Indiana County is a County (United States), county in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is located in the west central part of Pennsylvania. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the population was 83,246. Its county seat is Indiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana. Indiana County comprises the #Micropolitan Statistical Area, Indiana, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-WV-OH Combined Statistical Area. Prior to the American Revolutionary War, Revolutionary War, some settlers proposed this as part of a larger, separate colony to be known as Vandalia, but opposing interests and the war intervened. Afterward, claims to the territory by both the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania had to be reconciled. After this land was assigned to Pennsylvania by the federal government according to the placement of the Mason–Dixon line, Indiana County was created on March 30, 1803, from parts of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Clearfield counties and was formally organized in 1806.

History

Indiana County (Indiana meaning "land of the Indians") derives its name from the so-called "Indiana Grant of 1768" that the Iroquois Six Nations were forced to make to "suffering traders" under the Fort Stanwix Treaty of 1768. The Iroquois had controlled much of the Ohio River valley as their hunting grounds since the 17th century, and Anglo-American colonists were moving into the area and wanted to develop it. Traders arranged to force the Iroquois to grant land under the treaty in relations to losses due to Pontiac's Rebellion.Anderson, James Donald, "Vandalia: The First West Virginia?" ''West Virginia History'', Volume 40, No. 4 (Summer 1979), pp. 375-92
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/ref> Some of the grantees joined forces with the Ohio Company, forming a larger development company based on enlarging their grant of land. They proposed that the entire large area would become a new British colony, possibly to be called Pittsylvania or Vandalia (colony), Vandalia. It was to be bordered on the north and west by the Ohio River, and made up of what are now parts of eastern Kentucky, northern West Virginia (then part of the Virginia Colony), and western Pennsylvania. Anglo-European colonists from Virginia and Pennsylvania had already started to move into the area, which was identified by these various names as Indiana and the other above names on some maps of the late 1700s. Opposition from other interest groups and the American Revolutionary War intervened before Britain approved such a colony. Afterward, some United States speculators proposed setting up a state in this area to be called Vandalia, or Westsylvania, as appears on some maps of the period. But both the states of Virginia and Pennsylvania claimed the land based on their colonial charters. In establishing the Mason–Dixon line, the federal government assigned the Indiana Grant to Pennsylvania.David W. Miller. ''The Taking of American Indian Lands in the Southeast: A History of Territorial Cessions and Forced Relocations, 1607-1840.'' McFarland, 2011. p. 41. As population increased after the war, this county was made up in 1803 of territory from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland and Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Clearfield counties; it was formally organized in 1806. Kentucky and West Virginia continued to be associated with Virginia for some time, being separately admitted as states in the early 19th century and during the American Civil War, respectively. The area in Pennsylvania was unrelated to and was physically separated from the later named Indiana Territory established north of the Ohio River in 1800 by the new United States; that territory was eventually admitted to the Union as the State of Indiana. Indiana County was known as a "hotbed of abolition", and was home to at least two African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches as well as other anti-slavery Protestants such as Methodism, Wesleyan Methodists and Baptists in the United States, Baptists. It was also in Indiana, local Abolitionism, abolitionist leader James Moorhead published several anti-slavery newspapers. The first of these was ''The Clarion of Freedom'', founded in 1843. Moorhead eventually sold the ''Clarion'' and founded a new anti-slavery paper, the ''Indiana Independent,'' which he published until his death in 1857. The ''Independent'' was published by his son J. W. Moorhead after his death. Blairsville, Pennsylvania, Blairsville was home to another abolitionist newspaper, ''The Appalachian'', which was pro-Free Soil Party, Free Soil from 1848. Indiana County was an active hub of the Underground Railroad. At least 90 county residents are known to have been conductors or agents, guiding fugitive slaves between hiding places on their way to freedom in Canada. In the 21st century, Indiana County comprises the Indiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area. This is included in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-WV-OH Combined Statistical Area. It is in the defined region of the Pittsburgh Media in Pittsburgh#DMA, media market. Indiana County is served by three different area codes: area code 724, 724, area code 814, 814, and area code 582, 582. The county proclaims itself the "Christmas tree, Christmas Tree Capital of the World", shipping over one million trees annually. Agriculture is a major part of its economy.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (0.9%) is water. Located in the county is the Buttermilk Falls Natural Area. The county has a humid continental climate which is warm-summer (''Dfb'') except along the Conemaugh River, Conemaugh from below Strangford and the Kiskiminetas River where it is hot-summer (''Dfa''). Average monthly temperatures in the borough of Indiana range from 27.2 °F in January to 70.9 °F in July

Adjacent counties

* Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, Jefferson County (north) * Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, Clearfield County (northeast) * Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Cambria County (southeast) * Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland County (south) * Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Armstrong County (west)

Major highways

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 89,605 people, 34,123 households, and 22,521 families residing in the county. The population density was 108 people per square mile (42/km²). There were 37,250 housing units at an average density of 45 per square mile (17/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 96.87% Race (United States Census), White, 1.57% Race (United States Census), Black or Race (United States Census), African American, 0.08% Race (United States Census), Native American, 0.74% Race (United States Census), Asian, 0.01% Race (United States Census), Pacific Islander, 0.16% from Race (United States Census), other races, and 0.58% from two or more races. 0.51% of the population were Race (United States Census), Hispanic or Race (United States Census), Latino of any race. 25.9% were of German people, German, 11.6% Italian people, Italian, 10.7% Irish people, Irish, 8.6% United States, American, 7.1% English people, English and 6.8% Polish people, Polish ancestry. There were 34,123 households, out of which 27.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were Marriage, married couples living together, 8.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.00% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.99. In the county, the population was spread out, with 21.10% under the age of 18, 16.60% from 18 to 24, 24.80% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.60 males.

2020 Census

Micropolitan Statistical Area

The United States Office of Management and Budget has designated Indiana County as the Indiana, PA Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA). As of the 2010 United States Census, 2010 U.S. Census the micropolitan area ranked 4th most populous in the State of Pennsylvania and the List of micropolitan statistical areas, 50th most populous in the United States with a population of 88,880. Indiana County is also a part of the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, PA-OH-WV Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which combines the population of Indiana, as well as the Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, Allegheny, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Armstrong, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, Beaver, Butler County, Pennsylvania, Butler, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Fayette, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, Lawrence, Washington County, Pennsylvania, Washington and Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Westmoreland county areas in Pennsylvania. In West Virginia the counties included are Brooke County, West Virginia, Brooke and Hancock County, West Virginia, Hancock. And in Ohio, Jefferson County, Ohio, Jefferson County. The Combined Statistical Area ranked 4th in the State of Pennsylvania and List of Combined Statistical Areas, 20th most populous in the United States with a population of 2,660,727.

Government and politics

Indiana County has been strongly Republican in presidential elections for most of its history, only backing Democratic party candidates four times in presidential elections from 1880 to the present day. As of the 2016 primary election held April 26, 2016, there were 48,710 registered voters across Indiana County's 69 precincts: 20,089 Democratic Party (United States), Democrats (41.24%); 22,134 Republican Party (United States), Republicans (45.44%); and 6,487 Independents (13.32%). This represents a slight demographic shift since November 2008, when a total of 58,077 registered voters were 45.89% (26,653) Democrat, 41.60% (24,159) Republican, and 12.51% (7,265) Independent.Running for Office
. Dos.state.pa.us. Retrieved on July 23, 2013.

County commissioners

*Michael Keith, Chairman, Republican *Robin Gorman, Republican *Sherene Hess, Democrat

Other county offices

*Coroner, Jerry L Overman Jr, Republican *District Attorney, Robert Manzi, Republican *Prothonotary, Randy Degenkolb, Republican *Recorder of Deeds and Register of Wills, Maria Jack, Republican *Sheriff, Robert Fyock, Republican *Treasurer, Kimberly McCullough, Republican *Board of Auditors, Donna Cupp, Republican; Bonni S. Dunlap, Ph.D., Republican; James P. Smith Jr., Democrat

State representatives

* Jason Silvis, Republican, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 55, 55th district * Abby Major, Republican, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 60, 60th district * James Struzzi, Republican, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 62, 62nd district * Brian Smith (Pennsylvania politician), Brian Smith, Republican, Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 66, 66th district

State senator

* Joe Pittman (politician), Joe Pittman, Republican, Pennsylvania Senate, District 41, 41st district

United States representative

* Glenn Thompson (politician), Glenn Thompson, Republican, Pennsylvania's 15th congressional district, 15th district * Guy Reschenthaler, Republican, Pennsylvania's 14th congressional district, 14th district

United States senators

* Pat Toomey, Republican Party (United States), Republican * Bob Casey Jr., Democratic Party (United States), Democrat

Education

Public school districts

* Armstrong School District (part) * Apollo-Ridge School District (part) * Blairsville-Saltsburg School District (part) * Harmony Area School District (part) * Homer-Center School District * Indiana Area School District * Marion Center Area School District * Penns Manor Area School District * Punxsutawney Area School District (part) * Purchase Line School District (part) * United School District (Pennsylvania), United School District

Post-secondary education

* Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Indiana * Westmoreland County Community College – Indiana

Environment

In 2003, the county was recommended for non-attainment under United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA ozone standards based upon mobile source contribution to smog-forming Pollution, emissions. The county is the site of the Homer City Generating Station, a coal-burning power plant. In 2002 the plant was ranked as second in emissions in the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) in Pennsylvania. In 2003, the plant ranked high in the emissions of both sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide, ranking 4th and 28th, respectively, in the nation. Such toxic emissions are injurious to people and other living things.

Communities

Under Pennsylvania law, there are four types of incorporated municipalities: List of cities in Pennsylvania, cities, List of towns and boroughs in Pennsylvania, boroughs, List of townships in Pennsylvania, townships, and, in at most two cases, List of towns and boroughs in Pennsylvania#Towns, towns. The following boroughs and townships are located in Indiana County:

Boroughs

* Armagh, Pennsylvania, Armagh * Blairsville, Pennsylvania, Blairsville * Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania, Cherry Tree * Clymer, Pennsylvania, Clymer * Creekside, Pennsylvania, Creekside * Ernest, Pennsylvania, Ernest * Glen Campbell, Pennsylvania, Glen Campbell * Homer City, Pennsylvania, Homer City * Indiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana (county seat) * Marion Center, Pennsylvania, Marion Center * Plumville, Pennsylvania, Plumville * Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, Saltsburg * Shelocta, Pennsylvania, Shelocta * Smicksburg, Pennsylvania, Smicksburg

Townships

* Armstrong Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Armstrong * Banks Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Banks * Black Lick Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Black Lick * Brush Valley Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Brush Valley * Buffington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Buffington * Burrell Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Burrell * Canoe Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Canoe * Center Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Center * Cherryhill Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Cherryhill * Conemaugh Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Conemaugh * East Mahoning Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, East Mahoning * East Wheatfield Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, East Wheatfield * Grant Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Grant * Green Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Green * Montgomery Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Montgomery * North Mahoning Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, North Mahoning * Pine Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Pine * Rayne Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Rayne * South Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania, South Mahoning * Washington Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Washington * West Mahoning Township, Pennsylvania, West Mahoning * West Wheatfield Township, Pennsylvania, West Wheatfield * White Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, White * Young Township, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Young

Census-designated places

Census-designated places are geographical areas designated by the United States Census Bureau, U.S. Census Bureau for the purposes of compiling demographic data. They are not actual jurisdictions under Pennsylvania law. Other unincorporated communities, such as villages, may be listed here as well. * Black Lick, Pennsylvania, Black Lick * Chevy Chase Heights, Pennsylvania, Chevy Chase Heights * Commodore, Pennsylvania, Commodore * Coral, Pennsylvania, Coral * Dixonville, Pennsylvania, Dicksonville * Graceton, Pennsylvania, Graceton * Heilwood, Pennsylvania, Heilwood * Jacksonville, Pennsylvania, Jacksonville * Lucerne Mines, Pennsylvania, Lucerne Mines * Robinson, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Robinson * Rossiter, Pennsylvania, Rossiter

Unincorporated communities

* Alverda, Pennsylvania, Alverda * Arcadia, Pennsylvania, Arcadia * Clarksburg, Pennsylvania, Clarksburg * Covode, Pennsylvania, Covode * Dilltown, Pennsylvania, Dilltown * Dixonville, Pennsylvania, Dixonville * Gipsy, Pennsylvania, Gipsy * Home, Pennsylvania, Home * Iselin, Pennsylvania, Iselin * Jewtown, Pennsylvania, Jewtown * Locust, Pennsylvania, Locust * Loop, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Loop * Mentcle, Pennsylvania, Mentcle * Nolo, Pennsylvania, Nolo * Rexis, Pennsylvania, Rexis * Rochester Mills, Pennsylvania, Rochester Mills * Starford, Pennsylvania, Starford * Strongstown, Pennsylvania, Strongstown * Wehrum, Pennsylvania, Wehrum * West Lebanon, Pennsylvania, West Lebanon

Population ranking

The population ranking of the following table is based on the 2010 United States census, 2010 census of Indiana County. * ''county seat''

Notable natives and residents

* Edward Abbey, environmentalist and author * Doc Gessler, Henry Homer "Doc" Gessler Professional baseball player and manager, born and died in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana Borough. * James H. Brady, Governor of Idaho 1909–11, U.S. Senator 1913–18, born in Indiana County * John Buccigross, ESPN anchor, former co-host of NHL 2Night * Samuel Kier, "Grandfather of the American Oil Industry" * Mary D. Lowman, one of first women mayors in Kansas; county native * Ben McAdoo, former head coach, New York Giants * Jim Nance, football player, running back for Syracuse University and professionally with New England Patriots, New England/Boston Patriots * James Stewart, iconic actor, born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Indiana Borough

References

External links

*
The Indiana County Tourist Bureau

The Historical & Genealogical Society of Indiana County
{{Coord, 40.65, -79.09, display=title, type:adm2nd_region:US-PA_source:UScensus1990 Indiana County, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh metropolitan area 1806 establishments in Pennsylvania Populated places established in 1806 Counties of Appalachia