History

Jennings County became a county in 1816.  This is the same year Indiana became a state.  It was named after Indiana's first governor, Jonathan Jennings.  This is the only county in the United States named Jennings.

The county contains ten townships.  They are Bigger, Campbell, Columbia, Geneva, Lovett, Marion, Montgomery, Sand Creek, Spencer, and Vernon.

North Vernon is the county's only city, and the town of Vernon serves as county seat.  Some of the smaller towns in the area are Brewersville, Butlerville, Commiskey, Hayden, Nebraska, Paris, Paris Crossing, and Scipio.

    Historic Photo Gallery

Interesting Facts

Jennings County is the only Jennings County in the United States

Two Revolutionary War veterans are buried in the Vernon Cemetery.

The entire town on Vernon is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Jennings County has the state's only courthouse carillon.

Jennings County was a great contributor to the Underground Railroad with its numerous stops and conductors.

The Muscatatuck River almost surrounds the town of Vernon, making it the state's smallest county seat.

North Vernon was once the third busiest rail crossing in Indiana.

Vernon adopted a charter in 1851 and still operates by that charter.

For more Jennings County history, visit the Jennings County Historical Society online!