Anderson, IN
About Anderson, Indiana
The county seat of Madison County, Anderson, is home to about 56,000 people. The city is home to Anderson University and the Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana. It is also home to the headquarters of the Church of God.
Notable citizens who have called the city home include politicians Albert Vestal and James Davis, MLB player Adam Lind, singer Jon McLaughlin, and author Phyllis Reynolds Naylor.
History of Anderson, Indiana
The city is named for Chief William Anderson. Also known as Kikthawenund, he was a Lenape leader in the early 1800s.
Initially known as Anderson’s Town and Anderstontown, Anderson was first incorporated in 1838 as a town with 350 citizens. It was incorporated for the second time in 1849 and the third in 1853. Home to 1300 citizens, it was incorporated as a city in 1865.
Natural gas was discovered in the city in 1887, which led to the city being a part of the Indiana Gas Boom and led to significant growth in the size and wealth of the city. However, the natural gas ran out in 1912, which led to the city slowing down.
Things to Do in Anderson, Indiana
Paramount Theatre
Paramount Theatre is a historic movie theatre that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. It first opened in August 1929 and was designed by John Eberson. It was renovated and reopened in 1995 and currently includes its original, restored Page theatre organ.
Mounds State Park
Mounds State Park is a state park that highlights the area’s Native American heritage and boasts ten ceremonial mounds built by the indigenous people of the prehistoric Adena culture. Activities available in the state park include canoeing and fishing on the White River, hiking trails, a swimming pool, and more.
Anderson Speedway
Anderson Speedway is a quarter-mile short track. It is host to the annual Pay Less Little 500, which occurs every year on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend and the night before the Indianapolis 500.
Conclusion
With affordable housing easily available, Anderson is a quiet city that is great for families looking for a tranquil place to live. Rich in things to do, citizens can benefit from both the quiet of the area and the numerous attractions to spend their time on.
