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Wabash County

Wabash County was formed in 1835. It was named for the Wabash River.

The name "Wabash" is an English spelling of the French name for the river, "Ouabache." French traders named the river after the Miami Indian word for the river, "Wabashike" (prounounced "Wah-bah-she-keh"), the word for "pure white."

County Government Website:  www.wabashcounty.in.gov
County Seat: Wabash

Cities in Wabash County

Wabash

The first settlers in Wabash County were Colonel David Burr, Colonel Hugh Hanna and Alexander Worth. In January 30, 1833, Wabash County was established and Wabash City was first incorporated in January 1849. Joseph A. Matlock was elected the first mayor of Wabash. Click here for a list of mayor and their years of service.

On January 26, 1856, the first passenger train arrived in Wabash. The railroad continued to play a major role in the development of Wabash. The big Four Railroad (the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad) were persuaded to build shops in Wabash. The railroad nor the canal nor the Indians brought Wabash its greatest claim to fame.

At eight o'clock on the evening of March 31, 1880, Wabash became the first electrically lighted city in the world. Click here to read the article from the Wabash Weekly Plain Dealer.

 

Annual Festivals and Parades

Very Berry Strawberry Festival

Held during mid-June in Historical Downtown Wabash, the festival features a craft market, cruise-in, entertainment, kid’s activities, health fair, chicken BBQ and strawberry treats.

Roann Covered Bridge Festival

Join the residents of Roann and Wabash County as we celebrate the heritage of the Roann Covered Bridge. This four day festival runs Thursday thru Sunday and happens every year the weekend after Labor Day. This annual fall festival is widely known for its free family entertainment including an antique tractor pull, parade, pedal tractor pull, mud volley ball, live music, entertainment and so much more!

Resources

Chambers of Commerce

Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce

North Manchester Chamber of Commerce
The North Manchester Chamber of Commerce serves to facilitate the growth and promotion of its members, supporting them through education, training, and advocacy.
The Chamber serves as a community leader fostering projects and programs that will promote the economic health, welfare and development of business in the North Manchester area.
As a community leader, the Chamber of Commerce also acts as a conduit through which other organizations and people can coordinate and improve the economic vitality within the North Manchester area.

Libraries

  • Barton Rees Pogue Memorial Public Library
  • Fairmount Public Library
  • Gas City-Mill Twp Public Library
  • Jonesboro Public Library
  • Marion Public Library
  • Matthews Public Library
  • Swayzee Public Library
  • Van Buren Public Library

Universities