According to babyinger, Bartholomew County, Indiana is located in the southeastern corner of the state, just west of Columbus. With an area of 409 square miles, it is one of the largest counties in Indiana and covers parts of both Bartholomew and Jackson Counties. The county seat is Columbus, which also serves as the county’s largest city.
The terrain in Bartholomew County is varied and includes rolling hills, flat plains and some small mountains. The highest point in the county is Hensley Hill at 942 feet above sea level. The climate in this area is generally humid continental with cold winters and hot summers. Average annual temperatures range from a low of 22°F in January to a high of 81°F in July. Average annual precipitation is 40 inches with most occurring between April and September.
As of 2020, Bartholomew County had a population of 85,936 people spread out among its 21 townships. The population density was 208 people per square mile making it one of the less densely populated counties in Indiana. The racial makeup was 91% White, 4% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Asian and 2% other races or two or more races combined. About 93% spoke English as their primary language while 7% spoke Spanish as their primary language at home.
The median household income was $51,081 with about 16% living below the poverty line including 24% under 18 years old living below poverty level. About 85% were high school graduates while 27% had a bachelor’s degree or higher education level attained by adults 25 years old or older living there according to 2019 estimates from Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates data set.
Bartholomew County offers residents plenty to do with its unique geography that includes parks for outdoor activities like camping and hiking trails along with plenty of shopping opportunities throughout its many townships all within easy reach from Columbus which serves as its largest city center offering entertainment options such as movie theaters and restaurants for dining out with family or friends on weekends or evenings after work hours are over.
Economy of Bartholomew County, Indiana
The economy of Bartholomew County, Indiana is largely agriculture and manufacturing based. The county, located in south-central Indiana, is part of the Columbus-Bartholomew Combined Statistical Area (CSA) and has a population of 85,936 people as of 2020.
Agriculture is a major economic contributor to the county with over 33% of the land being used for agricultural production such as corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. Livestock production also plays a role in the economy with cows, pigs and chickens all being raised for sale or consumption. The Bartholomew County Fair is held annually to celebrate local agricultural accomplishments and promote local produce.
Manufacturing is another significant economic sector in the county with many large companies such as Cummins Inc., ATA International Inc., and NSK Corporation having their headquarters located in Columbus. These companies employ thousands of people from Bartholomew County who work in manufacturing jobs such as machinists, welders, assemblers and tool makers. Other large employers include Arvin Sango Inc., which produces automotive parts; Cummins Filtration which manufactures air filters; and Regal Beloit Corporation which produces electric motors and generators.
Retail trade plays an important role in Bartholomew County’s economy with several large shopping malls located throughout the county including Tipton Lakes Mall in Columbus, Eastside Plaza Shopping Center in Edinburgh and Southside Plaza Shopping Center in Hope. Additionally, there are numerous smaller retail stores scattered throughout the county that offer clothing stores, specialty shops and other retail services for locals to enjoy.
Tourism is also an important segment of Bartholomew County’s economy with attractions like Ceraland Park providing entertainment to visitors from across the region while also generating revenue for local businesses like restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops. Additionally, there are several historical sites located throughout the county such as Clifty Falls State Park where visitors can learn about Native American culture or take part in outdoor activities like camping or fishing at Lake Monroe Reservoir near Bloomington.
Bartholomew County’s economy benefits from its well diversified mix of agriculture production, manufacturing jobs, retail trade opportunities and tourism attractions that all contribute to its growth while providing employment opportunities for residents within its borders.
Education in Bartholomew County, Indiana
According to Topschoolsintheusa, Bartholomew County, Indiana is home to a variety of public and private educational opportunities. The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) is the largest school district in the county, serving nearly 19,000 students in 14 elementary schools, four middle schools, two high schools and one alternative school. BCSC focuses on providing students with a well-rounded educational experience that emphasizes academic excellence and real-world learning through hands-on activities. The district also offers career and technical education courses to help students gain career readiness skills. BCSC also has an active special education program to provide support for students with special needs. In addition to BCSC, there are several other public school districts in Bartholomew County including Flat Rock-Hawcreek Schools and Hauser Junior-Senior High School.
Bartholomew County also has several private schools providing K-12 education to the community. These include St. Peter’s Lutheran School, which offers a Christian based curriculum; Trinity Lutheran High School which provides college preparatory classes; and Columbus Christian School which provides a Bible based education for children from kindergarten through grade 12. Private schools in the area offer an array of extracurricular activities such as sports teams, music programs, art classes and student clubs.
In addition to traditional public and private schools, Bartholomew County is home to two postsecondary institutions: Ivy Tech Community College Columbus/Franklin Region which provides two year degree programs; and Indiana University Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) which offers four year degree programs in a variety of disciplines ranging from business to nursing to engineering. IUPUC also offers graduate degrees in select areas such as business administration and nursing practice. Both universities provide flexible course delivery options including online courses for distance learners or those who need flexible scheduling due to work or family commitments.
Landmarks in Bartholomew County, Indiana
According to findjobdescriptions, Bartholomew County, Indiana is home to a number of landmarks that make it a unique and interesting place to visit. From the historic buildings and monuments to the natural beauty of the area, there is something for everyone in this vibrant county.
One of the most popular landmarks in Bartholomew County is Columbus City Hall. The building was built in 1872 and is a beautiful example of Italianate architecture. The building has been lovingly restored and now houses city government offices as well as a museum showcasing the history of Bartholomew County.
The Bartholomew County Courthouse is another iconic landmark located in downtown Columbus. The courthouse was built in 1874 and features an impressive clock tower that towers over the city skyline. This courthouse was also featured in the movie “A League of Their Own” which was filmed in Columbus, Indiana.
The Clements State Memorial is a memorial dedicated to Major General James B. Clements who served with distinction during World War I and World War II. This memorial includes a granite monument, bronze sculptures, flags from each branch of service, and several plaques honoring Major General Clements’ service to our country.
The Mill Race Park is another popular destination for visitors to Bartholomew County that features stunning views of Flat Rock Creek as it flows through downtown Columbus. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing ponds and more at this lovely park that spans over nine acres along the creek.
Nature lovers will appreciate visiting Clifty Falls State Park which offers breathtaking views of rugged sandstone cliffs along with hiking trails, camping sites, fishing spots and more than twenty-five miles of forest covering five thousand acres across four counties including Bartholhew County Indiana. Visitors can also enjoy exploring underground caverns at Bluespring Caverns State Park which features limestone formations formed by an underground river system over millions of years ago.
Finally, no visit to Bartholomew County would be complete without visiting some of its historic homes such as The Crump Theatre which was built in 1909 or Schofield House which was constructed around 1870 by one of Columbus’ first settlers – John Schofield Sr.. Both are now listed on the National Register for Historic Places ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
All these landmarks make Bartholomew County an unforgettable destination full of history, beauty and adventure. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities or cultural experiences there is something special awaiting you here.