According to Countryaah, Bartholomew County is located in the south-central region of Indiana in the United States. It lies within the Columbus, Indiana metropolitan area and borders five other counties: Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, and Shelby. The county seat is Columbus which is also the largest city in Bartholomew County.
The county was established in 1821 and named after Lt. Colonel Joseph Bartholomew who served in the War of 1812. The county covers an area of 454 square miles and is home to a population of approximately 80,000 people.
The land within Bartholomew County is mostly flat and consists of rolling hills with some areas that are more hilly or rugged. The climate is generally humid continental with hot summers and cold winters.
Brown County borders Bartholomew to the north and was established in 1836. It covers an area of 596 square miles and has a population of approximately 15,000 people making it one of the least populous counties in Indiana. Decatur County borders Bartholomew to the east and was established in 1822 covering an area of 400 square miles with a population of around 25,000 people.
Jackson County borders Bartholomew to the south-east covering an area of 466 square miles with a population just over 43,000 people making it one of the most populous counties in Indiana. Jennings County borders Bartholomew to the south-west covering an area of 397 square miles with a population just over 28,000 people making it one of the least populous counties in Indiana.
Finally, Shelby County borders Bartholomew to the west covering an area of 427 square miles with a population just over 44,000 people making it one of the most populous counties in Indiana. All together these six counties make up what is known as South Central Indiana providing its residents with plenty to explore and experience.
Demographics of Bartholomew County, Indiana
Bartholomew County is a diverse and vibrant community with a population of approximately 80,000 people. The racial makeup of the county is 87.3% White, 8.2% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.7% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander and 1.8% from two or more races. The median household income in Bartholomew County is $53,924 with 13.4% of the population living below the poverty line according to the US Census Bureau in 2019.
The largest age group in Bartholomew County is 25-44 years old making up 28.3%, followed by 45-64 years old making up 25%. 18-24 year olds make up 14%, 15-17 year olds make up 7%, 65+ years old make up 18% and those under 5 years old make up 8%. The gender distribution in Bartholomew County is almost evenly split with females making up 49.3%, males making up 50.7%.
Places of Interest in Bartholomew County, Indiana
Bartholomew County, Indiana is full of places of interest for all types of travelers. For the outdoors enthusiast, there are numerous parks and trails to explore including Clifty Falls State Park which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, an observation tower and a swimming pool. Columbus City Park is another great spot for outdoor activities such as tennis courts, playgrounds and a beach.
For those looking for a bit of culture, the Columbus Area Visitors Center provides guided tours of the city’s historic sites and attractions. The center also offers an extensive gallery featuring local art from renowned painters. The historic Columbus People’s House is another interesting place to visit with its unique architecture and displays showcasing the history of the county.
For families looking for fun activities, there are plenty to choose from in Bartholomew County. The Kidscommons Children’s Museum provides interactive exhibits designed to teach children about science, technology and engineering while providing plenty of fun along the way. For those looking for some live entertainment there are several theaters in the area including Miller Theater which hosts concerts, plays and musicals throughout the year.
Finally, Bartholomew County has several restaurants offering delicious food ranging from Italian to Mexican cuisine as well as local favorites like BBQ ribs or fried chicken. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural attractions Bartholomew County has something to offer everyone.
Notable People of Bartholomew County, Indiana
Bartholomew County, Indiana has produced a number of notable people over the years. One of the most famous is astronaut Neil Armstrong, who was born in Wapakoneta and grew up in nearby Auglaize County. Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon and is remembered for his iconic phrase “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Another well-known figure from Bartholomew County is author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., who was born and raised in Indianapolis. Vonnegut wrote a number of classic novels including Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat’s Cradle which are considered some of the greatest works of American literature.
In terms of politics, Bartholomew County has contributed several politicians to state and national government. Senator Richard Lugar was born in Indianapolis and served as a U.S Senator from Indiana from 1977 to 2013. He was also an influential figure in foreign policy during his time in office. Another politician from Bartholomew County is Governor Mitch Daniels who served as governor from 2005 to 2013 and now serves as president of Purdue University.
The county has also produced several notable sports figures such as basketball players Larry Bird who played for the Boston Celtics, Carl Nicks who played for the Indiana Pacers, and Reggie Miller who played for both teams. Other famous athletes from Bartholomew County include football player Edgerrin James who played for the Indianapolis Colts, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Cody Miller, and former professional golfer Fuzzy Zoeller.
Overall, Bartholomew County has produced many remarkable people over the years that have made significant contributions to their respective fields ranging from literature to sports to politics.
