Versailles, Indiana
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Versailles, Indiana |
 Versailles Puzzle - To Purchase Click Photo |
Versailles, Indiana is centrally located in Ripley County, at the intersection of two US Highways, US Route 421 and US Route 50. Indiana State Road 129 also connects the town to area to the north and south. Versailles is the county seat of Ripley County and its main industry is county government.
Versailles, Indiana is the location of a United Parcel shipping hub and Versailles State Park. The Bel Air Drive In, one of the few remaining drive in theatres in Indiana, is located just north of Versailles on US 421. The Busching Covered Bridge, still actively used, is located east of Versailles on County Road 25S.
Versailles History
The Indiana General Assembly passed an act on January 7, 1818 to appoint a commission to select a county seat for the newly created Ripley County. This commission consisted of three men, John DePauw from Washington County, Charles Beggs of Franklin County, and W. H. Eades of Jennings County. They selected a site on high cliffs overlooking Laughery Creek which was on one hundred acres owned by John Paul of Madison, Indiana. Mr. John Ritchie platted the town and named it after John DePauw’s native city in France, Versailles.
Construction on the first court house occurred in 1821 in the center of the town square. This building required replacement and the county began construction on a new building during the years 1860 – 1863. The Civil War slowed down construction on the building. The court house was the target of John Hunt Morgan’s Civil War Raid in July, 1863.Organization of a militia to defend the town was undertaken, but it disbanded in the face of Morgan’s far superior and better armed force. Morgan had about 2,000 troops and cannon which he threatened to use on the newly completed Court House in Versailles, Indiana if any of the natives resisted his troops. Morgan’s troops confiscated the county treasury, food, possessions and livestock.
The Court House is still in use, a clock tower added in 1932. Renovation of the court house occurred in 1991.
The first court house was built in 1821 in the center of the town square. This building was replaced during the years 1860 – 1863. The Civil War slowed down construction. This building was the target of John Hunt Morgan’s Civil War Raid in June, 1863. A militia had become organized to defend the town, but disbanded in the face of Morgan’s far superior and better armed force. Morgan had about 2,000 troops and a cannon, which he threatened to use on the newly completed Court House in Versailles, Indiana if any of the natives resisted his troops. Morgan’s troops confiscated the county treasury, food, possessions and livestock.
The Court House is still in use, a clock tower added in 1932 and renovated in 1991.
Versailles, Indiana is the location of a United Parcel shipping hub and Versailles State Park.
Versailles Fishing and Boating
Tyson Temple United Methodist Church
RIPLEY COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Versailles State Park Swimming Pool
Versailles Indiana Restaurants
Versailles, Indiana Auto Mechanics
Tyson Library – Public Internet Access
Versailles Laundry and Dry Cleaner
Versailles/Holton/Friendship Driving Tour
