Boone County

Boone County, founded on April Fools Day in 1830, is situated in the center of the state, abutting Indiana s capital, Indianapolis. The first settlers found swampy land overgrown with ancient hardwoods, riddled with rattlesnakes, and teeming with wetland creatures most famously, frogs. Although life was challenging for the area s first settlers, most persevered. Many chided that Boone was not fit to be included as a part of the fledgling state of Indiana. They dubbed the newly platted area as the State of Boone to set it aside from the superior farmland and living conditions found elsewhere in Indiana. Boone County s first census counted 621 persons in 1830. Today, many of the original surnames remain prevalent among a population that exceeds 60,000 residents."

I hope everyone who picks up a copy of Boone County will discover a few surprises. So many people near and far helped; contributing stories, photos, legends and leads. I sure learned a lot, got to meet some amazing folks and catch up with some dear old friends. Who knew this place was so cool? Maybe deep-down, we've known it all along!Like Dorothy Gale says--"If I ever go searching for my heart's desire again, I know I won't have to go farther than my own backyard. Because if its not there...I never really lost it to begin with."