Springville, Clark County, Indiana facts for kids
Springville was a small town that existed for a short time in Clark County, Indiana, United States. It was around from 1798 to 1811. The town got its name from the many natural springs in the area. These springs provided a great supply of fresh water for everyone living there.
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How Springville Started
In 1799, a French person set up a trading post in the area. Local Native American tribes called this place Tullytown. This was because of a well-known trader named Charles Tully. Springville was built at a very important spot. Four different Native American trails met there. Two of these trails led to places that are now the big cities of Detroit, Michigan, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
What Springville Was Like
At its busiest time, Springville had about 100 people living there. The town was laid out in a simple grid pattern. It had four streets running north to south and three streets running east to west. Many of these streets were named after different types of trees.
People in Springville had many different jobs. There were blacksmiths who worked with metal. There was a doctor to help people who were sick. Other jobs included hat makers, surveyors who measured land, and wheelwrights who made and fixed wheels. A famous person named Jonathan Jennings lived in Springville for a short time. He had a mill and was involved in making drinks.
Springville became very important when Clark County was officially created. On April 7, 1801, Springville was chosen as the first county seat. This meant it was the main town where the county's government and first court were located.
Why Springville Disappeared
Springville's time as the county seat did not last long. On June 9, 1802, the county seat was moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana. This was the beginning of Springville's decline.
There were also arguments about who owned land in the town. These disagreements went on for eight years and led to many court cases. Springville found it hard to compete with the nearby town of Charlestown for new residents. By 1812, the small settlement of Springville had been completely abandoned.
Springville Today
Today, a special historical marker shows where Springville used to be. The land that was once Springville is now part of three different farms. There are other towns named Springville in Indiana, like in LaPorte County, Indiana, and Lawrence County, Indiana. However, these towns have fewer people living in them than Clark County's Springville did at its peak.
