Cities and Towns in Jennings County, Indiana

Founded on Dec 27, 1816, Jennings County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Jennings County was formed from Jackson and Jefferson Counties. The city of Vernon is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Jennings County has a population of 27,409 and area of 377 square miles (976 km²).

List of all cities in Jennings County, IN alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Butlerville, IN 47223 812
Commiskey, IN 47227 812
Hayden, IN 47245 812
Muscatatuck, IN 47223 812
Nebraska, IN 47223 812
North Vernon, IN 47265 812
Paris Crossing, IN 47270 812
Queensville, IN 47265 812
Scipio, IN 47273 812
Vernon, IN 47282 812

Major Cities and Towns in Jennings County, Indiana

North Vernon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 6.31 square miles
  • Population: 6,608 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 47265
  • Latitude and Longitude: 39.0064° N, 85.6239° W

Location and History

North Vernon, the largest city and county seat of Jennings County, is located in southeastern Indiana, approximately 60 miles south of Indianapolis and 50 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in 1854, North Vernon was originally named Tripton, but it was later renamed to honor the surrounding region. The town’s growth accelerated due to the development of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad, which made it a key transportation and trade hub in the region. North Vernon’s history is tied to both the railroad and the surrounding agricultural landscape, which has supported the local economy for generations. Today, the city continues to serve as the commercial and governmental center of Jennings County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

North Vernon is served by the Jennings County School Corporation, with Jennings County High School being the largest educational institution in the area. Notable landmarks include the historic Carnegie Library, built in 1918, which now serves as the Jennings County Historical Society’s headquarters. Muscatatuck County Park, located just outside of town, is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and exploring natural landscapes. The city also celebrates its railroad heritage through the annual Railroad Days festival. The North Vernon downtown area retains much of its historical charm, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century.


Vernon

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 0.22 square miles
  • Population: 318 (2020 Census)
  • Zip Codes: 47282
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.9826° N, 85.6092° W

Location and History

Vernon, the smallest town in Jennings County, has the unique distinction of being Indiana’s smallest county seat. Located just south of North Vernon, Vernon was founded in 1815 and holds an important place in Indiana’s early history. The town is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and for being a stop on the Underground Railroad. Vernon was once a bustling river and railroad town, serving as a trading center for local farmers. It was also the site of several skirmishes during the Civil War, adding to its historical significance. Today, Vernon is a quiet, historical community with a focus on preservation and heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vernon is part of the Jennings County School Corporation, with students attending schools in nearby North Vernon. The town is home to several historical landmarks, including the Jennings County Courthouse, built in 1859, and the Vernon Gymnasium, one of Indiana’s oldest gymnasiums still in use. The town also features the Vernon Historical District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which includes several antebellum homes and buildings. The Muscatatuck River flows through the town, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing and canoeing. The town’s annual Vernon Labor Day Festival is a popular local event celebrating the town’s history and community.


Butlerville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approximately 300 (unofficial estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 47223
  • Latitude and Longitude: 39.0320° N, 85.5119° W

Location and History

Butlerville is an unincorporated community located in the eastern part of Jennings County, about 10 miles east of North Vernon. The town was founded in the mid-19th century and named after a local family. Butlerville grew as a small agricultural community with strong ties to the surrounding farmland. The town gained prominence during World War II when the nearby Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (then called Camp Muscatatuck) was established as a military training site. The town remains small but serves as a gateway to the training center and the nearby Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Butlerville is part of the Jennings County School Corporation, with students attending schools in North Vernon. The most notable landmark near Butlerville is the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, a major military and emergency response training facility that draws visitors from across the country. Additionally, the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, located just north of the town, is a major destination for birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation. The refuge protects over 7,800 acres of wetlands, forests, and prairies, offering a serene escape into nature. Butlerville’s proximity to these key sites makes it a small but significant community within Jennings County.


Scipio

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approximately 200 (unofficial estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 47273
  • Latitude and Longitude: 39.0756° N, 85.7322° W

Location and History

Scipio is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwestern part of Jennings County, about 8 miles northwest of North Vernon. Named after the Roman general Scipio Africanus, the town was settled in the early 19th century and grew as a rural farming community. Although small, Scipio has a long history tied to agriculture and the rural lifestyle that characterizes much of Jennings County. Scipio remains a quiet residential area with many families involved in farming or small businesses in nearby towns.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Scipio is part of the Jennings County School Corporation, with students attending schools in North Vernon. The town is home to several small churches that serve as community gathering places. While Scipio is not home to any major landmarks, its rural setting provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. The nearby Hardy Lake State Recreation Area, located just a few miles west of Scipio, offers additional recreational options, including camping, boating, and wildlife observation. Scipio’s peaceful atmosphere and close proximity to natural attractions make it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.


Hayden

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approximately 500 (unofficial estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 47245
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.9839° N, 85.7403° W

Location and History

Hayden is an unincorporated community located in the western part of Jennings County, about 7 miles west of North Vernon. Founded in the early 1800s, Hayden grew as a small agricultural and railroad town, with its location along the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis Railroad supporting local trade and commerce. The town’s name was changed from Six Mile to Hayden in honor of a local settler. While Hayden has remained a small, rural community, it has retained its historical roots and continues to serve as a hub for local farmers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hayden is part of the Jennings County School Corporation, with students attending schools in North Vernon. The town is home to the Hayden Historical Museum, which preserves the town’s history through exhibits and artifacts related to its founding and agricultural heritage. The museum also hosts the annual Hayden Days Festival, which includes parades, games, and food, celebrating the town’s community spirit. Another notable landmark is the John H. and Thomas R. Shuck Memorial Covered Bridge, which spans Graham Creek and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Hayden’s quiet rural atmosphere and historical significance make it an important part of Jennings County’s cultural landscape.


Paris Crossing

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: Unincorporated
  • Population: Approximately 400 (unofficial estimate)
  • Zip Codes: 47270
  • Latitude and Longitude: 38.8431° N, 85.6397° W

Location and History

Paris Crossing is a small, unincorporated community located in the southern part of Jennings County, near the border with Jefferson County. The town was settled in the mid-19th century and named for its location at the crossing of Paris Pike and the railroad. Paris Crossing grew as a small agricultural and railroad town, with local farms supplying the surrounding region. While the railroad has since ceased to operate, Paris Crossing remains a quiet, rural community with a close-knit population.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Paris Crossing is part of the Jennings County School Corporation, with students attending schools in nearby North Vernon. The town is home to several historic buildings, including churches and old farmhouses that date back to the 19th century. Paris Crossing provides access to the surrounding countryside for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. The town’s proximity to the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge and the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center provides additional recreational and cultural opportunities. Paris Crossing’s rural setting and historical charm make it a peaceful community with a strong connection to the natural landscape.