Founding Cities
Did you know Indiana was settled from south to north? That means southern Indiana history has particularly interesting stories to tell. Prior to the Revolutionary War, this part of the country was known as the "Northwest Territories." Men were recruited from the surrounding area for Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery in the early 1800s. The duo met on the shores of the Ohio River before beginning their journey.
George Rogers Clark Painting
Hints about the past can be found in some of our city names. Visit Jeffersonville, named with a nod to President Thomas Jefferson. Visit Clarksville, which was named after George Rogers Clark, a colonel during the Revolutionary War. Visit New Albany, named by three brothers from New York.
Fun Fact: President Thomas Jefferson also developed the original city design for Jeffersonville. While the design was altered before implementation, his original plan continues to inspire city planners today.
River History
Prior to the automobile, rivers were America’s interstate highways. After the Revolutionary War, settlers headed down the Ohio River. When they reached what is now Clarksville, they had to navigate through or around "the Falls of the Ohio." This 26-foot drop is the only major natural obstruction along the river's 981-mile length. The treacherous journey was made much easier following the opening of the Louisville & Portland Canal in 1830.
Falls of the Ohio State Park
Today, you can learn about the region’s river history at the Falls of the Ohio State Park's Interpretive Center. Its interactive exhibits tell of the river's 390-million-year-old fossil beds, stories of the Lewis & Clark expedition, Native American histories and much more. The state parks hosts frequent educational programs for all ages. Contact them directly to schedule a field trip or large group tour.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
The Indiana bank of the Ohio River in Clarksville is the site of Lewis and Clark’s first face-to-face meeting and handshake, as was documented in Stephen Ambrose’s book, Undaunted Courage. The location is marked by a statue of the pair just outside of the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center. Read more about the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Shipbuilding History of Southern Indiana
The steamboat industry bustled on the Ohio River. Southern Indiana towns were a vital part of the riverfront, with ships stopping for repairs. Some of the vessels were even built in SoIN! Jeffersonville was once home to America’s largest inland shipbuilding company. The Howard Shipyard was built by 19-year-old James Howard, and built more than 3,000 vessels. The Howard family's legacy is preserved at the Howard Steamboat Museum. It’s the only museum in the country highlighting steamboat lore and the impact of steamboats on the nation.
Boats of all kinds deposited freight in New Albany during the 1910s and 20s. The busy port saw its share of sailors, boatmen, and travelers bustling through town on their way downriver. Dry goods merchant William Culbertson thrived in New Albany. His home, the 25,000-square-foot Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, is still open for tours.
Sweet History at Schimpff's Confectionery
Visitors get a sweet taste of history while they watch cinnamon Red Hot Drops and other candies being made at Schimpff’s Confectionery. Schimpff’s live candy-making demonstrations are held frequently (call ahead for times). The confectionery has a 1950's soda fountain, tin ceiling, old-fashioned candy jars, and 20th-century equipment. They also boast a candy museum with examples of candy packaging and advertisements. In 2025, they were voted Best Candy Store by USA Today readers.
Agritourism History: The Pioneering Huber Families of Starlight
Today, farming and agritourism are part of the landscape in Southern Indiana tourism. It grew from a German family that settled in the area in 1843, when Simon Huber came from Baden-Baden, Germany to begin farming. Two offshoots of his family tree began businesses in the 60s and 70s.
On a hot summer day in July 1967, Joe Huber had a field of green beans he and his family weren't able to pick. He asked his wife Bonnie what she thought would happen if they took out a newspaper ad inviting people to pick their own. They couldn't have foreseen the response. Since that time, people have been coming in droves to Joe Huber’s Family Farm. They transformed their garage into a market and began serving home-cooked meals using family recipes.
First cousins of the Huber family, and also farming for generations, Huber’s Orchard & Winery began their operations as a separate business in the 1970s, making wine from strawberries they grew. Business blossomed, and today, they grow 18 varieties of wine grapes and produce varietals and blended wines. Indiana’s largest wine-grape grower, Huber’s produces nearly 400,000 pounds of grapes each year. It is part of the Uplands Wine Trail and offers farm to glass tours, as well as opportunities for visitors to pick their own seasonal fruits and vegetables.
