Jefferson, Indiana

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Jefferson
Jefferson (Indiana)
Jefferson
Jefferson
Coordinates: 40°16′46″N 86°35′24″W / 40.27944, -86.59
Country United States
State Indiana
County Clinton
Township Washington
Named for Thomas Jefferson
Elevation [1] 860 ft (262 m)
ZIP code 46041
FIPS code 18-37908[2]
GNIS feature ID 436957

Jefferson is an unincorporated town in Washington Township, Clinton County, Indiana. The town is named for U.S. President Thomas Jefferson.[3]

[edit] History

Jefferson was one of the earliest settlements in Clinton County, being laid out and platted before 1829 and situated in the most thickly settled part of the county at that point. It early on had a post office, which handled mail bi-weekly, and a store operated by Abner Baker and Aaron Southard which sold supplies both to the early pioneers and to the Indians.[4]

When Clinton County organized in 1830, local landowners led by Abner Baker lobbied for Jefferson to be chosen as the county seat, but its non-central location worked against it. John Pence offered sixty acres of land and $100 for the establishment of the seat at Frankfort, and the commissioners appointed to select the site accepted.[5]

[edit] Geography

Jefferson is located at 40°16′46″N, 86°35′24″W.

[edit] References

  1. ^ US Board on Geographic Names. United States Geological Survey (2007-10-25). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  2. ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
  3. ^ Claybaugh, Joseph (1913). History of Clinton County, Indiana. Indianapolis: A. W. Bowen & Company, p. 32. 
  4. ^ Claybaugh, p. 81
  5. ^ Claybaugh, p. 97