Smith, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Smith, Indiana
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The South Shore Line at Smith in 1990
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 Smith, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Smith, Indiana
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | LaPorte |
| Township | Galena |
| Elevation | 801 ft (244 m) |
| ZIP code |
46350
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| FIPS code | 18-70146 |
| GNIS feature ID | 443658 |
Smith is a small, quiet place in Indiana, United States. It is known as an unincorporated community. This means it is not an official town or city with its own local government. Instead, it is part of a larger area called Galena Township in LaPorte County. People living in Smith get their services and rules from the county government.
Contents
What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community like Smith is a group of homes or buildings that are not officially organized as a city or town. They don't have their own mayor or city council. Instead, they are governed by the county they are in. This is different from a city, which has its own local government to make rules and provide services like police or fire departments.
How Smith is Governed
Because Smith is unincorporated, the LaPorte County government handles things like roads, public safety, and other services for the people living there. This can sometimes mean fewer local taxes, but also fewer local services compared to a big city.
Where is Smith Located?
Smith is found in the northern part of Indiana. It's in LaPorte County, which is close to the border with Michigan. The community is part of Galena Township.
Geographic Details of Smith
Smith is located at specific coordinates: 41 degrees, 42 minutes, 39 seconds North and 86 degrees, 40 minutes, 9 seconds West. These numbers help pinpoint its exact spot on a map. The area is about 801 feet (244 meters) above sea level. This elevation means it's not very high up, but it's also not at sea level.
Nearby Areas
Being in LaPorte County, Smith is near other communities and natural areas. It's part of the larger landscape of northern Indiana, which includes farmlands, small towns, and some natural parks.
Life and History in Smith
While Smith is a small community, it has its own unique character. Life there is often quieter than in a big city. People might know their neighbors well, and the pace of life can be slower.
The South Shore Line
One interesting part of Smith's history involves the South Shore Line. This is an electric train service that connects places in northern Indiana with Chicago. In 1990, a South Shore Line train was photographed near Smith. This shows that the community has been connected to this important transportation route for a long time. The train line helps people travel for work or fun.
Postal Services
Even though Smith is unincorporated, it has a specific ZIP code for mail delivery. The ZIP code for Smith is 46350. This helps the postal service deliver mail correctly to homes and businesses in the area.
