Mount Vernon, Indiana
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| Mount Vernon, Indiana | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mount Vernon |
| Settlement type | City |
| Nickname | "The River City" |
| Pushpin label | Mount Vernon |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Indiana |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Posey County |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Bill Curtis |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1816 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated (town) |
| Established date2 | 1826 |
| Established title3 | Incorporated (city) |
| Established date3 | 1860 |
| Unit pref | Imperial |
| Area total km2 | 7.30 |
| Area total sq mi | 2.82 |
| Area land km2 | 7.19 |
| Area land sq mi | 2.78 |
| Area water km2 | 0.11 |
| Area water sq mi | 0.04 |
| Elevation m | 122 |
| Elevation ft | 400 |
| Population total | 6568 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 913.4 |
| Population density sq mi | 2362.6 |
| Timezone | Central (CST) |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP code |
| Postal code | 47620 |
| Area code | 812, 930 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 18-51786 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0439600 |
| Website | https://www.mountvernon.in.gov/ |
Mount Vernon, Indiana. It is the county seat of Posey County and a principal port city on the Ohio River in the southwestern part of the state. Founded in the early 19th century, its economy and identity have long been tied to river commerce and regional agriculture. The city serves as a commercial and governmental hub for the surrounding area, featuring a historic downtown district and active industrial riverfront.
History
The site was selected as the Posey County seat in 1816 and named for the Virginia estate of George Washington. Early growth was fueled by its position on the Ohio River, a major transportation artery during the westward expansion, with the first steamboat landing recorded in 1818. The city was formally incorporated in 1826 and became a key port for agricultural products, later experiencing industrial development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Significant historical events include its role in the Underground Railroad and the 1913 visit of former President Theodore Roosevelt. The Great Flood of 1937 caused extensive damage, leading to the construction of a modern floodwall system that now protects the city.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.82 square miles, of which 2.78 square miles is land and 0.04 square miles is water. It is situated on the north bank of the Ohio River, directly across from Union County, Kentucky. The city's topography is relatively flat, characteristic of the Southern Indiana lowlands, and it lies within the Central Time Zone. Major geographic features include the Ohio River frontage and the confluence with the Wabash River located just a few miles to the southwest. The city is served by U.S. Route 62 and Indiana State Road 69.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 6,568, representing a slight decline from the previous decade. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was approximately 2,362.6 people per square mile. Household data indicates a median income slightly below the state average, with a poverty rate that reflects broader regional economic trends in Rust Belt communities. The city is part of the Evansville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Economy
The economy is historically anchored by its port facilities and manufacturing. The Southwind Maritime Centre is a major public port on the Ohio River, handling bulk commodities like coal, grain, and fertilizer, and is a significant regional employer. Major industrial employers have included Bristol-Myers Squibb and SABIC, with sectors such as chemical production, plastics, and agribusiness being prominent. The Dow Chemical Company operated a large facility nearby for decades. Retail, healthcare, and local government also provide substantial employment, with Deaconess Health System being a key provider. The city's strategic location on the Inland Waterway System continues to drive logistics and distribution activity.
Education
Public education is administered by the Mount Vernon Community School Corporation, which operates Mount Vernon High School, Mount Vernon Junior High School, and several elementary schools including West Elementary School. The district is known for strong academic and athletic programs, particularly in basketball and swimming. The city is also served by the Mount Vernon Public Library, part of the Posey County library system. For post-secondary education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville and Ivy Tech Community College.
Notable people
Notable individuals associated with the city include Alvin C. York, the famed World War I Medal of Honor recipient who lived here later in life. Robert Evans, the legendary Hollywood film producer and former head of Paramount Pictures, was born in the city. Rex Grossman, former NFL quarterback for the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, is a native. Other figures include John James Audubon, the naturalist and painter, who once taught drawing here; Charles H. Taylor, a Union Army soldier and Medal of Honor recipient for actions at the Battle of Chickasaw Bayou; and Joshua W. Beecher, a Union Army officer and brevet brigadier general during the American Civil War.
Category:Cities in Indiana Category:Category:County seats in Indiana Category:Posey County, Indiana Category:Category:Populated places on the Ohio River Category:Category:Mount Vernon County seats in the United States