Westfield, Indiana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westfield, Indiana
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City
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Downtown Westfield in 2005
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| Nickname(s):
Crossroads of Indiana
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Location of Westfield in Hamilton County, Indiana.
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Indiana | |
| County | Hamilton | |
| Founded | 1834 | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 32.10 sq mi (83.14 km2) | |
| • Land | 31.88 sq mi (82.57 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.22 sq mi (0.57 km2) | |
| Elevation | 902 ft (275 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 46,605 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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58,410 | |
| • Density | 1,455.77/sq mi (562.08/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP codes |
46074, 46032 (part), 46033 (part), 46062 (part)
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| Area code(s) | 317 | |
| FIPS code | 18-82700 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 2397735 | |
Westfield is a city located in Hamilton County, Indiana. It is a northern neighbor to the big city of Indianapolis. In 2023, about 58,410 people lived here. Westfield is part of the larger Indianapolis metropolitan area.
Contents
History of Westfield
Westfield was started on May 6, 1834. It was founded by three North Carolina Quakers: Asa Bales, Ambrose Osborne, and Simon Moon. Quakers are a religious group known for their peaceful beliefs.
The Underground Railroad Connection
Many people believe Westfield was a secret stop on the Underground Railroad. This was a network of safe places and routes. It helped enslaved people escape to freedom before the American Civil War. Many Quaker and Wesleyan Methodist Church members in Westfield supported this cause. When laws against helping escaped slaves became stricter, some Quakers formed a new group. They were called the Anti-Slavery Friends.
Becoming a City
Westfield officially became a town in 1849. On January 1, 2008, it became a city. Andy Cook was sworn in as the first Mayor of Westfield. The city has grown a lot since then. In 2010, its population was more than three times bigger than in 2000. City leaders are now planning to make the downtown area even better. They plan to add a new library and a city hall.
The Union High Academy Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. This means it is a special place with important history.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1850 | 1,738 | — | |
| 1870 | 608 | — | |
| 1880 | 350 | −42.4% | |
| 1890 | 815 | 132.9% | |
| 1900 | 670 | −17.8% | |
| 1910 | 700 | 4.5% | |
| 1920 | 574 | −18.0% | |
| 1930 | 688 | 19.9% | |
| 1940 | 709 | 3.1% | |
| 1950 | 849 | 19.7% | |
| 1960 | 1,217 | 43.3% | |
| 1970 | 1,837 | 50.9% | |
| 1980 | 2,783 | 51.5% | |
| 1990 | 3,304 | 18.7% | |
| 2000 | 9,293 | 181.3% | |
| 2010 | 30,068 | 223.6% | |
| 2020 | 46,410 | 54.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
The population of Westfield has changed a lot over the years. In 2000, the average income for a family was $65,208. The average income per person was $22,160. About 4% of the population lived below the poverty line.
What the 2010 Census Showed
In 2010, there were 30,068 people living in Westfield. There were 10,490 households, which are groups of people living together. Most people (90.9%) were White. About 2.2% were African American, and 2.5% were Asian. About 5.8% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Many households (47%) had children under 18 living with them. Most households (64.9%) were married couples. The average age of people in Westfield was 33.7 years old. About 31.9% of residents were under 18.
Local News
Westfield has its own local weekly newspaper called the Current in Westfield. People in the area also read the Times of Noblesville. The daily Hamilton County Reporter from Noblesville also serves the community.
Grand Park Sports Campus
Grand Park is the biggest youth sports campus in the United States. It has 26 fields for baseball and softball. There are also 31 fields for sports like soccer, football, and lacrosse.
Indoor Facilities
An indoor events center opened in July 2016. It has three large multipurpose fields. There is also an indoor basketball and volleyball facility. It has eight courts, and two are big enough for NBA games. This facility is named after the NBA's Indiana Pacers.
Trails and Events
Grand Park also has lots of green space. It has over 10 miles of trails for walking and biking. One of the biggest trailheads on the Monon Corridor is here.
Since it opened, Grand Park has hosted many big events. These include youth sports tournaments and consumer shows. In 2017, Westfield signed a 10-year deal with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The Colts now hold their yearly training camp at Grand Park.
The park welcomes about 750,000 visitors each year. It sees about 1.9 million visits on average.
Geography and Location
Westfield is in the western part of Hamilton County. To the east, it borders Noblesville. To the south, it borders Carmel. To the west, it borders Zionsville in Boone County.
Main Roads
U.S. Route 31 is the main highway through Westfield. It goes north to Kokomo (about 31 miles away). It goes south to Interstate 465, which is a highway that circles Indianapolis. Downtown Indianapolis is about 20 miles south of Westfield.
Indiana State Road 32 is Westfield's Main Street. It goes east to Noblesville (about 6 miles away), which is the county seat. It goes west to Lebanon (about 18 miles away).
Area Size
In 2010, Westfield covered a total area of about 27.08 square miles. Most of this (99.11%) is land. A small part (0.89%) is water.
Notable People from Westfield
Many interesting people have connections to Westfield:
- Claude Bowers – A writer, politician, and ambassador.
- Joey Chestnut – A famous competitive eater.
- Martha Doan – A chemist and academic.
- Thomas Jefferson Lindley – A Civil War veteran and politician.
- Ryan Pepiot – A Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Kevin Plawecki – A Major League Baseball catcher.
- Seth Cook Rees – A pastor and important figure in the Holiness movement.
- Ambrose J. Tomlinson – The first leader of the Church of God.
- Eriq Zavaleta – A professional soccer player.
- Braden Smith (basketball) – A talented basketball player for Purdue Boilermakers.
Education in Westfield
Westfield has several schools for students of all ages.
Public Schools
- Westfield High School (Grades 9–12)
- Westfield Middle School (Grades 7–8)
- Westfield Intermediate School (Grades 5–6)
- Carey Ridge Elementary School (Grades K–4)
- Maple Glen Elementary School (Grades K–4)
- Monon Trail Elementary School (Grades K–4)
- Oak Trace Elementary School (Grades K–4)
- Shamrock Springs Elementary School (Grades K–4)
- Washington Woods Elementary School (Grades K–4)
Private Schools
- Montessori School of Westfield
- St Maria Goretti School (Grades PreK–8)
- Union Bible College and Academy
- Options Charter School (Grades 7–12)
Colleges and Universities
- Union Bible College and Seminary
Public Library
The city also has a public library called the Westfield-Washington Public Library.
Sports in Westfield
Westfield is a big place for sports!
Little League Baseball
Each year, Westfield hosts the Great Lakes Regional Tournament. This baseball tournament is held at the Grand Park Sports Campus.
Indianapolis Colts Training Camp
Westfield also has a contract with the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. The Colts hold their yearly training camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus. This started in 2018 and will continue for 10 years. Grand Park also helps support the Indy Eleven soccer team and hosts some of their training.
Images for kids
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Westfield water tower. This tower was torn down and replaced with another, newer tower outside of downtown.
See also
In Spanish: Westfield (Indiana) para niños
