kids encyclopedia robot

Vandalia, Indiana facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Vandalia, Indiana
Vandalia, Indiana Historic Chapel & School
Vandalia, Indiana Historic Chapel & School
Vandalia, Indiana is located in Indiana
Vandalia, Indiana
Vandalia, Indiana
Location in Indiana
Vandalia, Indiana is located in the United States
Vandalia, Indiana
Vandalia, Indiana
Location in the United States
Country United States
State Indiana
County Owen
Township Lafayette
Elevation
787 ft (240 m)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
47868
Area code(s) 812, 930
GNIS feature ID 445224

Vandalia is a small, quiet community located in Owen County, Indiana. It's known as an "unincorporated community," which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's part of a larger area called Lafayette Township.

A Look Back in Time

Vandalia started way back in 1839. It was "laid out," which means its streets and lots were planned. A post office opened in Vandalia in 1846. It helped people send and receive mail for many years. The post office closed its doors in 1927.

Historic Buildings

Even though the post office is gone, two important buildings still stand. They remind everyone of Vandalia's past.

  • The historic chapel was built in 1895.
  • The one-room schoolhouse was finished in 1868.

These buildings are cared for by the Vandalia Community Preservation Association. They help keep history alive for future generations.

Vandalia, Indiana Historic Chapel
The historic chapel in Vandalia, built in 1895.
Vandalia, Indiana Historic One-Room School
The historic one-room schoolhouse, completed in 1868.

Where is Vandalia?

Vandalia is located in Indiana at a specific spot. Its coordinates are 39°18′45″N 86°51′58″W / 39.31250°N 86.86611°W / 39.31250; -86.86611. This means it's at 39 degrees, 18 minutes, 45 seconds North, and 86 degrees, 51 minutes, 58 seconds West.

Elevation and Roads

The community sits at an elevation of 787 feet (about 240 meters). This is how high it is above sea level. Vandalia is also where two state roads meet. It's at the east end of State Road 246, where it crosses State Road 46.

kids search engine
Vandalia, Indiana Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.