Orange County, Indiana
Seat – Paoli
Total Area – 408 sq mi
Water – 9 sq mi
Population – 19,306
Congressional district – 9
Orange County, Indiana came into existance during the same year Indiana became a state, 1816. It was formed out of portions of Knox, Gibson and Washington Counties. Most of the original settlers of Orange County were Quakers from Orange County, North Carolina. The group was trying to get away from the institution of slavery and they brought numerous freed slaves whom they deeded 200 acres of land in the middle of the forest. This area, called Paddy’s Garden by the residents and Little Africa by non residents, became a mecca on the underground railroad for runaway slaves. These freed slaves occupied the area for many years, farming and hiring out their labor to farmers in the area.
Towns and cities in Orange County include French Lick, Orleans, Paoli and West Baden Springs. Highways which cross Orange County include US 150 which bissects the county on a northeast to northwest plane, Indiana State Road 37 which runs north and south, and Indiana State Road 56 which runs on a mostly east/west plane. A CSX rail line crosses the northeast corner of Orange County, connecting Orleans with Bedford, Indiana to the north and Salem, Indiana to the east.
To access the links of Orange County, click this link
