Parke County, Indiana

Beginnings of Parke County, Indiana

Parke County, Indiana was established in 1821 with the county seat currently located in the city of Rockville. Pioneers were already living in this area due to its proximity to the Wabash River. Today, this area is extremely popular because of the numerous covered bridges and an annual festival each October.

Early Settlement

The first residents of the area were Native Americans followed by French-Canadian colonists in the early 1700s. Parke County was originally part of Vigo County and named in honor of Captain Benjamin Parke. Parke continued a life in public service as a delegate of Indiana Territory to the U. S. Congress while eventually becoming a U. S. District Judge for the state.

Important Sites

The area soon increased in population due to the development of the Wabash and Erie Canal. Today, much of the land in this geographic location is either farmed or used for other agricultural purposes. Two important state parks are located in this area including Turkey Run and Shades. Parke County, Indiana has several small cities including Rosedale, Montezuma, Mecca, Marshall, Bloomingdale and Rockville.