The Formation of Indiana Counties
Indiana, also known as the Hoosier State, is home to 92 counties. However, in 1840, the state had only 73 counties. The map of Indiana counties in 1840 shows us how the state’s counties were formed and expanded over time. The county formation process in Indiana started in 1790 and continued until 1859.
The Map of Indiana Counties in 1840
The map of Indiana counties in 1840 shows us how the state’s counties were divided. The counties are primarily located in the southern part of the state, along the Ohio River. The counties in the northern part of the state were not formed until later. At this time, Indiana was a part of the Northwest Territory.
The Counties in 1840
The 73 counties in Indiana in 1840 were Adams, Bartholomew, Benton, Blackford, Boone, Brown, Carroll, Cass, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Daviess, Dearborn, Decatur, DeKalb, Delaware, Dubois, Elkhart, Fayette, Floyd, Fountain, Franklin, Fulton, Gibson, Grant, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Harrison, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jackson, Jasper, Jay, Jefferson, Jennings, Johnson, Knox, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Lawrence, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Martin, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Noble, Ohio, Orange, Owen, Parke, Perry, Pike, Posey, Pulaski, Putnam, Randolph, Ripley, Rush, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, St. Joseph, Starke, Steuben, Sullivan, Switzerland, Tippecanoe, Tipton, Union, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Warrick, Washington, Wayne, Wells, White, and Whitley.
The County Formation Process
The county formation process in Indiana was a lengthy and complex process. It involved several steps, including petitioning the state legislature, determining the county boundaries, selecting a county seat, and organizing the county government. The process was also influenced by political, economic, and social factors.
Factors Influencing County Formation
One of the primary factors influencing county formation in Indiana was the state’s population growth. As the population increased, it became necessary to create new counties to better serve the needs of the residents. The state’s transportation network, including its rivers and railroads, also played a role in county formation. Counties were often formed around transportation hubs to facilitate commerce and trade.
The Impact of County Formation
The formation of new counties had a significant impact on Indiana’s development. It made it easier for residents to access government services, such as courts and law enforcement. It also facilitated economic growth by promoting commerce and trade. Additionally, it helped to solidify the state’s political boundaries and identity.
Conclusion
The map of Indiana counties in 1840 provides us with a glimpse into the state’s history and development. It shows us how the state’s counties were formed and expanded over time. The county formation process in Indiana was a lengthy and complex process that was influenced by political, economic, and social factors. The formation of new counties had a significant impact on Indiana’s development and helped to solidify the state’s political boundaries and identity.