Source: Ronald L. Baker and Marvin Carmony, Indiana Place Names (Indiana University Press, 1975)

We're interested in hearing from you if you have additional information or alternative facts.

Place names in southern Indiana, like the state generally, fall into 13 categories (one example of each follows):

  1. Names for a person (the most common). For example, William Henry Harrison
  2. Names for other places (Switzerland County)
  3. Locational names (West Fork White River)
  4. Descriptive names (Tunnelton)
  5. Inspirational names (Patriot)
  6. Humorous or fanciful names (Santa Claus)
  7. Indian and pseudo-Indian names (Wyandotte)
  8. Names from languages other than English (Vincennes)
  9. Incident names (Treaty Creek)
10. Folk etymology (Gnaw Bone, from Narbonne, a French city)
11. Names created by errors made by the Post Office Department of local clerks (Moores Hill, not the intended Moores Mill)
12. Coined names (Loogootee, from Lowe and Gootee)
13. Legends and anecdotes (Waterloo)

Alphabetical List of Southern Indiana Place Names
Source: Ronald L. Baker and Marvin Carmony, Indiana Place Names unless otherwise noted.

Aberdeen (Bascom), village in Ohio County.  First Settled in 1814 and named about 1819 for Aberdeen, Scotland, by a Scottish settler, Dr. Robert Gillespie, Bascom, perhaps for a personal name, was a post office name.

Acme, village in Jackson County.  A post office called Acme was established here in 1884.  Apparently a commendatory name meaning "best."

Adyeville, village in Perry County.  Named in 1861 for Andrew J. Adye, the first postmaster and founder, who platted the town in 1873.

Alford, village in Pike County.  Formerly called Alfords, it was laid out in 1856 by Elijah, Nathaniel, and Samuel Alfords and named for them.

Alfordsville, town in Daviess County.  Laid out in 1845 and named for James Alford, an early settler.

Algiers, village in Pike County.  Laid out in 1868 and called Algiers City, apparently for the city in North Africa.  Formerly called Delectable Hill.

Allensville, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1816 and named for the Allen family here.

Alton, town in Crawford County.  Platted in 1838 and perhaps named for the English town via New England.

Arda, village in Pike County.  Perhaps named for the Arda River in Bulgaria or Italy.

Armstrong, village in Vanderburgh County.  Settled in 1885 and named for Armstrong Township, in which it is located.  The township was named for John Armstrong, early settler.

Arnold Creek, stream in Ohio County.  Flows northeast, then south, to the Ohio River two miles below Rising Sun.  Named for Col. Arnold, who was killed by Indians near the stream just after the Revolution.

Augusta, village in Pike County.  Established as a post office in 1874.  Probably a transfer name from either Georgia or Virginia.

Aurora, fifth class city in Dearborn County.  Founded in 1819, it was named by Judge Jesse Holman of the Indiana Supreme Court for the Roman goddess of dawn.

Austin, town in Scott County.  Platted in 1853 and named for Austin, Texas, by veterans who were stationed there during the Mexican War.

Avoca, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1819 and named for the Irish place named in Thomas Moore's poem.

Avonburg, village in Switzerland County.  Apparently named for the English river associated with Shakespeare.

Ayrshire, village in Pike County.  A post office was located here in 1886.  Probably named for the county in Scotland.

Ballstown, village in Ripley County.  Established as a post office in 1844.  Named for the first postmaster, Samuel Ball.

Bandon, village in Perry County.  A post office called Bandon was located here in 1905.  Probably named for the town in Ireland.

Bartlettsville, village in Lawrence County.  For Samuel J. Bartlett, who platted the town in 1860.

Batesville, fifth class city in Franklin and Ripley counties.  Platted in 1852 and named for the local Bates family.

Bear Branch (Freedom), village in Ohio County.  See Freedom, Ohio County.

Bedford, county seat, fourth class city in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1825 and named by Joseph Rawlings for his home, Bedford County, Tennessee.

Beechwood, village in Crawford County.  A post office was located here in 1875.  Named for a large beech grove here.

Belknap, site in Vanderburgh County.  Possibly named for the American general and politician William Worth Belknap (1829-90).

Belleview, village in Jefferson County.  A post office called Mud Lick was established in 1855, but the name was changed to the more commendatory Belleview in 1890.  "Some of the old citizens got together and decided to name their village Belleview meaning 'beautiful to look upon.'"

Bennington, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1847.  The post office formerly called Slawson.  Apparently the present name is a transfer from Vermont.

Bethlehem, village in Clark County.  Platted in 1812 and probably named for Bethleham, Pennsylvania.

Bicknell, fifth class city in Knox County.  Laid out in 1869 by John Bicknell and named for him.

Birdseye, town in Dubois County.  Platted in 1880. According to local tradition, several names were suggested but rejected by the Post Office Department.  Finally Bird, for Rev. "Bird" Johnson, postmaster at Worth (now Schnellville), was suggested, and he was invited to help select the post office site.  When he decided on the location, he said, "this spot suits Bird's eye to a T-y-tee."

Blairsville, village in Posey County.  Laid out in 1837 by Ebenezer Phillips and Stephen Blair, and named for Blair.

Blocher, village in Scott County. Laid out in 1860 and named for Daniel Blocher, founder.  Formerly called Holman Station and Holman.

Blue River, stream.  Blue is a descriptive name applied to several streams and lakes in Indiana.  Streams in northern, south-central, and southern Indiana are called Blue River.  In southern Indiana, the mouth of the Blue River is near Leavenworth in Crawford County.

Bono, village in Lawrence County.  Laid out in 1816 and, according to local legend, named for a French settler who was driven out of town a few years following settlement.  Probably named for the Bono brothers, early settlers.  In other states the name is an adaptation of the Latin word for "good."

Boonville, county seat, fifth class city in Warrick County.  Platted in 1818 and named for Ratliff Boon, early settler and prominent politician, who was instrumental in locating the county seat here.

Bradford, village in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1838.  Probably for the personal name.

Bramble, village in Martin County.  Founded about 1875 and named for local landowners.

Branchville, village in Perry County.  Established in 1866 and originally called Oil Creek, for the nearby stream.  The present name comes form its location near the branches of Oil Creek.

Bretzville (Newton), village in Dubois County.  Laid out in 1866 by William Bretz and named for him.  A post office, called Bretz, was established the same year.  Apparently the alternate name, Newton, is for a personal name.

Brewersville, village in Jennings County.  Laid out in 1837 by Jacob Brewer and named for him.

Bridgeport (Locust Point), village in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1849 as Bridgeport, probably a transfer from an eastern state.  Locust Point, apparently descriptive, was the post office name applied in 1875.

Bristow, village in Perry County.  Laid out in 1875 and named for a prominent family here.

Brooksburg, town in Jefferson County.  Named around 1839 for Noah Brooks, co-founder.  Laid out in 1843.

Brownstown, county seat, town in Jackson County.  Platted in 1816 and named for General Jacob Brown of the War of 1812.

Bruceville, town in Knox County.  For the first settler, Major William Bruce, who came here in 1805.  A fort was built on the Bruce farm, and the town was founded in 1811.  Bruce had the town laid out in 1829.

Bryantsburg, village in Jefferson County.  Named for Jacob Bryant, who laid out the town in 1834.

Bryantsville, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1835 and named for Robert Bryant, pioneer farmer here.

Buckskin, village in Gibson County.  A post office was established here in 1847.  Several legends attempt to explain this name.  One goes: "The town of Buckskin got its name from the deerskins that hung on the trading post walls.  In the early 1800's there was a small trading post at what now is Buckskin.  The owners of the post used to hang deerskins on the side of the building to dry.  When people had skins or furs to sell they would go to the Buckskin trading post.  When it became a town the name of Buckskin was used as the name."

Buddha, village in Lawrence County.  In 1895 a post office was located here.  Allegedly the name was suggested by a traveling salesman who stopped in a store here.  A former name was Flynn's Cross Roads.  One legend says the traveler's name was Buddha: "Buddha was named for a tramp. Back in the 1800's according to legend, a tramp named Budha (sic) used to pass through the town, and it was later named after him.  He's now buried in an old cemetery west of here." Buda, for one of the two cities now Budapest, Hungary, was applied to post offices in Illinois and Iowa in the nineteenth century and likely is the source of this name too.

Buena Vista (Giro), village in Gibson County.  Laid out in 1848 and named for the battle during the Mexican War.  In 1887 a post office was established and called Giro.

Buena Vista, village in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1850. This popular name commemorates the Battle of Buena Vista.

Buffaloville, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1860 and, according to tradition, the name comes from Buffalo Grounds, as Clay and Jackson townships were called by early settlers.

Bullocktown (Bullock), village in Warrick County.  Named for the Bullock family, pioneer settlers here.  John A. Bullock was the first postmaster of Bullock, established in 1892.

Bunker Hill, village in Washington County.  Apparently named for the famous battle (1775).

Burns City, village in Martin County.  Originally called Kecksville, which was laid out in 1852 and named for the Keck family, early settlers.  The present name was applied by a railroad engineer whose wife's maiden name was Burns.

Busseron, village in Knox County.  Laid out in 1854 and named for Busseron Township, in which it is located.

Busseron Creek, stream.  About 50 miles long, it heads in Vigo County and flows southwest through Sullivan County and Knox County to the Wabash River.  It was named for Francis Busseron, a judge of the Northwest Territory.

Butlerville, village in Jennings County.  Platted in 1853.  The name was first applied to a post office near here which was named for Butlerville, Ohio.

Byrneville, village in Harrison County.  For Temple C. Byrne, who platted the town in 1838.

Caborn, village in Posey County.  Named for Cornelius Caborn, who laid it out in 1871.  Formerly called Caborn Summit and Caborn Station.

Cale, village in Martin County.  Founded in 1889 and named for a school near the village, Kale School, apparently named for a resident here.

Campbellsburg, town in Washington County.  Named for Robert Campbell, who laid out the town in 1851.

Canann, village in Jefferson County.  Platted in 1836 and named for the promised land in the Bible, although the name of the founder, John Cane, probably suggested the name.

Canal (Millersburg), village in Warrick County.  See Millersburg, Warrick County.

Caney Fork, stream in Clark County. This small stream in northwest Clark County received its name from the thickets of cane that once grew along it.

Cannelburg, town in Daviess County.  Originally called Clark's Station, for A. Clark, the first settler, the town was laid out in 1872 and named for the cannel coal here, mined by the Buckeye Cannel Coal Company.

Cannelton, county seat, fifth class city in Perry County.  Laid out in 1844 as Cannelsburg, for the cannel coal mined here, but the present name was more popular and was adopted in 1844.

Canton, village in Washington County.  Formerly called Greensburg, for the Green family here, and Egg Harbor, for the large quantity of eggs sold here, it was laid out in 1838.  The present name, probably borrowed from an eastern state, was suggested when the post office was established.

Carwood, village in Clark County.  A post office was established in 1858 as Muddy Fork,  In 1902 the name was changed to Carwood, a coined name honoring General John Carr, an early settler and prominent citizen, and General Wood.

Cato, village in Pike County.  A post office called Cato was established here in 1894.  A classical name, it probably is a transfer from New York.

Celestine, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1843 by Father Joseph Kundek and named in honor of the Right Reverend Celestine Rene Lawrence de la Hailandiere, Bishop of Vincennes.

Celina, village in Perry County.  A post office named Celina was located here in 1870.  Probably named for Celina, Ohio.

Center Square, village in Switzerland County.  The name is locational and descriptive, as the town was laid out in 1835 in the form of a square near the center of the county.

Central, village in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1890 and so named because of its location as a central point of mail delivery.

Chambersburg, village in Orange County.  Laid out in 1840 by Samuel Chambers, who named it for himself.

Chandler, town in Warrick County.  Settled in 1879.  Named for one of the prominent Chandlers, Evansville businessmen.

Charlestown, fifth class city in Clark County.  Laid out in 1808 and named for Charles Biggs, who surveyed the town.

Chelsea, village in Jefferson County.  A post office was located here in 1883.  Named for the district in London, perhaps via Maine.

China, village in Jefferson County.  First called Indiana Kentucky but changed by the Post Office Department to China in 1833, apparently for the country.

Chrisney, town in Spencer County.  Originally called  Spring's Station, as there was a spring here beside the railroad.  Named Chrisney in 1882 for John B. Chrisney, who first owned the site and arranged for the post office and railroad station here.

Clark County.  Organized in 1801 and named for General George Rogers Clark, hero of the Revolution.

Clarksville, town in Clark County.  Founded in 1784 by George Rogers Clark, for whom it was named.

Claysville, village in Washington County.  Laid out in 1828 and formerly called Middletown.  The present name was adopted in 1839 when a post office was established.

Clear Spring, village in Jackson County.  Founded in 1839 and named for a spring that runs through the village.

Cold Springs, village in Dearborn County.  Originally called Jones' Station in 1857.  The name was changed to Cold Springs in 1874.

Commiskey, village in Jennings County.  Platted in 1870 and a post office was established the same year.  Apparently the name is for the personal name.

Cornettsville, village in Daviess County.  Platted in 1875 and named for Samuel Cornet, who, with others, laid out the town.

Corning, village in Daviess County.  First settled in 1828 and allegedly named by a priest for the corn growing here.  The name is both a personal and place name in the U.S., though, so the name probably comes form a person or another place.

Correct, village in Ripley County.  Allegedly William Will, postmaster at Versailles, was asked to suggest a name when a post office was established here in 1881.  Since it was at the time of Halley's Comet, he wrote "Comet" on the form and sent it to the Post Office Department.  The Department found his handwriting difficult to read so returned a card with "Comet" on it and asked Will to verify the name.  He wrote "correct," and that became the name of the town.

Cortland, village in Jackson County.  Founded in 1847 by Cyrus L. Dunham, who named the town for his birthplace, Cortland, New York.

Corydon, county seat, town in Harrison County.  Founded in 1808.  General William Henry Harrison, who originally owned the site of the town, named it Corydon when he was governor of the Territory for the shepherd in his favorite song, "Pastoral Elegy," which was in the popular songbook Missouri Harmony.  It was the first state capital.

Coveyville, village in Lawrence County.  Formerly called Goat Run.

Craig, village in Switzerland County.  Established as a post office in 1849 and named for Craig Township, in which it is located.  The township was named for George Craig, early settler.

Crandall, town in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1872 by Cornelius F. Crandall, for whom it was named.

Crawford County.  Organized in 1818 and named for Colonel William Crawford, Indian fighter and land agent for George Washington.

Crawleyville, village in Gibson County.  Settled in 1811 and named for a prominent local family whose name was spelled Crowley.

Cross Plains, village in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1826 and so named for its location on a cross roads on level ground.

Crothersville, town in Jackson County.  Founded in 1835 and originally called Haysville.  Shortly after this the name was changed to Crothersville, for Dr. Crothers, a railroad superintendent.

Crystal, village in Dubois County.  Never platted, but a post office was established here in 1889.

Cumback, village in Daviess County.  Settled in 1883 and named for Hoosier politician William Cumback.

Cuzco, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1905 and originally called Union Valley because the residents were opposed to slavery.  The present name comes form the city in Peru.

Cynthiana, town in Posey County.  Laid out in 1817 and named by William Davis for Cynthiana, Kentucky, home of its settlers.

Dabney, village in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1855 and named Poston, "but because it sounded so much like Holton, people often got off the train at the wrong station.  According to a story, a train dispatcher got the towns mixed up and almost caused a wreck, so the railroad company called the town Dabney," for the postmaster whose name was Dabney.

Dale, town in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1843 and named Elizabeth, but since there were already two other towns named Elizabeth in the state, it was renamed Dale, for Robert Dale Owen of New Harmony, who was a congressman when the name was changed.

Darmstadt, village in Vanderburgh County.  Established about 1860 by Germans who named it for Darmstadt, Germany.

Daviess County.  Organized in 1817 and named for Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daviess, who was killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe.  Dunn says the "Colonel's name was Daveiss and he always wrote it that way.

Daylight, village in Vanderburgh County.  A post office was located here in 1900.  Allegedly this community was named for the remark of a railroad engineer.  Each evening when he dropped off a construction crew here, he said, "I'll pick you men up at daylight."  Eventually Daylight became the name of the place.

Dayville, village in Warrick County.  Named for the Day family, descendants of Thomas Day, who settled in the county in 1850.  A post office was established here in 1900, with George O. Day as the postmaster.

Dearborn County.  Organized in 1803 and named for General Henry Dearborn, who served in the Revolution and was Secretary of War, 1801-09.

Decker, town in Knox County.  Laid out in 1869 by Isaac Decker, and named for him.  Formerly called Deckertown and Deckers.

Delaware, village in Ripley County.  Platted in 1870.  The post office name first was Delaware Station, then Rei, then Delaware. The present name is for Delaware Township, in which it is located.

Depauw, village in Harrison County.  Platted in 1884.  The name probably is from the personal name, perhaps for industrialist Washington C. DePauw of nearby New Albany, for whom DePauw University was named the same year.

Deputy, village in Jefferson County.  Laid out in 1871 and named for James Deputy, prominent citizens.

Derby, village in Perry County.  Laid out in 1835 and named for Derby, Ireland.

Dillsboro, town in Dearborn County.  Laid out in 1830 and originally called Dillsborough.  The present spelling was adopted in 1893.  Probably named for General James Dill, prominent in the history of the county.

Dillsboro Station, village in Dearborn County.  Named for Dillsboro.
Dodd, village in Perry County.  A post office, established here in 1898, was named for George Dodd, early settler.

Dogwood, village in Harrison County.  Established about 1895.  Apparently named for the tree.

Doolittle Mills, village in Perry County.  A post office was established in 1870 and named for the Doolittle family, who operated a mill here.

Dover (Kelso), village in Dearborn County.  John Kelso, a native of Ireland, settled in the county in 1813, and a township and this town were named for him.  McKenzie Cross Roads, for early settler Henry McKenzie, was another former name.

Dover Hill, village in Martin County.  Laid out in 1844 and called Hillsborough.  A few years later the name was changed to Dover Hill, apparently because the high cliffs here suggested the cliffs of Dover, England.

Dubois County.  Organized in 1818 and named for Toussaint Dubois, a French soldier who fought with General William Henry Harrison at Tippecanoe.

Dubois, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1885 and named for the county.

Dudleytown, village in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1837 by James Dudley, for whom it was named.

Duff, village in Dubois County.  Founded in 1833 and named for Colonel B. B. "Duff" Edmonstan.

Dupont, town in Jefferson County.  Laid out in 1849 by James Tilton of Wilmington, Delaware, who named the town for the Du Pont family, manufacturers of gunpowder.

Earle, village in Vanderburgh County.  Named for John Earle, an English settler who came here in 1828.

East Enterprise, village in Switzerland County.  Formerly called Clapboard Corner, for a clapboard mill here.  A post office was established in 1823 as Allensville, and the name was changed to East Enterprise in 1964.  The present name in commendatory.

East Fork Tanners Creek, stream in Dearborn County.  A tributary of Tanners Creek, q.v., for which it was named.

East Fork White River, stream.  See White River.

East Mount Carmel, village in Gibson County.  Established about 1885.  The name is locational, for Mt. Carmel, Illinois, located just across the Wabash.

East Oolitic, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1900.  The name is locational, as the town is east of Oolitic. q.v.  Formerly called Spien Kopj, for the bater in the Boer War.

Eckerty, village in Crawford County.  Named for Christopher Eckerty, a leading citizen who laid out the town in 1873.

Edwardsport, town in Knox County.  Platted in 1839 and named for Edward Wilkins, who was instrumental in laying out the town.  It was once a prominent flatboat landing place, hence the generic port.

Edwardsville, village in Floyd County.  Laid out in 1853 by Henry Edwards, for whom it was named.

Elberfeld, town in Warrick County.  Platted in 1885 and named for Elberfeld, Germany, as many settlers were Germans.

Elizabeth, town in Harrison County.  Platted in 1812 and named for Elizabeth Veach, wife of the man who donated land to the town.

Ellsworth, village in Dubois County.  A post office was located here in 1878.  Named for early settlers, the Ellsworth family.  James Ellis was the first postmaster.

Elnora, town in Daviess County.  Laid out in 1885 and named for Elnora Griffith, wife of a merchant here.

Elon,, village in Orange County.  A post office named Elon was established in 1892.  Probably the name is biblical.

Elrod, village in Ripley County.  Established as a post office in 1849.  Named for early settler and first postmaster George W. Elrod.

Emison, village in Knox County.  Laid out in 1867 and named for the proprietor, Samual A. Emison.

English, county seat, town in Crawford County.  Platted in 1839 and named for William Hayden English, Hoosier statesman.

Enterprise, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1862.  The name is commendatory.

Epsom, village in Daviess County.  Settled in 1815 or 1816 and allegedly named for a well dug here that tasted like Epson salts.  The name is also found in England and New Hampshire.

Erie, village in Lawrence County.  Laid out in 1867.  The name comes from the Indian tribe, perhaps via Lake Erie.

Eureka, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1858 and named French Island City, for the nearly island on the Ohio River.  In 1860 the post office name, French Island, was changed to Eureka, as the settlement informally was known.  According to local legend, early settlers were looking for a tract of land opposite French Island.  A watchman sighted the island at dawn and shouted "Eureka," which became the name of the settlement.

Evansville, county seat, second class city in Vanderburgh County.  Colonel Hugh McGary built a cabin here in 1812.  In 1817 he sold a section of land to General Robert Evans, and the town was replatted, becoming the county seat of newly created Vanderburgh County in 1818, and named for General Evans.

Fairview, village in Switzerland County.  Unplatted.  The post office, established in 1835, was called Sugar Branch.  The name was changed to Fairview in 1911.  The present name, fairly popular in Indiana, is subjectively descriptive.

Farabee, village in Washington County.  Formerly a railroad stop that was named for the first station agent.

Farlen, village in Daviess County.  Originally called McFarlen, for early settler W. N. McFarlen, who had a general store here.  A post office was established as Farlen in 1884, with Wyatt M. McFarlen as postmaster.

Farmers Retreat, village in Dearborn County.  A post office was established here in 1852.  Apparently this name is commendatory.

Farmersville, village in Posey County.  Settled about 1812.  Formerly it was called Yankee Settlement and Yankeetown, as the settlers were from New England.  It also has been called The Corners, for its location at the corner of four farms.  Apparently the present name is for these surrounding farms.

Fayetteville, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1838 and supposedly named for John Fayette, early settler.  Originally called Danville.

Ferdinand, town in Dubois County.  Platted in 1840 and named for the Austrian emperor, Ferdinand.

Florence, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1817 and called New York.  Apparently for the christian name.

Floyd County.  Organized in 1819 and named, according to most sources, for Colonel John Floyd, who was killed by Indians on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River.  Colonel David Floyd, an associate of Aaron Burr and member of the Indiana General Assembly, was an important figure in the history of the county, and it is likely that the county was named for him.  At least, a village in the county, Floyds Knobs, honors Davis Floyd.

Floyds Knobs, village in Floyd County.  A gristmill was built here in 1815, and the present name was adopted in 1843 in honor of Colonel David Floyd of Jeffersonville.  The town is located in a valley surrounded by hills, called "knobs."

Folsomville, village in Warrick County.  Formerly called Lickskillet.  The present name is for Benjamin Folson, proprietor, who laid out the town in 1859.

Foltz, village in Jefferson County.  A post office was established here in 1883.  Named for a local family.  Nicholas Foltz was the first postmaster.

Fort Branch, town in Gibson County.  Laid out in 1952 and named for the pioneer outpost, Fort Branch, built in 1811, which was near the present town.

Francisco, town in Gibson County.  Platted in 1851.  According to legend, it was named for a Spanish laborer working on the Wabash and Erie Canal.  He was fired, built a shack here, and became the first settler.

Fredericksburg, town in Washington County.  First settled in 1805 and called Bridgeport, apparently for a bridge here.  It was laid out in 1815 by Frederick Royse and named for him.

Fredonia, village in Crawford County.  Platted in 1818.  The name was coined around 1800 by giving a Latin ending to freedom and by 1876 it had been applied to at least 12 post offices in the U. S.  Since the name means "place of freedom," the name is commendatory.  Second county seat (1818-1843).

Freelandville, village in Knox County.  Laid out in 1866 and named for Dr. John T. Freeland, prominent local physician.

Freetown, village in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1850 and called Freeport, apparently a commendatory name changed to Freetown because of another town in Shelby County of the same name.

French Lick, town in Orange County.  Laid out in 1857 in French Lick Township, which in 1847 was named for the famous springs.  A French settlement here near an animal lick gave the salt spring its name.

Frenchtown, village in Harrison County.  Settled in 1840 by about 50 families from France and first called St. Bernard, for a local church.  When a post office was established, the name was changed to Frenchtown, for the settlers.

Friendship, village in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1849 by William Hart and originally called Hart's Mills.  In 1870 the postmaster changed the name to Friendship "because most of the people were friendly."

Fritchton, village in Knox County.  Laid out in 1839 as Richland, for the character of the soil here.  In 1893 a post office named Fritchton, for the Fritch family, was established.  Emil H. Fritch was the first postmaster.

Fulda, village in Spencer County.  Established around 1840 and apparently named for the German river or city.

Galena, village in Floyd County.  Platted in 1837, it first was called Germantown because many Germans lived here. When a post office was established in 1860, it was named Galena.  Galena often is a name descriptive of the principal ore of lead, but in this case may be a transfer.

Gentryville, town in Spencer County.  Platted in 1854 and named for James Gentry, one of the town's first merchants.

Georgetown, town in Floyd County.  Laid out around 1833 by George Waltz, for whom it was named.

Georgia, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1853 by John and Alexander Case.  A post office was established in 1857.

Gerald, village in Perry County.  A post office called Gerald, probably for the personal name, was established here in 1905.

Gibson County,.  Organized in 1813 and named for General John Gibson, secretary of Indiana Territory, 1801-16, and acting governor for about a year after Harrison's resignation.

Giro (Buena Vista), village in Gibson County.  See Buena Vista, Gibson County.

Glendale, village in Daviess County.  Laid out in 1866 and named for Glendale, Ohio.

Glezon (Hosmer), village in Pike County.  Laid out in 1854 by Stephen R. Hosmer and named for him.  Glezon is the name of a prominent family in the county, as Joseph C. Glezon was a member of the first board of trustees of Petersburg.

Grafton, village in Posey County.  Laid out in 1852 and named for Grafton, Illinois.

Graham, village in Daviess County.  Founded about 1900 and named for nearby Graham Farms.

Grandview, town in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1851 and so named because of its location on a bluff that offers a view of the Ohio River in each direction.

Grantsburg, village in Crawford County.  A post office was established here in 1848 and called Sterling.  In 1854 the name was changed to Grantsburg, supposedly for General U. S. Grant, but more likely for a local personal name since Grant was not nationally known until the Civil War.

Grants Creek, stream in Switzerland County.  A tributary of the Ohio River, it was named for Captain Samuel Grant and Moses Grant, who in 1789 were killed by Indians near the stream.

Greendale, town in Dearborn County.  Laid out in 1883.  Apparently the name is commendatory.

Greenville, town in Floyd County.  First settled in 1807 and platted in 1818 near the center of Greenville Township, for which it was named.

Griffin, town in Posey County.  Laid out in 1881 and named for Samuel Griffin, first postmaster.

Guilford, village in Dearborn County.  Laid out in 1850.  Probably named for the English town, perhaps via an eastern state.

Guionsville (Milton), village in Ohio County.  Laid out in 1825 by Pinkney James and called by him Jamestown.  James built a mill here the same year, and the place also was known as James Mills.  In 1837 a post office was established and named Guionsville, for Thomas Guion, early settler and first postmaster.  The name was changed to Milton Mills in 1847, hence the alternate name, and back to Guionsville in 1850.

Guthrie, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1865 and probably named for Daniel Guthrie, on of the first settlers in the county, or his family.

Halfmoon Lake, lake in Posey County.  This 45-acre lake is located 10 miles southwest of Mt. Vernon.  Its name is descriptive, as its shape resembles a half-moon.

Hamburg, village in Clark County.  Laid out in 1837 and named for the German city.

Hanover, town in Jefferson County.  Platted in 1832 and named for Hanover Church, which was named as a compliment to the wife of the Rev. Searle, who before her marriage lived in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Hardinsburg (Hardintown), town in Dearborn County.  Settled in 1796 by Henry Hardin and named for him.  Laid out on his land in 1815.

Hardinsburg, town in Washington County.  Named for Aaron Hardin, who laid it out in 1838.

Hardintown (Hardinsburg), town in Dearborn County.  See Hardinsburg, Dearborn County.

Harrison County.  Organized in 1808 and named for William Henry Harrison, first Governor of Indiana Territory, commander at the Battle of Tippecanoe, and ninth President of the United States.

Harristown (Norris), village in Washington County.  Founded in 1850 by Thomas M. Harris and named for him.  The railroad station here was named Norris, for the first station agent, Thomas B. Norris, to avoid confusion with Harrisburg.

Hartford (Laugherty), village in Ohio County.  Laid out in 1817.  Laugherty is for nearly Laughery Creek, q.v.  Apparently Hartford is for the English town, probably via an eastern state.

Hartleyville, village in Lawrence County.  Charles Hartley named the town for himself.

Hatfield, village in Spencer County.  Originally called Fair Fight, it was founded in 1883 by James Hatfield, the first postmaster, and named for him.

Haubstadt, town in Gibson County.  Laid out in 1855 and originally called Haub's Station, for Henry Haub, who had a general store and stage station here.  The generic -stadt, German for "town," is rare in Indiana place names.

Haysville, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1835 and named for Judge Willis Hays, who donated some land for the town.

Hazelton, town in Gibson County.  Named for Gervas Hazelton, who laid out the town in 1856.

Heilman, village in Warrick County.  A post office was established here in 1881.  Names for the Heilman family, early settlers.

Heltonville, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1845 by Andrew Helton and named for him.

Henryville, village in Clark County.  Laid out in 1850 and first called Morristown.  In 1853 the name was changed to Henryville for Colonel Henry Ferguson.

Heusler, village in Posey County.  Probably named for Ernst H. C. Heusler, first postmaster.  The post office was established here in 1893.

Hillham, village in Dubois County.  Never platted, but a post office was established her in 1860.

Hitchcock (Oxonia), village in Washington County.  A post office established here in 1861 was called Heffren.  In 1865 the name was changed to Hitchcock's Station, and in 1882 it became Hitchcock for a local family.  William Hitchcock had the first store here.  In 1900 the post office was named Oxonia by O. K. Hobbs, apparently honoring residents of Oxford, England, or graduates of Oxford University.

Holland, town in Dubois County.  Laid out in 1859 by Henry Kunz, who named it for his native country.

Holton, village in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1854 on land owned by Jesse Holman, and although some people wanted to name the town Holman, Mr. Holman suggested naming it Holton.

Hosmer (Glezon), village in Pike County.  See Glezon.

Houston, village in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1853 and named for an early settler, Leonard Houston.

Hovey, village on Posey County.  Apparently named for Hoosier Governor Alvin P. Hovey.

Hovey Lake, lake in Posey County.  Located 9 miles southwest of Mt. Vernon, this 242-acre lake was named for Alvin P. Hovey, Union officer and Indiana governor, 1888-92, who is buried nearby in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Hubbells Corner, village in Dearborn County.  Formerly called Hubbell's Cross Roads, it was named for Merritt Hubbell who settled here and operated a store around 1832.

Hudsonville, village in Daviess County.  Platted on May 29, 1854 by Daniel Jackson.  Jackson named Hudsonville after his place of birth along the Hudson River in New York. (Information provided by Carrol Dillon)

Huff (New Boston), village in Spencer County.  See New Boston, Spencer County.

Huffman, village in Spencer County.  A post office was established here in 1883.  Originally called Huffman's Mills, as the Huffman family had a mill here, which was built around 1815 by John R. Huffman.

Huntingburg, fifth class city in Dubois County.  Founded in 1839 by Joseph Geiger who named it Huntingdon, allegedly because he came here from Kentucky to hunt even before he purchsed the land.  Since the name was confused with Huntington, it was changed to Huntingburg.

Huron, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1859.  Originally called Hoard's Station, for William Hoard, pioneer landowner, but renamed for Huron County, Ohio, by settlers who came from there about 1855.

Indiana, state.  Admitted to the union December 11, 1816, and named for Indiana Territory, established in 1800.

Indian Creek, stream.  This is one of the most popular stream names in Indiana, with at least nine streams bearing this name and several others being called Little Indian Creek (one is in Southern Indiana).  As with the stream named Indian Creek heading in Johnson County, in most cases these streams were so named because Indians either lived or camped near them.

Indian Springs, village in Martin County.  Laid out in 1889 and named for mineral springs here of the same name.

Inglefield, village in Vanderburgh County.  Name for John Ingle, who laid out the town in 1819 and first called it Sandersville.  Ingle, still an alternate name of the community, was the name of a railroad station here.

Ireland, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1865 and so named because early settlers were mainly Irish.

Ironton, village in Martin County.  Laid out in 1873 by the Southern Indiana Coal and Iron Company and formerly called Irondon for the iron industry here.

Jackson County.  Organized in 1816 and named for Andrew Jackson, general in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 and later President of the U.S.

Jacksonville, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1815 and named for a local Jackson family.

Jasper, county seat, fifth class city in Dubois County.  Founded about 1818 and platted in 1830.  Only legend explains this name: "Jasper was named when some ol' lady opened the bible and put her finger on the word Jasper.  She was the oldest in the community, so she got the honor of naming the town."

Jefferson County.  Organized in 1811 and named for President Thomas Jefferson.

Jeffersonville, county seat, third class city in Clark County.  A settlement was made here at Ft. Steuben in 1786.  In 1802 the city was laid out according to a plan suggested by Thomas Jefferson and named in honor of him by William Henry Harrison.

Jennings County.  Organized in 1817 and named for Jonathan Jennings, first governor of the State of Indiana.

Jockey, village in Warrick County.  This name is of uncertain origin.  One explanation is that residents had a reputation for dealing shrewdly, so the community was named Jockey for that meaning of the word.

Johnson, village in Gibson County.  Settled in 1911 and named for a railroad construction superintendent.

Kellerville, village in Dubois County.  Settled in 1867 and named for John C. Keller, prominent local merchant.

Kelso (Dover), village in Dearborn County.  See Dover, Dearborn County.

Kent, village in Jefferson County.  Platted in 1853 and named for James Kent, chief justice of New York.  Formerly called Ramsey's Mills Post Office.

Kings, village in Gibson County.  Formerly called King's Station, the town was named for John King, who settled here around 1818.

Kirksville (Wheeling), village in Gibson County.  See Wheeling, Gibson County.

Knox County.  Organized in 1790 and named for General Henry Knox, artillery officer of the Revolution and Secretary of War, 1785-95.

Kossuth, village in Washington County.  Probably named for the Hungarian orator and patriot, Lajos Kossuth (1802-94).  A post office was established here between 1850 and 1853.

Kurtz, village in Jackson County.  Founded in 1890 and named in honor of an engineer named Kurtz who built the railroad through here.

Kyana, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1882 by John L. Wheat, President of the Louisville Mining and Manufacturing Company.  The name, coined by the company, consists of the abbreviation for Kentucky and the last three letters of Indiana.

Laconia, town in Harrison County.  Platted in 1816 and said to be named for Laconia, new Hampshire.  It was the name of a district in ancient Greece.

Lacy, village in Martin County.  A post office was located here in 1901.  According to local anecdote, the town was so named for "the small lace caps which the women of a peculiar religious sect near the village always wear to church."  Probably the name honors a local family.

Lake Lincoln, lake in Spencer County.  This 58-acre lake is located in Lincoln State Park.  Both the lake and the park are named for Abraham Lincoln, who spent his boyhood years nearby.

Lamar, village in Spencer County.  A post office was located here in 1888.  Apparently named for the personal name.

Lamb, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1815 and called Erin.  The present name is for the Lamb family here who established the post office.  William Lamb was the first postmaster.

Lancaster, village in Jefferson County.  Established as a post office in 1830 and probably named for Lancaster Township, in which it is located.  The township in turn may be named for Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Lanesville, town in Harrison County.  Settled in 1792 and platted in 1817, the town was named for General Lane, a government surveyor who was a prominent early settler.

Lauer, village in Perry County.  Apparently named from the personal name.

Laugherty (Hartford), village in Ohio County.  See Hartford.

Lawrence County.  Organized in 1818 and named for Captain James Lawrence, of the U.S. frigate Chesapeake.

Lawrenceburg, county seat, fifth class city in Dearborn County.  Laid out in 1802 and named by one of the proprietors, Samuel C. Vance, for his wife, whose maiden name was Lawrence.

Lawrenceburg Junction, village in Dearborn County.  Named for nearby Lawrenceburg.

Lawrenceport, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1837 and named for an early landowner, Josiah Lawrence.

Lawrenceville, village in Dearborn County.  Laid out in 1835 by John Lawrence, and named for him.

Leavenworth, town in Crawford County.  Founded in 1818 and platted in 1819, the town was flooded in 1937, relocated on hills behind the old site, and rebuilt in 1938.  It was named for the proprietors, Seth and Zebulan Leavenworth.

Leesville, village in Lawrence County.  Laid out in 1818 and named by founders for their home, Lee County, Virginia.

Leipsic, village in Orange County.  Laid out in 1851 and called Lancaster.  Leipsic was the post office name, apparently so named form the German city.

Leopold, village in Perry County.  Founded in 1842 and named for King Leopold of Belgium.

Leota, village in Scott County.  A post office was located here in 1884.  Named for the christian name of a woman who lived here.  Never officially laid out.

Lexington, village in Scott County.  Laid out in 1810 and named for Lexington, Massachusetts, apparently because of the famous battle there.

Lick Creek, stream in Orange County.  This tributary of Lost River was named for French Lick, a spring on one of its branches.

Lincoln City, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1872 on land that once belonged to Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, and named for the Lincoln family.

Little York, town in Washington County.  Laid out in 1831 and so named because the settlers were from the State of New York.

Livonia, town in Washington County.  Laid out in 1819 and originally called Bethel, for a local church.  The present name probably is for the former Baltic province in Russia.

Locust Point (Bridgeport), village in Harrison County.  See Bridgeport.
Logan, village in Dearborn County.  Formerly called Logan Cross Roads.  The name is for the township in which it is located.  A post office called Logan was established in 1836.

Long Run, village in Switzerland County.  A post office was established here in 1874.  Named for the nearby stream of the same name.

Loogootee, fifth class city in Martin County.  Platted in 1853 by Thomas Gootee.  The name was coined from two personal names: Lowe, honoring the engineer of the first train through the town, and Gootee, for the founder and owner of the land where the town was built.

Lost River, stream.  Heads in Washington County and flows west through Orange County and Martin County to East Fork White River near the southern boundary of Martin County.  The stream is so named because it sinks and runs underground for several miles and rises again.

Lovett, village in Jennings County.  Platted in 1855 and named for a prominent railroad official.

Lyles, village in Gibson County.  Known as the Cherry Grove Vicinity before the Civil War.  After the war a Negro named Lyles bought land here, other Blacks settled, and the name was changed to Lyles Station.

Lynnville, town in Warrick County.  Platted in 1839 by John Lynn and named for him.

Mackey, town in Gibson County.  Founded around 1882 and named for David J. Mackey, local railroad entrepreneau.

Madison, county seat, fourth class city in Jefferson County.  First settled in 1805, the site was purchased in 1809 by Colonel John Paul, a Revolutionary war soldier, who platted the town and named it for President James Madison.

Magnet, village in Perry County.  Formerly called Rono, allegedly for a dog, the name was changed to Magnet in 1896 by the Post Office Department.  Stewart says the name might be commendatory, suggesting the settlement will attract people.

Magnolia, village in Crawford County.  Platted in 1838.  The name, usually for the tree, is common in the U.S. and possibly is a transfer from a southern state.

Manchester, village in Dearborn County.  Settled in 1818 and named for the township in which it is located.

Manville, village in Jefferson County.  Formerly called Buena Vista in 1847 when a post office was established.  In 1858 the name was changed to Manville, honoring an early settler.

Marengo, town in Crawford County.  Platted in 1837 and named by Joseph Thornton of Leavenworth for one of Napoleon's victories over the Austrians in 1800 at Marengo, Italy.

Maria Creek, stream.  Heads in Sullivan County and flows southwest to the Wabash River about 5 miles north of Vincennes.  Apparently the name comes form the French name of the stream, Riviere St. Marie, which appears on early maps.

Mariah Hill, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1860 for the trustees of a Catholic church around a church on a hill and named Maria Hill for devotional reasons and its situation.

Markland, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1874 by Charles Markland and named for him.

Martin County.  Organized in 1820 and named for Major John P. Martin of Newport, Kentucky.

Martinsburg, village in Washington County.  Laid out in 1818 by Dr. Abner Martin, for whom it was named.

Marysville, village in Clark County.  Founded in 1871 and named for Miss Mary Kimberlain, resident of the county.

Mauckport, town in Harrison County.  Platted in 1827 and named for the founder, Frederick Mauck.

Maxville, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1841 and probably named for James McDaniel, proprietor.

Maysville, village in Daviess County.  Laid out in 1834 and apparently named for the personal name.

McCutchanville, village in Vanderburgh County.  Established about 1845 and named for Samuel McCutchan, first postmaster.

McKinley, village in Washington County.  A post office was established here in 1891 and allegedly named for William McKinley, who became President in 1897.

Medora, town in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1853 and commonly believed to be named for the first three notes of the scale--do, re, mi--although the order was changed.  Probably the name comes from Lord Byron's poem, "The Corsair."

Memphis, village in Clark County.  Founded in 1852 and probably named for Memphis, Tennessee, since early settlers came from that area.

Mentor, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1881.

Midway, village in Spencer County.  Founded about 1854.  The name is locational, although accounts vary as to what it is midway between.

Mifflin, village in Crawford County.  Established about 1851.  The name ultimately comes from the personal name, especially General Thomas Mifflin of the Revolution was was governor of Pennsylvania, 1790-99.  Several eastern towns bear this name, so it may be a transfer.

Milan, town in Riplay County.  Laid out in 1831 and apparently named for the Italian city.

Millersburg, village in Orange County.  Named for Greenup Miller, who established the first store here in 1833.

Millersburg (Canal), village in Warrick County.  Platted in 1852 and named for Phillip Miller, early settler, and his descendants.  Since there are other towns of the same name in Indiana, the post office was called Canal, for its location on the Wabash and Eric Canal.

Milltown, town in Crawford and Harrison counties.  Platted in 1827, the settlement originally was called Leavenworth's Mill because Zebulon Leavenworth had a mill here.  The present name comes form the mill.

Milton (Guionsville), village in Ohio County.  See Guionsville.

Mitchell, fifth class city in Lawrence County.  Land near here was settled as early as 1813, but the town wasn't platted until 1852.  It was named for O. M. Mitchell, a construction engineer for the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, which was built here in 1856.

Monroe City, town in Knox County.  Laid out in 1856 and apparently named for Monroe Alton, proprietor.  Formerly called Nashville and Lively Dale.

Montgomery, town in Daviess County.  Named for Valentine Montgomery, who platted the town in 1865.

Moorefield, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1834 and named for the Moore family who owned land here.

Moores Hill, town in Dearborn County.  Founded in 1828, platted in 1838, and originally called Moore's Mill, for Adam Moore, who owned a mill here.  A mistake was made when the town applied for a post office, and the name became Moores Hill.

Morris, village in Ripley County.  Originally called Springdale, the town was laid out in 1858 and named Morris, for George Morris, a resident.

Mt. Carmel, village in Washington County.  Laid out in 1837 and apparently named for the biblical mountain.

Mt. Olive, village in Martin County.  Apparently named for the biblical Mount of Olives.

Mt. Olympus, village in Gibson County.  Originally called Ennes, for a pioneer blacksmith, William Ennes. Samuel Kelly, a schoolteacher, gave the town its present name from the home of the Greek gods.

Mt. Pleasant, village in Martin County.  Laid out in 1826.  The name is commendatory.  According to tradition, "The people who settled Mt. Pleasant came there from a place called Hindostan Falls whence they had been forced to leave on account of a plague which infested that vicinity.  The settlement of Mt. Pleasant is located on a hill and the surroundings were a very agreeable change ot the first settlers over the plague-ridden Hindostan they had left.  Hence the name."

Mt. Sinai, village in Dearborn County.  Named for the Mt. Sinai Methodist Episcopal Church built here prior to 1836.

Mt. Sterling, village in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1816 on a hill and named for the Sterling family.

Mt. Vernon, county seat, fifth class city in Posey County.  Settled by Andrew McFadden about 1800 and formerly known as McFadden's Bluff and McFadden's Landing.  Platted in 1816.  The present name is for Washington's home.

Muddy Fork Silver Creek, stream in Clark County. The name is descriptive.  See Silver Creek.

Nabb, village in Clark County.  Platted in 1855 and named for a railroad superintendent, General Nabb.

Napoleon, town in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1820 and named for Napoleon Bonaparte.

Natchez, village in Martin County.  A post office was established here in 1844.  Apparently a transfer name from the city in Mississippi, so named form the Indian tribe.

Navilleton, village in Floyd County.  Founded about 1845.  The name probably comes from the personal name.

Nebraska, village in Jennings County.  Platted in 1856 and apparently named for the Nebraska Territory, established in 1854.

Needmore, village in Lawrence County.  Settled in 1873 and, according to local legend, was named by Aunt Lou Goodman "during the Cleveland administration, who said the people were always needing more bread and meat than they had."

New Albany, county seat, second class city in Floyd County.  Platted in 1813 by Joel, Abner, and Nathaniel Scribner, who named it four the capital of their native state, Albany, New York.

New Alsace, village in Dearborn County.  Apparently named for the region and former province in France, as the first settler, Anthony Walliezer, who came here in 1833, was a native of France.  Laid out in 1937.

New Amsterdam, town in Harrison County.  Platted in 1815 and apparently named for the Dutch city, perhaps influenced by the former name of New York.

New Boston, village in Harrison County.  Apparently named for the English town via Massachusetts.

Newburgh, town in Warrick County.  First laid out in 1817 by John Sprinkle and called Sprinklesburg, for him, although it also was known locally as Mt. Prospect.  An adjoining town was laid out in 1829 and called Newburgh.  In 1837 the two towns were consolidated and called Newburgh.

New Farmington, village in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1852.  The name probably is a transfer from an eastern state selected for its commendation value.

New Frankfort, village in Scott County.  Formerly called Woostertown, it was platted in 1838 and named by settlers form Kentucky for the capital of their native state.

New Harmony, town in Posey County.  Settled in 1814 by George Rapp and associates and named for Harmonie, Pennsylvania, site of their first settlement.  In 1825 it was sold to Robert Owen, who renamed it New Harmony.

New Liberty, village in Washington County.  Liberty is a common name in the U.S. and probably was borrowed for its commendatory value.

New Marion, village in Ripley County.  First called Marion, but because there was already a town of that name in Indiana, the name was changed to New Marion in 1832, the year it was laid out.  Apparently named for Francis Marion.

New Market, village in Clark County.  Laid out in 1839 and allegedly so named because market wagons assembled here.

New Middletown, town in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1860 and formerly called Middletown.

New Otto, village in Clark County.  See Old Otto.

New Pekin, town in Washington County.  Established about 1852 as a railroad station near the village of Pekin, for which it was named.

New Philadelphia, village in Washington County.  Laid out in 1837 and named for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

New Providence, town in Clark County.  Laid out in 1817.  Probably the name was borrowed for devotional reasons

New Salisbury, village in Harrison County.  Platted in 1839 by John Kepley and named for his home, Salisbury, North Carolina.

Newton (Bretzville), village in Dubois County.  See Bretzville.

Newton Stewart, village in Orange County.  Laid out in 1839 by William and Henry Stewart, who named it Newton Stewart.  Allegedly, to their own name they added the name of their birthplace in Ireland.

Newtonville, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1865 and named for the Newton family, early local merchants.  One of the founders was Bezaleel Newton.

New Washington, village in Clark County.  Laid out in 1815, and a post office was established in 1824.

New Watson, village in Clark County.  Established about a mile southeast of Watson, now Old Watson. q.v., and named for it.

Norman Station, village in Jackson County.  Founded in 1889 by John A. Norman, for whom it was named.

Norris (Harristown), village in Washington County.  See Harristown.

North Landing, village in Ohio County.  Founded in 1831 by R. F. North, for whom it was named.  Originally it was called Grant's Creek, for a nearby stream, then North, and in 1865 North's Landing.

North Vernon, fifth class city in Jennings County.  Platted in 1854 north of the older town of Vernon; hence, the name is locational.

Oakland City, fifth class city in Gibson County.  Platted in 1856 and originally called Oakland, for oak groves on the town site.

Oaktown, town in Knox County.  Formerly called Oak Station, it was laid out in 1867.  Apparently the name is descriptive.

Odon, town in Daviess County.  Laid out in 1846.  Earlier names were Clark's Spring, Clark's Prairie, and Clarksburg, for George Rogers Clark: the present name comes form the Norse god, Odin.

Ohio County.  Organized in 1844, the county is bordered on the east by the Ohio River, for which it was named.

Ohio River, stream.  This river forms the entire southern boundary of Indiana.  The name is Iroquois and means "beautiful."  In 1680, LaSalle wrote of the river: "the Iroquois call it Ohio, and the Ottawas Oligh-in-cipau."

Oldenburg, town in Franklin County.  Founded by German immigrants in 1837 who named the town for their birthplace in Germany.

Old Milan, village in Ripley County.  Laid out by David Brooks in 1854, just across the railroad from South Milan, and named Brooklin, for Brooks,  The present name is for nearby Milan, q.v.

Old Otto, village in Clark County.  A post office called Otto was established in 1864.  Named for Judge Otto.  New Otto is located about 1/2 mile west of Old Otto.

Old Watson, village in Clark County.  Laid out in 1876 and called Watson.  The present name distinguishes it form nearby New Watson, q.v.

Olean, village in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1857 and named for Olean, New York, home of settlers.

Oolitic, town in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1888 and named for the oolitic texture of its limestone.

Orange County.  Organized in 1816 and named for Orange County, North Carolina, from which early settlers came.

Orangeville, village in Orange County.  Laid out in 1849 and named for the county in which it is located.

Oriole, village in Perry County.  Formerly known as Chestnut City, for the chestnut tress here; the name was changed to Oriole, for the bird, by the Post Office Department when a post office was established here in 1890.

Orleans, town in Orange County.  Founded in March 1815, two months after Jackson's victory at New Orleans, for which it was named.

Orrville, village in Knox County.  A post office was established here in 1891.  Probably named for the Orr family, prominent in county history.  Edgar J. Orr was postmaster in 1904.

Osgood, town in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1857 and named for the head surveyor of the railroad built here.

Otisco, village in Clark County.  Founded in 1854 and apparently named for Otisco Lake in New York.

Ottwell, village in Pike County.  Laid out in 1855 and called Pierceville until 1864.  Formerly spelled Otwell.  Apparently the name is form the personal name.

Owen, village in Clark County.  Named for Owen Township, which was named for John Owens, a county commissioner.

Owensville, town in Gibson County.  Platted in 1817 and named for Thomas Owen, famous Kentuckian.

Palmyra, town in Harrison County.  Founded in 1810 by Hays McCallan and called McCallan's Crossroads, for him.  In 1836 the town was laid out again and called Carthage.  In 1839 lots were added, and the name was changed to Palmyra, apparently for the ancient city allegedly built by Solomon.

Paoli, county seat, town in Orange County.  Platted in 1816 and named for Pasquale Paoli (1725-1807), a Corsican patriot and general, perhaps via Paoli, Pennsylvania, or Paoli Ashe, son of Samuel Ashe, governor of North Carolina and friend of Pasquale Paoli.  According to one local legend, the name comes form a Swede named Oley who operated a toll road.  People traveling along the road had to "pay Oley."

Paris, village in Jennings County.  Laid out in 1829.  Presumably named for the city in France.

Paris Crossing, village in Jennings County.  Located along the railroad about a mile northwest of Paris, for which it was named.

Patoka, town in Gibson County.  Settled in 1789 and platted in 1813, it was named for the Patoka River.  Former names were Smithville, for John Smith, an early settler, and Columbia.

Patoka River, stream.  About 100 miles long, it heads in Orange County and flows west through Crawford, Dubois, Pike, and Gibson counties to the Wabash River just south of the mouth of White River.  The name is Miami for "Comanche," who often were held as slaves by the Illinois and Miamis.  In French chronicles they are called Padocquia or Padouca.

Patriot, town in Switzerland County.  Laid out in 1820 and named Troy, for Troy, New York.  The present name is inspirational.  One local anecdote says the name comes form "the Patriots," veterans of the Revolution who settled here, while a more likely account says that when the name was changed form Troy, town leaders wanted to rename the town Washington for the greatest patriot, but since there already were several towns of that name in Indiana, they settled for Patriot.

Paynesville, village in Jefferson County.  Named for Miller Payne, an early settler.

Peerless, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1891 and named for the Peerless Quarry here.

Pekin, village in Washington County,  Laid out in 1831 and apparently named for the city in China.

Pelzer, village in Warrick County.  A post office was located here in 1898.  Named for the Pelzer family, who were early residents.

Penntown, village in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1837 and originally called Pennsylvaniaburg, as most of the settlers were from Pennsylvania.  The present name is an abbreviated form of the earlier name.

Perry County.  Organized in 1814 and named for Commodore Olive Hazard Perry, who defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie in 1813.

Petersburg, county seat, fifth class city in Pike County.  Laid out in 1817 and named for Peter Brenton, an early settler and principal donor of land.

Pierceville, village in Ripley County.  A post office was established here in 1854.  Named for the local Pierce family.

Pike County.  Organized in 1817 and named for General Zebulon Montgomery Pike, who was killed in 1813 while commanding the attack on York, Canada.

Pikeville, village in Pike County.  Laid out in 1959 and named for Pike County.

Pilot Knob, village in Crawford County.  A post office was located her in 1850.  Named for a nearby peak of the same name.

Pinhook, village in Lawrence County.  First settled about 1818. According to local legend, the town "received its name through the sale of pins [liquor?] in an illegal manner.  No person in the community had a permit to sell whiskey by the drink.  But in order to evade the law, one of the early merchants of the little community is said to have hit upon the idea of selling a customer a bent pin to use for a fishhook and giving him a drink of whiskey as a premium.  Hence the name Pinhook."  Another anecdote says, "Pinhook's name is related to the making of fish hooks from pins in earlier days."  A third oral account probably explains the name: " Pinhook, it was thought, was named from a peculiar twist in the road at the little village."

Plainville, town in Daviess County.  Formerly called Stump Town because the timber had been cut and only stumps remained, the town was laid out in 1855.  It received its present name for the level terrain here.

Plattsburg, village in Washington County.  A post office was located here from 1844 until 1845.  The name may be a transfer from New York or Ohio.

Pleasant, village in Switzerland County.  Settled in 1817 but never platted.  Named for the township in which it is located.

Pleasant Valley, village in Martin County.  Platted in 1850.  Presumably the name is subjectively descriptive.

Poison Creek, stream in Perry County.  This tributary of the Ohio River was named for the prevalence of milk sickness in the area.

Popcorn, village in Lawrence County.  Settled about 1880 and named for a nearly stream, Popcorn Creek.  Of course, there are local legends explaining this unusual name.  One goes: "A family came to visit from Vincennes to a family in Perry Township.  The two families were always arguing about who raised the best corn.  The man from Vincennes said, `Your corn is popcorn compared to what we grow.`  That's how Popcorn got its name.

Portersville, village in Dubois County.  Established about 1818 and said to named for a relative of one of the town proprietors, Arthur Harbison.

Posey County.  Organized in 1814 and named for General Thomas Posey, officer in the Revolution and governor of Indiana Territory, 1813-16.

Poseyville, town in Posey County.  Laid out in 1840 and named for Posey County.  Called Palestine until 1852.

Prairie Creek, stream in Daviess County.  Heads in eastern Daviess County and flows southeast across the county to West Fork White River at the Daviess-Knox county line near Maysville.  The name is descriptive of the landscape through which the stream flows.  Although prairie is a generic, it has become a rather common specific for streams in Indiana.  There are small streams in Boone, Delaware, and Vigo counties called Prairie Creek and a small stream in Howard and Grant counties called Prairie Run.

Princeton, county seat, fifth class city in Gibson County.  Founded in 1814 and named for Captain William Prince, an early settler who became a representative in Congress.

Prospect, village in Orange County.  Established about 1836.  The name probably was selected for its commendatory value.

Pumpkin Center, village in Orange County.  According to local legend, the name is for a local farmer's pumpkin patch, supposedly the largest in the state.  The farmer grew enormous pumpkins, too: ". . . One year he grew a pumpkin that weighted 107 pounds.  I know `cause my uncle told me about it when I was little.  Well, anyway, this old guy was so proud of his pumpkins that one day he put this sign up that said `Duncan's Pumpkin Center of the World.`  Well, folks thought this was real funny, and they started just calling his place Pumpkin Center, and that's what people call it to this day, and that's all I'm saying."

Pumpkin Center, village in Washington County.  This name is found in nearby Orange County, too, as well as in South Dakota, where the name was humorously applied "to denote a place excessively rural and isolated."

Purcell, village in Knox County.  Named for Andrew Purcell, on whose farm a railroad station and post office, established in 1871, were located.  Formerly Purcell Station and Purcells.

Queensville, village in Jennings County.  A post office named Queensville was established in 1847, and the village was laid out in 1848.

Quercus Grove, village in Switzerland County.  Sometimes called Bark Works, the town was settled in 1816 by Daniel D. Smith and others, who ground and packed oak bark to send to England for dyes, hence the name Quercus Grove, i.e., "Oak Grove."

Raglesville, village in Daviess County.  Laid out in 1837 and probably named for John Ragle, the first postmaster.

Ragsdale, village in Knox County.  A post office was established her in 1917.  Probably named for the Ragsdale family, prominent in county history.

Ramsey, village in Harrison County.  Named for H. C. Ramsey, who laid out the town in 1883.

Red Cloud, village in Knox County.  A post office was established here by 1875.  Perhaps the name comes from the famous Sioux chief, Red Cloud, for whom other settlements in the U.S. were named.

Reddington, village in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1837 and named for Redding Township, in which it is located.

Retreat, village in Jackson County.  Established by 1850.  Apparently the name is commendatory suggesting withdrawal and seclusion.

Rexville, village in Ripley County.  A post office was located in 1870.  Named for the Rex family who lived here.

Riceville, village in Crawford County.  Founded around 1882 and named for Wash Rice, a prominent businessman.

Richland City, village in Spencer County.  Laid out in 1861 and so named for the rich farmland here.

Riddle, village in Crawford County.  A post office was established here in 1892.  Named for a Civil War veteran, Colonel Riddle.

Ripley County.  Organized in 1818 and named for General Eleazar Wheelock Ripley, officer in the War of 1812.

Rising Sun, county seat, fifth class city in Ohio County.  Platted in 1814.  "The name was suggested by the grandeur of the sunrise over the Kentucky hills above the town of Rabbit Hash across the river."  Local legend offers another explanation:  "That's how Rising Sun got its name.  They was going down the river [Ohio River], and the sun was a comin` up, an` they said, `look at the rising sun.`  And that's right about along where Rising Sun is, an` that's how they named it.  The Indians give Rising Sun its name."

River Deshee, stream in Knox County.  Flows southwest to the Wabash River.  The name apparently is a corruption of the French name, Riviere du Chien, "Dog River," which appears on early maps.

Rockford, village in Jackson County.  Laid out in 1830 and so named because it is located "at a point where the bed of the White River is composed of slate rock, forming a good ford."

Rock Hill, village in Spencer County.  Named for an outcrop of rock at the site of an elementary school here.

Rockport, county seat, fifth class city in Spencer County.  Established in 1817, the site was called Hanging Rock by settlers because of a projecting rock formation, which also was known as Lady Washington's Rock, once here.  The rock formation gave the town its present name.

Rome, village in Perry County.  Laid out in 1818 and originally called Washington, for President Washington, but since there were other towns of that name, the name was changed to Franklin, for Benjamin Franklin, the same year.  It was named Rome, for the clasical city, in 1819.  It was the county seat, 1819-1857.

Rush Creek Valley, village in Washington County.  A post office was established here in 1871.  Named for the stream on which it is located.

Rusk, village in Martin County.  Settled in 1836 and named for either two Rusk brothers, doctors in the Civil War, who were born here, or Jeremiah McLain Rusk, congressman and Secretary of Agriculture.

St. Croix,, village in Perry County.  Founded in 1855 by Father Dion, who named it St. Croix, French for "Holy Cross."

St. Henry, village in Dubois County.  A post office was established as St. Henry in 1870 and the village was platted in 1874.  Perhaps named for a congregation organized at Henryville in1862.  Henry Hogg, for whom it was possibly named, was a local Benedictine priest.

St. James, village in Gibson County.  A post office was established here in 1878.  Named for the St. James Roman Catholic Church here.

St. Joseph, village in Floyd County.  Located near the Clark-Floyd county line, this German Catholic community was settled around 1846, and the first church was built in 1853.  The settlement first was called St. Joseph's Hill, for devotional reasons and for the hilly countryside.

St. Joseph, village in Vanderburgh County.  Named for St. Joseph's Catholic Church, built here in 1841.

St. Marks, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1872.  Apparently a devotional name.

St. Meinrad, village in Spencer County.  Settled in 1836, laid out in 1861, and named for the Catholic monastery here.

St. Philips, village in Posey County.  German Catholic settlers built their community around their church.  A post office was established as St. Philip in 1872.

St. Thomas, village in Knox County.  A post office was established here in 1896.  Probably named for the St. Thomas Church, one of the oldest in the county, that once served as a place of election.

St. Wendel, village in Posey County.  A post office called St. Wendels was established in 1852.  Supposedly named for Wendel Wasman, early settler who was the principal donor for the construction of a Catholic church here.

Salem, county seat, fifth class city in Washington County.  Platted in 1814 and named for Salem, North Carolina.

Salt Creek, stream.  Head at the outlet of Monroe Reservoir in Monroe County and flows south through Lawrence County to East Fork White River 4 miles southwest of Bedford.  The North Fork Salt Creek, at the inlet of the reservoir, heads in Brown County.  Salt springs were located and worked near the stream; hence, the name is descriptive.

Saltillo, town in Washington County.  Platted in 1849 and named for the Mexican city occupied by U.S. troops in the Mexican War.

Saluda, village in Jefferson County.  A post office was established in 1828.  Named for Saluda Township, in which it is located.  The name appears in other states and originally was an Indian name applied to a river and meaning "river of corn."

Sandborn, town in Knox County.  Laid out in 1868 and named for a civil engineer on the Indianapolis and Vincennes Railroad.

Sand Creek, stream.  About 50 miles long, it heads in Decatur County and flows southwest through Jennings County to East Fork White River east of Jonesville.  The name is a translation of the Indian name, Laque-ka-ou-e-nek, "water running through sand."

San Jacinto, village in Jennings County.  Probably named for the San Jacinto River in Texas, site of the famous battle in which Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna in 1836 and decided the independence of Texas.

Santa Claus, town in Spencer County.  Platted in 1846. 
(The following information is courtesy of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau.) There are many stories as to how the town of Santa Claus received its unique name, but local lore has it that... The Christmas Eve service had just concluded in the little log church of the town, and everybody was there. It was as good a time as any to hold a final town meeting of the year, one citizen decided. As had often been the case through the years of town meetings since the community's founding, there was only one order of business that night: a name for the "nameless town." All were gathered around the pot-bellied, wood-burning stove. The frustrating discussion of a new name continued. Now when I mention "everyone there," I mean everybody; children--although quiet and not participating--were included. But then, with a chilly December gust, the door of the church blew open. It was the adults who fell silent and it was the youngsters who suddenly came to life. For beyond the picture-framed doorway was a magical scene of snowflakes winking on black velvet, and the magical sound of sleigh bells. But whose sleigh might it be? All were present, remember--and nobody else for miles and miles around. And as the children ran to the doorway they excitedly shouted the name that every grownup was thinking, "Santa Claus!" they cried. "It's Santa Claus!" Thus, the little nameless town received its name--Santa Claus, Indiana.

Sassafras, village in Perry County.  A post office established here in 1916 was called Saffaras.  In 1957 the name was changed to Sassafras, apparently for the tree.

Scalesville, village in Warrick County.  A post office was established here in 1879.  Named for the Scales family, prominent in the early history of the county.  Williams Scales was the first postmaster.

Schnellville, village in Dubois County.  Platted in 1865 by Henry Schnell, for whom it was named.

Scipio, village in Jennings County.  Laid out in 1817 and named by William Clapp for one of the noted Roman generals.

Scott County.  Organized in 1820 and named for General Charles Scott, officer in the Revolution and governor of Kentucky.

Scottsburg, county seat, fifth class city in Scott County.  Laid out in 1871 and not named for the county in which it is located but for Thomas Scott, president of the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis Railroad.

Scottsburg Reservoir, lake in Scott County.  Thei 83-acre lake is located 1 mile southwest of Scottsburg, for which it was named.

Scottsville, village in Floyd County.  Laid out in 1853, the town presumable was named for Moses and John Scott, who settled here in 1812.

Sellersburg, town in Clark County.  Laid out in 1846 by John Hill and Moses W. Sellers and named for Sellers.

Selvin, village in Warrick County.  laid out in 1839 and originally called Taylorsville, for the proprietor, George Taylor.  The name was changed to Selvin in 1881 when the post office name was changed form Polk Patch.

Seymour, fourth class city in Jackson County.  Founded in 1852 and named for Henry C. Seymour, superintendent of construction of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad.

Shoals, county seat, town in Martin County.  Settled in 1816 and so named because of its location at a shoals, a ford or shallow place, in White River.  Formerly caller Daugherty's Shoals, for William Daugherty, early settler, and a shallow ford on White River.

Siberia, village in Perry County.  Named Sabaria in 1869 by Father Isidore Hobi in honor of the birthplace of St. Martin of Tours.  Apparently the Post Office Department thought the name had been misspelled and changed it to Siberia in 1885.

Siver Creek, stream.  Heads in Clark County and flows south to the Ohio River 1 mile east of New Albany.  Traditionally this name has been associated with a local legend of an Indian silver mine near the stream; however, the stream probably was so named because of its comparative clearness due to its gravelly bottom.  The West Fork, much muddier, is called Muddy Fork.

Silverville, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1855.  The name comes from the erroneous belief that silver ore could be found here.  A local tradition is that the town is so named because early settlers bought the land with silver dollars.

Skelton, village in Gibson County.  Laid out in 1911 and named for J. W. Skelton, an early settler.

Smedley, village in Washington County.  A post office was established here in 1884.  Named for the first merchant, Morgan Smedley.  The first postmaster was Henry Smedley.

Smothers Creek, stream in Daviess County.  About 23 miles long, it flows southwest to the West Fork White River at the Daviess-Knox county line.  It was named for an early settler named Smothers.

Solitude, village in Posey County.  A post office was located here from 1858 until 1917.  Apparently the name is descriptive.

Somerville, town in Gibson County.  Laid out in 1853 and originally named Summitville, because it is on high ground.  The present name was applied by the Post Office Department, probably to avoid confusion with another Summitville in Indiana.

South Boston, village in Washington County.  Originally called Boston, for the city in Massachusetts.  South was added to the name to distinguish it from another Boston, Indiana.  A store was opened here as early as 1834.

South Martin, village in Martin County.  A post office was established in 1861.  So named because the village is in the southern part of Martin County.

Spades, village in Ripley County.  Formerly called Spades' Depot, for early settler Jacob Spades, the village was laid out in 1855.

Sparksville, village in Jackson County.  Founded around 1812 by and named for Stephen Sparks, who established a ferry, called "Sparks' Ferry," here.  The town was platted in 1857.

Sparta, village in Dearborn County.  A post office was established here in 1846.  Named for the township in which it is located.

Speed, village in Clark County.  For W. S. Speed, who founded a cement plant here.

Spencer County.  Organized in 1818 and named for Captain Spier Spencer, who was killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Spraytown, village in Jackson County.  Named for the first merchant, whose name was Spray.  The post office was first called White Creek.

Springfield, village in Posey County.  Laid out about 1817.  Probably the name is a transfer from another state.  County seat to 1825.

Springville, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1832 and named for a nearby stream, Spring Creek.

Staser, village in Vanderburgh County.  A post office was located here in 1892.  Named for the Staser family, prominent citizens of Scott Township.  The first German to settle here was Frederick Staser.

Stendal, village in Pike County.  Laid out in 1869 and named by Rev. W. Baumeister for his native city in Germany.

Stevenson, village in Warrick County.  Originally called Armery, for Francis Armery, who, with George Goodard, platted it in 1886.  The present name apparently comes from an addition, first called Stephens, for the proprietor, and later Stevenson Station, "the spelling and pronunciation being easier."

Stewartsville, village in Posey County.  Named for William Stewart, who laid it out in 1838.  Called Paris until the post office was established in 1853.

Sulphur, village in Crawford County.  A post office called Sulphur Well was established in 1873.  In 1895 the name was changed to Sulphur.  Named for nearby sulphur springs.

Sulphur Springs, village in Crawford County.  Apparently this is a descriptive name.

Sunman, town in Ripley County.  Laid out in 1856 and named for Thomas Sunman, Sr., prominent citizen.

Surprise, village in Jackson County.  Platted in 1897.  A traditional account says acting postmaster Doc Isaacs said he was surprised the town got a railroad through it and was surprised the town got a post office, so it was called Surprise.

Switzerland County.  Organized in 1814 and named for Switzerland by Swiss settlers who came here in 1802.

Syria, village in Orange County.  A post office was established here in 1880.  Apparently named for the Asian country.

Tampico, village in Jackson County.  Founded about 1840 when a blacksmith shop was built here.  Probably named for the Mexican seaport.

Tanners Creek, stream in Dearborn County.  About 17 miles long, this stream flows southeast and then south to the Ohio River about a mile below Lawrenceburg.  It was named for a defunct settlement, Tanner's Station, which was named for Rev. John Tanner, a Baptist preacher from Kentucky.

Tarry Park, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1850 as Juliet.  Formerly called Yockey, for a local family, and Red Cross Park, as Joseph Gardner donated land near here to the International Red Cross Society.  The present name is for Gardner's home.

Taswell, village in Crawford County.  Platted around 1882 and named for James Laswell, who owned the land.  The name became Taswell through a clerical error.

Tell City, fifth class city in Perry County.  Settled in 1858 by Swiss, who named the town for William Tell, the Swiss legendary hero.

Temple, village in Crawford County.  Established in the 1880's and  named for an early landowner, James Temple.

Tennyson, town in Warrick County.  Platted about 1882 and apparently named for Alfred, Lord Tennyson, then poet laureate of England.

Terry, village in Perry County.  Probably named for the Terry family, who came to this county from Virginia in 1815.

Thales, village in Dubois County.  A post office was established here in 1879.  Also known as Hickory Grove.  Possibly named for the classical lyric poet.

Tobinsport, village in Perry County.  Settled in 1827 and named for Robert Tobin, early settler.

Tower, village in Crawford County.  A post office was located here in 1890.  Named for a local family.

Trinity Springs, village in Martin County.  Platted in 1837 and named for three mineral springs here.

Troy, town in Perry County.  Settled in 1809, laid out in 1815; allegedly named for the Homeric City.

Tunnelton, village in Lawrence County.  Laid out in 1859 and named for two nearby railroad tunnels.

Underwood, village in Clark County.  Founded in 1879.  Allegedly the name was a compromise between the suggested names of Dallas Town and Underbrush.

Union, village in Pike County.  Laid out in 1867.  Apparently the name is inspirational.

Uniontown, village in Jackson County.  The village was laid out in 1859.  Apparently this popular name is idealistic.

Uniontown, village in Perry County.  In 1858 called Foster's Ridge, for the first postmaster, Alexander Foster.  The present name, applied in 1890, apparently was chosen for its inspirational quality.

Upton, village in Posey County.  Established as a station on the L. & N. Railroad and named for a man who lived near the station.  A post office named Upton was established here in 1886.

Utica, village in Clark County.  Platted in 1816 and probably named for Utica, New York.

Valeene, village in Orange County.  Laid out in 1837 and a post office was established in 1838.  Probably named for a personal name.

Valley City, village in Harrison County.  Laid out in 1860 and named for its location in a valley.

Vallonia, village in Jackson County.  Platted in 1810 on the site of Fort Vallonia, which was built in 1805 and so named because of its location in a valley.

Vanderburgh County.  Organized in 1818 and named for Judge Henry Vanderburgh, officer in the Revolution and judge of the first court in Indiana Territory.

Veales Creek, stream in Daviess County.  About 12 miles long, it flows west to West Fork White River at the Daviess-Knox county line.  Formerly Veal's Creek and Veal Creek, it was named for James C. Veal, who built the first mill in the county around 1808.

Vernon, county seat, town in Jennings County.  Platted in 1815 and named for the home of George Washington.

Versailles, county seat, town in Ripley County.  Founded in 1818 and named for the French town and palace.

Vevay, county seat, town in Switzerland County.  Founded in 1802 by Swiss settlers, platted in1813, and named for the commune in Switzerland.

Vienna, village in Scott County.  Platted in 1849 and named for the capital of Austria.

Vincennes, county seat, fourth class city in Knox County.  The capital of the Old Northwest Territory, it is the oldest town in Indiana.  Some say a French trading post was established here as early as 1683.  Settlers arrived before 1727, and a fort was built about 1732 under the command of Francois-Marie Bissot, Sieur de Vincennes, for whom it was named about 1736 when he was captured and burned at the stake by Chickasaw Indians.  Before 1736 it went by several names, including Au Poste, Post Ouabache, and Post St. Vincent.

Volga, village in Jefferson County.  A post office was established here in 1856.  Apparently named for the Volga River in Russia.

Wabash River, stream.  Over 500 miles long, it is the principal river in Indiana.  It heads in the State of Ohio, enters Indiana in Jay County and flows across the state, first northwest, then west, then southwest, becoming the western boundary just south of Terre Haute, and empties into the Ohio River at the extreme southwestern tip of the state.  The name is a contraction of the Miami name for the stream, Wah-bah-shik-ki, or Wah-pah-shik-ki, "b" and "p" being convertible in most Algonquian languages.  The name suggests that the object named is pure white, or bright, inanimate, and natural.  It refers to a limestone bed in the upper part of the river.  The French spelled the name of the stream Ouabache.

Waco, village in Daviess County.  A post office was established here in 1891 but discontinued in 1902.  Names for the Texas city.  Ultimately the name comes from We-ko, "heron," a subtribe of the Wichita Indians.

Wadesville, village in Posey County.  Laid out in 1852 and named for the local Wade family.  Formerly called Cross Roads.

Wakefield, village in Jefferson County.  A post office was located here from 1899 until 1905.  Named for Robert Wakefield, apparently a citizen.

Warrenton, village in Gibson County.  Platted in 1840 and named for General Joseph Warren of the American Revolution.

Warrick County.  Organized in 1813 and named for Captain Jacob Warrick, who was killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe.

Washington, County.  Organized in 1814 and named in honor of George Washington.

Washington, county seat, fourth class city in Daviess County.  Platted in 1815 and apparently named for George Washington.  Formerly called Liverpool.

Weisburg, village in Dearborn County.  Originally called Cork, it became Van Wedding's Station in 1855, Weisburgh in 1859, and Weisburg in 1892.  Laid out in 1858.

West Baden Springs, town in Orange County.  Dr. John R. Lane, an itinerant medicine peddler, built the first resort here in 1851 and named it West Baden for the famous spa in Germany.  It was first known as Mile Lick, since it was one mile from French Lick.

West Fork, village in Crawford County.  Named for the West Fork Little Blue River on which it is located.  Formerly called West Fork Post Office and Marietta.

West Fork White River, stream.  see White River.

West Franklin, village in Posey County.  Laid out in 1837, although settled around 1807.  "The town was named West Franklin, it is said, to distinguish it from a man living near called East Franklin."  Franklin, however, is nearly as popular as Washington as a place name, so the above account seems apocryphal.

West Harrison, town in Dearborn County.  Established in 1813.  Formerly called Harrison, probably for the township it is in.

Westphalia, village in Knox County.  Platted in 1881 and named for the German region and former province by German settlers.

Wheatland, town in Knox County, Laid out in 1858 and named for the good wheat-growing land here.

Wheeling, village in Gibson County.  Platted in 1856 and first called Kirksville, apparently for a personal name.

White Cloud, village in Harrison County.  Settled about 1879 in a valley between two ranges of hills; "its name was suggested by a mist that often hangs lazily over the town."

White River, stream.  The largest tributary of the Wabash River.  The West Fork heads in Randolph County and flows southwest across the state to the Wabash River in Gibson County.  The Miami name was Wah-pi-kah-me-ki, "White Waters."  The Delawares at first used a variant of the same name, although later they called the stream Wah-pi-ha-ni, "White River."  For East Fork see Driftwood River.

Whitewater River, stream.  The principal stream in southeastern Indiana, its West Fork heads in Randolph County and flows south through Wayne and Fayette counties.  Near Brookville in Franklin County it is met by the East Fork and then flows southeast through Franklin and Dearborn counties to its confluence with the Miami River in the State of Ohio.  The name is a translation of the Indian name, Wapi-nepay, "white, clear water," descriptive of its bed of white sand, gravel, and limestone.

Whitfield, village in Martin County.  A post office was established as Stremler in 1892, but about a month later the name was changed to Whitfield.  An oral account says it was named for Whitfield Force, resident.

Wickliffe, village in Crawford County.  A post office was established here in 1842.  named for John Wickliffe (or Wycliffe), English religious reformer and translator of the Bible.

Williams, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1889 and named for the Williams family here.

Willow Valley, village in Martin County.  Originally named Proctor, probably for County Agent George R. Proctor.  The present name was adopted as a post office name in 1858 and is descriptive of the willows that were abundant in a valley here.

Wilmington, village in Dearborn County.  Laid out in 1815.  Apparently the name is a transfer from an eastern state.

Windom, village in Martin County.  A post office was established here in 1892.  Named for William Windom, Secretary of the Treasury under Garfield and Benjamin Harrison.

Winslow, town in Pike County.  Laid out in 1837 and a post office was established in 1839.  Probably named for the personal name.

Wirt, village in Jefferson County.  Laid out in 1837 and named for an early settler, William Wirt.

Wolf Run, stream in Clark County.  This small stream in northwestern Clark County allegedly was so named for "the great rendezvous it furnished wolves'' in the first decade of the nineteenth century.  Wolf is a fairly common specific of stream names in Indiana, as there are streams called Wolf Creek in Boone, Jay, and Marshall counties.  Run is a relatively familiar generic applied to small streams in Clark County, as it is in the middle Atlantic states, although throughout Indiana creek is far more common.

Wright Corner, village in Dearborn County.  Named for Washington Wright, who had a store here about 1825 and became the first postmaster.

Wyalusing Creek, stream in Jennings County.  This tributary of Sand Creek was named for the Pennsylvania tributary of the Susquehanna.

Wyandotte, village in Crawford County.  A post office was established here in 1884.  Named for the Indian tribe; the name probably means "People of One Speech."

Yankeetown, village in Warrick County.  Platted in 1858 and probably named for Yankee settlers from New England, although one account says for Union sympathizers from Kentucky.

Yenne, village in Martin County.  A post office was established here in 1860.  Named for Peter Yenne, postmaster at Shoals.

Yorkville, village in Dearborn County.  Formerly called York Ridge, it became Yorkville in 1845.  Named for York Township, in which it is located.

Youngs Creek, village in Orange County.  Laid out about 1864 and formerly known as Unionville, allegedly as a result of two political parties uniting.  The present name comes form the post office here, so named for Youngs Creek, on which it is located, named for an early settler.

Zelma, village in Lawrence County.  Platted in 1889 by Stephen Fountain and named for one of his daughters.

Zenas, village in Jennings County.  Founded in1826.  A post office was established as Ely in 1830, but changed to Zenas in 1839.

Zipp, village in Vanderburgh County.  Formerly called Mechanicsville and locally called Stringtown because the houses here were strung along the road.  When a post office was established in1881, the name became Zipp's for Frank Zipp, Jr., a senior resident of the town who served as the first postmster.  The name was changed to Zipp in 1894.

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