Cities and Towns in Wells County, Indiana
Founded on Feb 7, 1837, Wells County is one of 92 counties in the state of Indiana. Historically, Wells County was formed from Adams New Purchase. The city of Bluffton is the county seat. With FIPS code of 179, Wells County has a population of 28,197 and area of 368 square miles (953 km²).
List of all cities in Wells County, IN alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Bluffton, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Craigville, IN | 46731 | 260 |
Domestic, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Keystone, IN | 46759 | 260 |
Kingsland, IN | 46777 | 260 |
Liberty Center, IN | 46766 | 260 |
Markle, IN | 46770 | 260 |
Murray, IN | 46714 | 260 |
North Oaks, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Ossian, IN | 46777 | 260 |
Petroleum, IN | 46778 | 260 |
Poneto, IN | 46781 | 260 |
Reiffsburg, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Rockford, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Tocsin, IN | 46777 | 260 |
Toll Gate Heights, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Travisville, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Uniondale, IN | 46791 | 260 |
Vera Cruz, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Villa North, IN | 46714 | 260 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wells County, Indiana
Bluffton
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 8.87 square miles
- Population: 10,308 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46714
- Latitude: 40.7384° N
- Longitude: 85.1719° W
City Location and History:
Bluffton, the county seat of Wells County, is situated in the northeastern part of Indiana, near the Wabash River. It is located about 25 miles south of Fort Wayne. Bluffton was first settled in the 1830s and incorporated as a city in 1851. The name “Bluffton” comes from the area’s characteristic high bluffs along the river. The city grew as a key regional center, benefiting from its proximity to the Wabash River, which was instrumental in early trade and transportation. Bluffton developed into a prosperous industrial hub in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of manufacturing. Today, Bluffton retains much of its historical charm while also serving as a modern residential and economic center.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Bluffton is home to several major educational institutions, including Bluffton-Harrison Elementary School, Bluffton-Harrison Middle School, and Bluffton High School. The city also hosts regional education resources like Ivy Tech Community College. Notable landmarks include the Bluffton Historic District, which showcases a variety of well-preserved Victorian homes, and the Wells County Courthouse, a classic example of 19th-century architecture. Kehoe Park, with its amphitheater and green space, is a popular spot for community events and recreation. The Ouabache State Park, located just outside of the city, offers extensive hiking and camping opportunities.
Ossian
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.54 square miles
- Population: 3,289 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46777
- Latitude: 40.8789° N
- Longitude: 85.1675° W
City Location and History:
Ossian is a small town located just 10 miles north of Bluffton and approximately 17 miles south of Fort Wayne, making it a part of the Fort Wayne metropolitan area. The town was founded in 1850 and named after a legendary Gaelic poet, Ossian. The early settlers were primarily of German and Irish descent, attracted by the rich farmland of northeastern Indiana. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century spurred growth, allowing the town to serve as a trading hub for the surrounding agricultural areas. Though small, Ossian has maintained a vibrant community, with historical ties to both farming and small-scale industry.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Ossian is served by Northern Wells Community Schools, which includes Ossian Elementary School, and Norwell Middle and High Schools. The town’s key landmarks include Archbold Memorial Park, a community hub for outdoor activities and local events, and the Ossian Public Library, a central point for education and community engagement. The historic Baker Street Depot, once a bustling train station, is a reminder of Ossian’s past as a key stop along the rail line. Today, Ossian is a quiet residential town with access to modern amenities while preserving its historical roots.
Markle
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 1.2 square miles
- Population: 1,095 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46770
- Latitude: 40.8267° N
- Longitude: 85.3367° W
City Location and History:
Markle straddles the border of Wells and Huntington counties and lies about 20 miles southwest of Fort Wayne. The town was established in the mid-19th century, largely because of its location along the Wabash River and the Huntington railroad. Like many small towns in Indiana, Markle grew as a result of agriculture and its role as a railroad stop. The town was named after John Markle, a prominent businessman and landowner in the region. Although Markle has remained small in size, it has managed to maintain a sense of close-knit community and continues to draw visitors with its charm and proximity to nearby natural areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Markle is served by both Wells and Huntington counties’ school districts. Prominent schools include Lancaster Central Elementary School and Huntington North High School. Despite its small size, Markle has a few notable landmarks, including the Markle Fish & Game Park, a popular spot for fishing and outdoor recreation. The town’s historical roots are highlighted by the Markle Historical Society and Museum, which preserves artifacts from the town’s founding era. Another key landmark is the Markle Clock Tower, a central feature in the town’s historic downtown, which serves as a gathering place for community events and seasonal festivals.
Poneto
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 166 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46781
- Latitude: 40.6584° N
- Longitude: 85.2264° W
City Location and History:
Poneto is one of the smallest towns in Wells County, located about 12 miles southwest of Bluffton and 25 miles from the larger city of Muncie. Poneto was founded in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1881. Originally a station on the railroad line, the town grew to serve the surrounding agricultural community, but its growth remained modest. The origin of the town’s name is unclear, though it is speculated to have been inspired by a local Native American term or a pioneer’s name. Poneto today is a quiet, rural town, retaining its small-town atmosphere and close community bonds.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Being a small community, Poneto is part of the Southern Wells Community School district, which serves the town and nearby areas. Southern Wells Elementary and Southern Wells Junior-Senior High School are the primary educational institutions for the town’s residents. Poneto has few formal landmarks, but the Southern Wells Park provides a gathering place for local events and outdoor activities. The historic grain elevator and the nearby farmlands are reminders of Poneto’s agricultural roots, serving as visual landmarks that connect the town to its past as a farming and railway hub.
Uniondale
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude:
- Area: 0.26 square miles
- Population: 310 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 46791
- Latitude: 40.8250° N
- Longitude: 85.2464° W
City Location and History:
Uniondale is located in northern Wells County, just 13 miles from Bluffton and 23 miles from Fort Wayne. The town was established in the late 19th century and incorporated in 1898. Like other towns in the region, Uniondale’s development was linked to the railroads, which brought new settlers and industries to the area. The name “Uniondale” reflects the town’s origins as a meeting place or “union” of communities along the rail line. Though small, Uniondale has retained its rural charm, with its location near larger urban areas allowing residents access to more extensive services while enjoying a peaceful lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks:
Uniondale falls under the Northern Wells Community Schools, with nearby Norwell High School and Ossian Elementary School serving local students. Uniondale has a few key landmarks, such as the Uniondale United Methodist Church, which has been a cornerstone of the community since its founding. The town also features the Uniondale Community Center, where residents gather for events and activities. The surrounding farmlands and rolling fields form a picturesque backdrop, emphasizing the town’s agricultural heritage, while the historic rail station and nearby grain silos stand as reminders of its past importance as a railroad town.