Cities and Towns in Washington County, Indiana
Founded on Dec 21, 1813, Washington County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Washington County was formed from Clark, Harrison and Knox Counties. The city of Salem is the county seat. With FIPS code of 175, Washington County has a population of 28,102 and area of 514 square miles (1,331 km²).
List of all cities in Washington County, IN alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Campbellsburg, IN | 47108 | 812 |
Fredericksburg, IN | 47120 | 812 |
Hardinsburg, IN | 47125 | 812 |
Little York, IN | 47139 | 812 |
Livonia, IN | 47108 | 812 |
Pekin, IN | 47165 | 812 |
Rego, IN | 47125 | 812 |
Salem, IN | 47167 | 812 |
Valeene, IN | 47125 | 812 |
Major Cities and Towns in Washington County, Indiana
Salem
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 4.01 square miles
- Population: 6,319 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 47167
- Latitude: 38.6053° N
- Longitude: 86.1016° W
City Location and History:
Salem, the county seat of Washington County, is situated in the southern part of Indiana, approximately 45 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky, and 100 miles south of Indianapolis. The town was founded in 1814 and named after the city of Salem in North Carolina, reflecting the Quaker heritage of many of its early settlers. Salem quickly became a central hub for trade and government in the region due to its strategic location between major cities. During the Civil War, Salem was famously raided by Confederate cavalry under General John Hunt Morgan in 1863, leaving a lasting mark on the town’s history. Today, Salem serves as a blend of historical preservation and modern development.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Salem is part of the Salem Community Schools district, with Salem High School, Salem Middle School, and Bradie M. Shrum Elementary School serving the local population. Notable landmarks include the John Hay Center, which consists of a pioneer village, the Stevens Memorial Museum, and the birthplace of John Hay, who was the private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln and a notable statesman. The town is also home to Beck’s Mill, a historic grist mill that has been restored and offers tours. The Washington County Courthouse, built in 1888, stands as a testament to the town’s rich history and architectural heritage.
Campbellsburg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.48 square miles
- Population: 585 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 47108
- Latitude: 38.6517° N
- Longitude: 86.2611° W
City Location and History:
Campbellsburg is a small town located in the northern part of Washington County, approximately 15 miles northwest of Salem and 45 miles south of Bloomington. The town was founded in 1849 and named after Robert Campbell, an early settler and prominent figure in the community. Campbellsburg developed as a small agricultural town, with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurring modest growth. The town’s economy has traditionally been rooted in farming and small-scale manufacturing, though it has remained relatively small compared to other communities in the region. Campbellsburg is a quiet, rural town that reflects much of Indiana’s agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Campbellsburg is part of the West Washington School Corporation, which includes West Washington Junior-Senior High School and West Washington Elementary School. The town’s main landmarks include the Campbellsburg First Baptist Church, a historic institution in the community, and several 19th-century homes that line the town’s main street. Nearby, residents and visitors can explore Delaney Park, a local recreation area offering camping, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Campbellsburg also hosts an annual fall festival, celebrating the town’s heritage and bringing the community together with food, music, and traditional crafts.
Pekin (East Pekin)
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 2.28 square miles
- Population: 1,372 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 47165
- Latitude: 38.5075° N
- Longitude: 86.0167° W
City Location and History:
Pekin, often referred to as East Pekin to distinguish it from nearby towns, is located in the eastern part of Washington County, approximately 10 miles east of Salem and 30 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 1830, Pekin is one of the oldest towns in the county and is best known for hosting the nation’s longest-running consecutive Fourth of July celebration, dating back to 1830. This annual event is a point of pride for the community and attracts visitors from across the region. Pekin’s history is rooted in agriculture, and like many small Indiana towns, it developed with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Pekin is part of the East Washington School Corporation, which includes Eastern High School and East Washington Elementary School. The town’s most famous landmark is Pekin Park, which hosts the annual Independence Day celebration, complete with parades, fireworks, and traditional activities. Another key feature of the town is the historic Pekin United Methodist Church, which has been a part of the community since the 19th century. The surrounding countryside is dotted with farms and open fields, emphasizing Pekin’s agricultural heritage. The Blue River, which flows near the town, offers opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation.
New Pekin
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.44 square miles
- Population: 1,376 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 47165
- Latitude: 38.5064° N
- Longitude: 86.0172° W
City Location and History:
New Pekin is located adjacent to Pekin, forming a small conjoined community in the eastern part of Washington County, around 10 miles from Salem. Like its neighbor, New Pekin has a rich history tied to agriculture and rural life. Founded later than East Pekin, New Pekin developed as an extension of its older sibling town. Over the years, New Pekin has grown to blend seamlessly with East Pekin, and the two towns share much of the same cultural and historical identity. New Pekin also participates in the Fourth of July celebration, which is the town’s most significant annual event.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
As part of the same East Washington School Corporation, New Pekin is served by Eastern High School and East Washington Middle and Elementary Schools. Key landmarks include the New Pekin Church of Christ and the New Pekin Friends Church, both of which have played important roles in the town’s history. New Pekin also shares Pekin Park with its neighbor, hosting community events and providing recreational space for residents. The annual Fourth of July celebration includes parades that move through both towns, underscoring the close-knit nature of the two communities. The nearby Buffalo Trace Park offers additional recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and camping.
Livonia
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.16 square miles
- Population: 128 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 47108
- Latitude: 38.5506° N
- Longitude: 86.2733° W
City Location and History:
Livonia is a small town located in the western part of Washington County, about 12 miles west of Salem and 50 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky. Founded in the early 19th century, Livonia developed as a small agricultural town. Its name is thought to have been inspired by Livonia, Michigan, reflecting the trend of naming towns after other American or European locations during that era. Although small in size and population, Livonia has a long history tied to the agricultural roots of southern Indiana. The town remains largely rural, with farming being a significant part of the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Livonia is served by the West Washington School Corporation, with West Washington Junior-Senior High School and West Washington Elementary School located nearby. Livonia’s landmarks include the Livonia Presbyterian Church, which has been a central part of the town since its early days. The town’s quiet, rural setting is its most distinctive feature, with farmlands and rolling hills surrounding the small community. Just outside Livonia, visitors can explore the nearby Spring Mill State Park, which offers outdoor activities such as hiking, cave exploration, and a reconstructed pioneer village that provides insight into the area’s early history.
Little York
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.15 square miles
- Population: 192 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 47139
- Latitude: 38.6942° N
- Longitude: 85.9317° W
City Location and History:
Little York is located in the northeastern corner of Washington County, close to the borders of Scott and Jackson counties. It lies around 20 miles northeast of Salem and 50 miles northwest of Louisville, Kentucky. Established in the early 19th century, Little York grew as a small trading post and agricultural community. The town’s name was likely inspired by New York or York in England, as was common with many early American towns. Despite its small size, Little York has maintained its rural charm and close-knit community throughout its history, with agriculture remaining the primary economic activity.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Little York is part of the West Washington School Corporation, with West Washington Junior-Senior High School and West Washington Elementary School serving students in the area. The town’s key landmarks include the Little York Christian Church and several historic homes that date back to the 19th century. Little York also hosts a small community park, which provides a gathering place for residents and a venue for local events. The surrounding countryside, with its mix of farmland and forested areas, offers residents opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and hiking.