Granduncle Mark's Genealogy Parlor


Morgan County,

Indiana





    With an incorporated history dating back to 1822, Morgan County was named for Revolutionary War General, Daniel Morgan.

    Morgan County has been called "The Gateway to the South," as the geography of Indiana changes near the northern boundary of this county. The Wisconsin Glacier flattened the terrain of Indiana north of this point. However, the traveler heading south through Morgan County enters the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana.

    The many hills, valleys and ravines of Morgan County are generously covered with the deciduous forest which is the natural state of southern Indiana.

    The renowned panaramic views of Brown County are only minutes away. However, don't miss Morgan County's own Fall Foliage Festival, which celebrates the spectacular natural beauty of the county when autumn brings an array of colors to the forest hills. Equally beautiful, take a drive along one of the state highways to behold the amazing spread of color brought by the dogwood and redbud trees each spring.

    Bradford Woods in Morgan County is comprised of 2,500 acres of pristine forest land, making it the largest area of protected natural land in Indiana, except for the state and national parks.

    The area abounds in large wooded parks. Morgan-Monroe State Forest is just minutes south of Martinsville. Hoosier National Forest and Lake Monroe are less than 30 miles south of Martinsville. Similar 30 minute trips will take one to McCormick's Creek State Park or Brown County State Park, and the charming yesteryear town of Nashville, with it's many gift shops, antique stores, and restaurants famous for pioneer recipes.

    But, even if you travel to the delightful Brown County area, there's more to see before you leave Morgan County. Morgantown is an old town on the way to Nashville that is less-commercialized, but which offers special events such as it's annual Art Fair, Memorial Day Parade, and Fall Festival, as well as antique, art and specialty shops to capture your attention.

    Despite this abundance of natural forest, Morgan County is in close proximity to urban and educational centers of the State. Martinsville, the county seat, is located 30 miles south of Indianapolis, and just 20 miles north of Bloomington and the main campus of Indiana University. Martinsville is also just 2.5 hours northwest of Louisville, 2 hours west of Cincinnati, and 3.5 hours southeast of Chicago.

    This blend of rural beauty and proximity to urban resources has contributed to Morgan County being one of the fastest growing areas in the State of Indiana. The population of the county increased by 20% during the decade of the 1990's alone, with much of that growth occurring in the northern areas closest to Indianapolis. Mooresville is just 10 miles southwest of Indianapolis, and within 15 minutes of the Indianapolis International Airport.

    In fact, there are numerous antique shops throughout Martinsville, Mooresville, and other parts of the county. You may also be interested in visiting the 3 fish hatcheries located just north of Martinsville, or the Morgan County Fair. And, you certainly won't want to miss Mooresville's Victorian christmas events.

    St. Francis Hospital, (formerly, Kendricks Hospital), of Mooresville has established a national reputation at the forefront of colo-rectal care and joint replacement. Center for Behavioral Health, which operates clinics in both Martinsville and Mooresville, was the first behavioral healthcare organization to win the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations' Codman Award, for effective treatment.

    For nearly a century, Martinsville was known globally as a health resort. The natural artesian mineral water springs supported the development of more than a dozen sanitariums which attracted tourists seeking the health benefits of the artesian spring water. During the peak of this phenomenon, from the 1890's through about 1930, wealthy and famous figures from the American east coast gathered here, partly for the health benefits, and partly to be sure that they were seen here.

    And speaking of history, the Indiana State Flag was made in Mooresville, and the F.B.I.'s most wanted, John Dillinger was from Mooresville.

    Provided below are links to other pages about Morgan County, as well as information that may help you search for your Morgan County area ancestors and kin.




Cities, Towns and Villages of Morgan County, Indiana
          • Bethany
          • Brooklyn
          • Centerton
          • Chetwynd
          • Cope
          • Crown Center
          • Emminence
          • Exchange
          • Five Points
          • Gasburg
          • Hall
          • Lewisville
          • Little Point
          • Mahalasville
          • Martinsville
          • Monrovia
          • Mooresville
          • Morgantown
          • Paragon
          • Plano
          • Wakeland
          • Waverly
          • Whitaker
          • Wilbur --------------------------------------------------- Map credit: Indiana Department of Transportation

Morgan County, Indiana has the following townships



There are 14 townships in Morgan county: Adams, Ashland, Baker, Brown, Clay,
Green, Gregg, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Ray and Washington.




Indiana Counties Adjacent to Morgan County
          • Monroe ---------- (to the south)

          • Brown ---------- (to the south)

          • Johnson ---------- (to the east)

          • Hendricks ---------- (to the north)

          • Marion ---------- (to the north)

          • Putnam ---------- (to the west)

          • Owen ---------- (to the west)




Marriage, Divorce, Probate, and Civil Court Records

Morgan County Clerk
P.O. Box 1556
Martinsville, IN 46151-1556

Telephone: (765) 342-1025


Birth and Death Records

Morgan County Health Department
180 South Main Street, Suite 252
Martinsville IN 46151-1988

Telephone: (765) 342-6621
Fax (765) 342-1062


Land Records

Morgan County Recorder
180 South Main Street
Martinsville IN 46151

Telephone: (765) 342-1077









Copyright 1996-2006, Granduncle Mark
(Mark Ellsworth Hickman, PhD)



Granduncle Mark's Genealogy Parlor

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