9 Towns In Indiana That Were Frozen In Time

There's nothing like visiting a place that's been frozen in time, and Indiana contains many such places. The Hoosier state saw many different immigrant groups, colonists, and pioneers come through, all of whom left their mark in the architecture and landscape. Within these picturesque towns, you will discover some of the best Victorian mansions, Utopian mazes, Gilded Age hotels, relaxing Amish strolls, and many other historic sites. Here are nine towns in Indiana that were frozen in time.

Vincennes

Vincennes is the oldest town in Indiana by a wide margin, as it was founded by French settlers in 1732 as part of New France. It would pass hands following the French and Indian War to the British, and then again to the Americans following the American Revolution. Vincennes would serve as the capital for the Northwest Territory, and much of its original buildings are still in tact. For example, the Original Territory Capitol Building, built in 1805 is open for tours. This red house structure is a great example of early American architecture.

Also in town is the 1801 Jefferson Academy, the earliest academy in Indiana, and the French House, a Creole-style house built with horizontal logs by French resident Michel Brouillet in 1809. Lastly, Vincennes is also home to the largest memorial west of D.C., the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park.

Madison

Madison was founded on the Ohio River in 1810 and grew to become the third largest city in Indiana by 1850 due to its position as a steamboat center. Today, the town has a small population of just over 12,200 people, who are proud of the town's rich historic heritage, which is reflected in 133 blocks of historic buildings and a legacy of the Underground Railroad. Madison was nearby the major slave trading center of Louisville, Kentucky, and as a result many anti slavery groups operated in town both to combat slavery and support the Underground Railroad.

The three story Historic Eleutherian College founded in 1848 by Neil's Creek Anti-Slavery Society is still standing today and features many artifacts of the abolitionist movement. In addition, the historic buildings in town are some of the best in the state, such as the 1844 Greek Revival Lanier Mansion State Historic Site and the 1815 two-story brick inn and tavern the Masonic Schofield House.

New Albany

Also located on the Ohio River, the land that would become New Albany was settled by Joel, Nathaniel, and Abner Scribner in 1813. In time it would experience a major economic boom, becoming the largest city in Indiana and the wealthiest as well. This wealth is reflected in its historic Mansion Row going back to the Victorian Era. The most well known mansion is the Culbertson Mansion, built from 1867 to 1869. This Second Imperial style mansion features regular events like Victorian Christmas tea, haunted house and murder mystery dinners.

Also of note is the Scribner House, built by founder Joel Scribner in 1814, a modest two story white structure, and the Long-Graf House, an 1892 Queen Anne style house constructed with fishscale shingles, and a spindlework frieze. The Floyd County Library Cultural Arts Center tells the story of how New Albany became a major city, along with its Underground Railroad legacy with several artifacts and exhibits.

Shipshewana

There are few communities in America more frozen in time than the Amish, who choose to live simply for religious convictions. Shipshewana has one of the largest Amish communities in the United States, and they contribute to the town through both local restaurants and picturesque rural landscapes.

At the Menno-Hof center, visitors can learn about how Amish live and work in an Amish-raised red barn. Visitors can also go for a hike in the heart of Amish country with the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which runs for 17 miles across Elkhart County. In addition, Shipshewana keeps its early history alive at the Shipshewana Area Historical Society, which features artifacts from settler days and Chief Shipshewana, the Native American leader the town got its name from.

Corydon

For visitors looking to see a historic Indiana town frozen in time, there are few better examples than Corydon. While Vincennes served as the first territorial capital, when Indiana became a state in 1816, Corydon would act as the first official state capitol. Although the capitol would be moved to central Indiana in Indianapolis in 1825, Corydon preserves this early Hoosier history perfectly in its idyllic historic buildings.

These include the Corydon Capitol State Historic Site, with the federal style limestone structure where Indiana conducted early statehood business, and the two-story federal style brick house: Governor Hendrick's Headquarters. History is baked into Corydon, as visitors can also see the Constitution Elm where the first Indiana's state constitution was signed or the Battle of Corydon Historic Site, where Confederate General John Hunt Morgan fought against the Harrison County Home Guard during the American Civil War.

Goshen

Goshen was first explored by the French in 1679, although it wouldn't become a town until 1831. It got its name from the Land of Goshen described in the Old Testament as the place the Israelites lived in Egypt. Today, the Goshen Historical Society keeps alive the town's multiple historic districts that go back to the mid 1800s and beyond.

The most noteworthy structure is the Elkhart County Court House, built in 1906 in the Italian Renaissance style that makes visitors feel they are stepping back in time. The oldest building in town is the Rowell-Champion House built in 1848 in the Greek Revival style with an intriguing temple façade. Also of note is the Baker-Hawks Log House built in 1834, which has a preserved loft, stairs, and rooms. Visitors can learn more about these sites and the history of Goshen at the Goshen Historical Museum.

Santa Claus

This charming town has an equally charming history. German immigrants came to the area in the 1850s and initially called the area Sante Fee. During a Christmas Eve meeting to determine a new name for the town, a local legend states that children heard the sound of sleigh bells and began shouting, "Santa Claus!" so the townsfolk voted to name the town Santa Claus.

Its oldest structure is the 1856 Post Office, from where James Martin began mailing response letters from Santa in 1914 to children who mailed letters to ole St. Nick. The Santa Claus Museum & Village preserves much of these old buildings, including the 1935, 22-foot tall statue of Santa Claus. In addition, the nearby community of Lincoln City preserves the old boyhood home of President Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial.

French Lick

Initially serving as a French trading post, French Lick would see settlers coming in the mid 1800s. The town was famous worldwide for its sulfur springs, which would draw guests from around the globe to relax in its spas. In 1845, Dr. William Bowles founded French Lick Springs Hotel to allow guests to bathe in the curative waters.

In 1855, a second hotel called Mile Lick Inn was built, which would later be transformed into the West Baden Springs Hotel. This structure was renowned as the eighth wonder of the world for its towers, atrium, dome, opera house, casino, and much more. Visitors can explore these hotels along with other turn of the century buildings such as the Taggart family mansion, built atop a hill in 1929.

New Harmony

New Harmony is perhaps the most unique town in the entire state of Indiana. The Harmony Society, led by George Rapp purchased the land in 1814 and moved in with the goal of establishing a perfect Christian utopia. They would later sell the land to Robert Owen in 1825, who also aimed to create a utopian community, one based on science, education, and equality. These two communities left their mark on the town's architecture and natural resources.

By taking a walking tour, visitors can see several of the old utopian buildings such as the Community House #2 where residents lived together and the Thrall's Opera House, which was initially built as a dormitory in 1824 before becoming an opera house in 1888. Lastly, visitors can explore the original site of the Harmonist Labyrinth, which was meant to elicit a sense of contemplation as residents made their way through the maze.

Conclusion

Towns become frozen in time for many reasons, including residents moving away for other opportunities or simply due to the love of the community. Either way, these towns in Indiana are ideal for a visit to learn about their history and bask in the glories of days gone by. In these towns, visitors will discover places of whimsy such as the Santa Claus Post Office or the Harmony Labyrinth and they will see several examples of the best 19^th century mansions in Madison, New Albany, and other towns. These nine towns may be frozen in time, but they are still wonderful places to explore.