and keeps official meeting records. The council also appoints a town manager to supervise daily operations.

Important Town Boards

Different groups of citizens help make decisions for Pittsboro:

The Parks Board takes care of playgrounds, green spaces, and town sports areas.
The Advisory Plan Commission helps plan where new homes and businesses can be built.
The Advisory Utility Board oversees water, electricity, gas, and sewer systems.
The Fire Board supports the fire station with equipment and safety planning.
The Redevelopment Commission works to improve town properties.
The Board of Zoning Appeals makes special rulings on building projects.

Public Services and Departments

The Pittsboro Fire Department Station

Several departments work every day to keep Pittsboro clean and safe. The police department patrols streets, directs traffic, and helps people in emergencies. Officers also meet families during the annual National Night Out event.

The fire department shares a station on Main Street. Firefighters and emergency medical crews protect thirty-five square miles across Pittsboro and Middle Township. They put out fires, rescue people from car accidents, and teach kids about fire safety.

Scamahorn Park

The street department repairs sidewalks, fixes potholes, paints curbs, and plows away winter snow. The parks department cares for three community parks, including Scamahorn Park. They mow lawns, repair playground equipment, and host town festivals.

Schools and Learning

Pittsboro Elementary School

Pittsboro's schools belong to the North West Hendricks School Corporation. Children attend Pittsboro Primary School for early grades and Pittsboro Elementary School as they get older. Older students attend Tri-West Hendricks High School, where they play sports, make music, and study. Long ago, local students learned inside the historic Pittsboro High School.

Famous People

Steel Dynamics mill located in Pittsboro

Several well-known people have lived in Pittsboro:

Jeff Gordon, a famous racing driver who won four NASCAR championships in the Winston Cup Series.
Bridget Sloan, a world-class gymnast who won an Olympic medal.
Niki Christoff, a business executive and technology adviser.