Napoleon, Indiana
Napoleon, Indiana
State – Indiana
County – Ripley
Township – Jackson
Elevation – 965 ft
Population – Total 238
Time zone – Eastern (EST)
ZIP code – 47034
Area code – 812
Median Family Income – $43,295
On February 9, 1820 the town of Napoleon was laid out by William Wilson from a 160 acre government land grant. Seven days later he started selling lots. Tne first 32 lots were purchased by George Craig of Vevay, Indiana. Craig went on to build the first Ripley County Court House in Versailles. He later represented Ripley and Switzerland Counties in the Indiana Senate from 1822 – 1824.
The Post Office was established on January 19, 1821, William Wilson serving as the first Postmaster. The Post Office is still in operation.
Napoleon was the second town established in in Ripley County, Versailles being the first. Napoleon became the center of travel for this area during the 1820 – 1850 period. The Michigan Road connected it with Madison on the Ohio River. Brownstown Road, which earlier had been known as Berry’s Trace, emanated towards the west. There were also roads to Versailles and Vevay. In 1821, the town had a weekly horseback mail route to Vevay. There was also stage coach service on the route between Indianapolis and Cincinnati. Napoleon was home to several inns and other vital businesses.
Bonapartes - Underground Railroad
During the period before the Civil War Napoleon was a center of activity for the Underground Railroad which spirited escaped slaves to freedom further north. The building that the restaurant named Bonaparte’s on US Route 421 has been in existance since Napoleon’s founding. During this period it was known as the Railroad Inn. There was no railroad in Napoleon. The name was an indicator of what the Inn’s side purpose was, assisting in the process of aiding escaped slaves escape servitude. The basement has hidden rooms which are still in existance. The hidden rooms were connected by a tunnel which lay under the Michigan Road which was frequented by slave hunters. The tunnel connected with a house across the road on Wilson Street. This house has been restored, but is a private residence and is not open to the public. Bonaparte’s is an excellent place to eat and a tour of the cellar may be arranged upon request.
Bonapartes Underground Railroad
Napoleon, Indiana has become a quiet little town at the intersection of Indiana State Road 229 and US 421. Businesses include a grocery store, a bank, restaurant, bar, gas station. There are three churches, a community center and volunteer fire department. In all there are around 25 businesses in Napoleon, or about one for every ten residents.
Back to Underground Railroad in Ripley County
Osgood – Napoleon Driving Tour
