Day Trip Indiana - Decatur County
Wait Until You See The Awesome Courthouse Tree
Decatur County
Founded 1822
County Seat - Greensburg
Area - 373 sq mi
Population - (2000) 24,555
Decatur County was formed in 1822 from a large tract of land from the Indians from a treaty called the Treaty of St. Mary’s. This tract was acquired in 1819 and three years the county was formed and took its name from Barbary War and War of 1812 hero Stephen Decatur. In June of that year the County Seat was chosen and named.
Decatur County Court House
The first courthouse in Decatur County was the home of Thomas Hendricks, whose wife chose the name of Greensburg for the town. Greensburg has gone through several courthouses until the county constructed the current one. People first noticed the tree that grows on the courthouse tower in the 1870's.
The courthouse in Greensburg is most famous for the tree growing out of the courthouse tower.
Greensburg, Indiana
Greensburg founder Tom Hendrick platted Greensburg in June 1822. His wife named the new town after her hometown, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The town became the county seat for Decatur County, named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, naval hero of the Barbary pirate’s campaign and the War of 1812.
Decatur County Courthouse Tree
The tree first appeared in 1870. Shortly after its appearance, four more trees appeared. The city leaders feared that the trees would damage the roof and hired a steeplejack in 1888 to remove all but two. One of these died, but the other grew to a height of about fifteen feet. This one died, but another grew in its place. Thus, there has been a continuous line of trees growing on the roof of the courthouse since 1870. Early on, the tree was identified as aspen; however, an examination by Purdue foresters has determined the present one is a mulberry.
Charles L. Buell Trail
Named in honor of Greensburg resident Charles L. Buell, the nature park opened in 2011. The county purchased the property at the urging of Mr. Buell.
Charles Buell (November 19, 1935 - October 20, 2010)
The son of Howard L. Buell and Virigina (Everroad) Ramer, Charles was native to Greensburg, Indiana. After graduating from Greensburg High School, he enlisted in the United State Navy and received his discharge in 1956. He founded Buell’s Taxi Service in 1962 and then worked for Milestone, INC. He married Virgie Hatton in 1957. The couple would have four children. Buell served for many years in various local organizations and as Decatur County Commissioner for eight years.
Amenities:
Nature walking trails
Picnic area with grills
10.5 acres
Charles L. Buell Trail
County Road NE 80
Greensburg, IN 47240
812.663.8284
Historical Society of Decatur County
The Historical Society of Decatur County organized in 1959. The first museum occupied the third floor of the old West End School until the building was razed. The artifacts from the museum were placed in storage and many were sold. In 1976, the museum opened in the Knights of Pythias Building, a site it occupied until 1981.
Lathrop/Shannon House
Built sometime in or before the 1850's, Ezra Lathrop purchased the home in 1872 and remodeled it, adding a hallway and a porch to the structure. The Lathrop family and descendants occupied the house until 1980. An anonymous donor gifted the Historical Society of Decatur County the property in 1981. The Historical Society restored and converted the house to a museum, a purpose it serves until this day.
Ezra Lathrop (March 12, 1803 - December 9, 1885)
The son of Reverend Erastus Lathrop and Delia Ingalls, Ezra was native to Sutton, Canada. The family migrated to Dearborn County in the new state of Indiana in 1817. They 500 mile journey went by sleigh overland and then downriver by raft. After spending some time in Dearborn County, the family settled on the banks of Laughery Creek in Ripley County. Reverend Lathrop purchased some land in Decatur County, which had opened to settlement, in 1821. He died of typhoid fever after he returned to Ripley County to fetch his family, so Ezra engineered the move through dense forests to their new land near Greensburg. Greensburg, platted in 1822, had only three log cabins at the time. Ezra cleared land for a farm and married Abbie Potter in 1824. The couple would have two children that survived until adulthood. Ezra farmed for several years, and then entered the construction business. He also served as justice of the peace. In later years he would operate a mercantile years and act as a moneylender.
Historical Society of Decatur County
222 N. Franklin Street,
Greensburg IN
From the Book
Southeastern Indiana Cities and Towns
Southeastern Indiana has some wonderful cities and towns ranging from charming river towns like Rising Sun, Vevay, and Patriot to the larger cities like Lawrenceburg, Aurora and Madison. Each of these towns and cities has many things to do for your family as it explores the regions roads and highways.
Southeastern Indiana Wineries
Southeastern Indiana has several interesting wineries that produce some fascinating wines. The Indiana Uplands Wine Trail information included in the book allows wine buffs to explore them and taste their offerings.
Southeastern Indiana State and Local Parks
From parks along the Ohio River to wonderful woodland hikes, the parks in southeastern Indiana include four state parks, several nature preserves and some relaxing local parks. These provide a some great day trips for people to explore to hike, picnic or just plain enjoy nature. They provide fun things to do in Southeastern Indiana.
Southeastern Indiana Museums and Historic Sites
Explorers in the area can stage a day trip to learn the region's rich history by visiting the 31 museums located in the various cities and towns of Southeastern Indiana. Many stage interesting family events that are fun and educational.
Acknowledgements
http://www.decaturcountyhistory.org
http://www.greensburgdailynews.com/news/local_news/buell-s-dedication-to-family-community-honored-with-trail/article_e6d19764-5a8e-5c2d-b8a2-5f9f377ce5a8.html
http://www.popfuneralhome.com/obituary/730455
http://www.decaturcounty.in.gov/Greensburg's_Famous_Tower_Tree.htm
http://www.decaturcounty.in.gov/
https://www.nps.gov/nhl/find/statelists/in.htm
http://www.decaturcounty.in.gov
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decatur_County_Courthouse_(Indiana)
http://www.nationalregisterofhistoricplaces.com/in/decatur/state.html
https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/de93ea45-5d29-40d8-b107-dbd241c00600/
"History of Decatur County, Indiana : its people, industries and institutions"
LEWIS A. HARDING
© 2023 Paul Wonning