Brazil, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Brazil is a city in Clay County
, Indiana
, United States
. The population was 7,912 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat
of Clay County
. It is part of the Terre Haute
Metropolitan Statistical Area. The current chief executive of Brazil is Mayor
Ann Bradshaw (Democrat
).
, because that country was often the subject of news at the time.
The city was founded in 1866 under the name of that farm.
As of now, Brazil is a part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. Clay county, which was formed in 1825, originally had Bowling Green as its county seat; the county seat was relocated to Brazil in 1876, following the city's incredible development.
The Chafariz dos Contos (Fountain of the Contos) was given by the country of Brazil as a gift to the city, as a symbol of friendship, and was assembled in Forest Park in 1956. It is a replica of the original fountain located in Ouro Preto
, Brazil
, built in 1745.
In 2010 the city gained national attention for having accepted money from Kentucky Fried Chicken for the rights to display the KFC
and Fiery Grilled Wings logos on city fire hydrants.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.7 km²), of which, 3.3 square miles (8.7 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.89%) is water.
Brazil experiences warm, even hot and humid summers and cold winters as part of the humid continental climate
.
of 2000, there were 8,188 people, 3,383 households, and 2,151 families residing in the city. The population density
was 2,450.6 people per square mile (946.5/km²). There were 3,740 housing units at an average density of 1,119.3 per square mile (432.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.80% White, 0.64% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races
, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.
There were 3,383 households out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples
living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,902, and the median income for a family was $37,569. Males had a median income of $29,693 versus $20,215 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $15,123. About 10.7% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.
Brazil has a relatively low crime rate, but this is changing as the issue of methamphetamine
manufacture, sale and use is increasing in southwestern Indiana. In April, 2006, a major arrest by local, county, state and Federal officials netted several suspects in Brazil in a meth distribution ring.
, which is referred to as National Avenue within Brazil. Due to frequent accidents on Interstate 70
, five miles (8 km) to the south of the town and often under construction, police often re-route traffic through Brazil, which creates traffic problems on U.S. 40 and the north-south Indiana Highway 59 (Forest Avenue, which intersects U.S. 40).
Many of Brazil's streets are in disrepair and very bumpy. The original brick roadbed is visible in many places through the asphalt. Also evident in several sections are stretches of the original brick streets in excellent condition, fine testament to their design and construction. However, many intersections have no traffic control devices (stop/yield signs).
The annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
often causes traffic problems on Indiana Highway 59.
Brazil's sewer/drainage system dates from the early 20th century. Even though large section of the sewer system were replaced in the late 20th century, a moderate rainstorm will cause the storm drain system to back up and flood town streets.
is a public-use airport
located in Clay County, three nautical miles (3.5 mi, 5.6 km) south of Brazil's central business district
.
was a short-line railroad that once ran a tourist excursion called the Beaver Creek Express between Brazil and Limedale. The line was dismantled after TBER entered bankruptcy and ceased operation on December 31, 1993.
Clay County, Indiana
Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 26,890. The county seat is Brazil. Clay County is included in the Terre Haute, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :Clay County was formed in 1825...
, Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 7,912 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Clay County
Clay County, Indiana
Clay County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 26,890. The county seat is Brazil. Clay County is included in the Terre Haute, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :Clay County was formed in 1825...
. It is part of the Terre Haute
Terre Haute, Indiana
Terre Haute is a city and the county seat of Vigo County, Indiana, United States, near the state's western border with Illinois. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 60,785 and its metropolitan area had a population of 170,943. The city is the county seat of Vigo County and...
Metropolitan Statistical Area. The current chief executive of Brazil is Mayor
Mayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
Ann Bradshaw (Democrat
Democratic Party (United States)
The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous...
).
History
In the 1840s, the owners of the farm which would later originate the city of Brazil decided to name their farm after the country of BrazilBrazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, because that country was often the subject of news at the time.
The city was founded in 1866 under the name of that farm.
As of now, Brazil is a part of the Terre Haute Metropolitan Statistical Area. Clay county, which was formed in 1825, originally had Bowling Green as its county seat; the county seat was relocated to Brazil in 1876, following the city's incredible development.
The Chafariz dos Contos (Fountain of the Contos) was given by the country of Brazil as a gift to the city, as a symbol of friendship, and was assembled in Forest Park in 1956. It is a replica of the original fountain located in Ouro Preto
Ouro Preto
-History:Founded at the end of the 17th century, Ouro Preto was originally called Vila Rica, or "rich village," the focal point of the gold rush and Brazil's golden age in the 18th century under Portuguese rule....
, Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, built in 1745.
In 2010 the city gained national attention for having accepted money from Kentucky Fried Chicken for the rights to display the KFC
KFC
KFC, founded and also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a chain of fast food restaurants based in Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States. KFC has been a brand and operating segment, termed a concept of Yum! Brands since 1997 when that company was spun off from PepsiCo as Tricon Global...
and Fiery Grilled Wings logos on city fire hydrants.
Geography
Brazil is located at 39°31′30"N 87°7′39"W (39.525030, -87.127380).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.7 km²), of which, 3.3 square miles (8.7 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it (0.89%) is water.
Brazil experiences warm, even hot and humid summers and cold winters as part of the humid continental climate
Humid continental climate
A humid continental climate is a climatic region typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold winters....
.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 8,188 people, 3,383 households, and 2,151 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 2,450.6 people per square mile (946.5/km²). There were 3,740 housing units at an average density of 1,119.3 per square mile (432.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.80% White, 0.64% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.28% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.61% of the population.
There were 3,383 households out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $30,902, and the median income for a family was $37,569. Males had a median income of $29,693 versus $20,215 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $15,123. About 10.7% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.
Brazil has a relatively low crime rate, but this is changing as the issue of methamphetamine
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs...
manufacture, sale and use is increasing in southwestern Indiana. In April, 2006, a major arrest by local, county, state and Federal officials netted several suspects in Brazil in a meth distribution ring.
Government
The government consists of a mayor and a city council. The mayor is elected in citywide vote. The city council consists of five members. Four are elected from individual districts. One is elected at-large.Education
The Brazil, Staunton, and Van Buren high schools were consolidated into Northview High School, which graduated its first class in 1985. Brazil High School replaced the original high school, built around 1906. Built in 1916, it was located on the southeast corner of SR59 and Kruzan, now occupied by the YMCA. Like many other Indiana schools, it was designed by the Terre Haute architectural firm of Johnson, Miller, and Miller.Traffic/street issues
The main street of Brazil is U.S. Highway 40, the historic National RoadNational Road
The National Road or Cumberland Road was the first major improved highway in the United States to be built by the federal government. Construction began heading west in 1811 at Cumberland, Maryland, on the Potomac River. It crossed the Allegheny Mountains and southwestern Pennsylvania, reaching...
, which is referred to as National Avenue within Brazil. Due to frequent accidents on Interstate 70
Interstate 70
Interstate 70 is an Interstate Highway in the United States that runs from Interstate 15 near Cove Fort, Utah, to a Park and Ride near Baltimore, Maryland. It was the first Interstate Highway project in the United States. I-70 approximately traces the path of U.S. Route 40 east of the Rocky...
, five miles (8 km) to the south of the town and often under construction, police often re-route traffic through Brazil, which creates traffic problems on U.S. 40 and the north-south Indiana Highway 59 (Forest Avenue, which intersects U.S. 40).
Many of Brazil's streets are in disrepair and very bumpy. The original brick roadbed is visible in many places through the asphalt. Also evident in several sections are stretches of the original brick streets in excellent condition, fine testament to their design and construction. However, many intersections have no traffic control devices (stop/yield signs).
The annual Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
Parke County Covered Bridge Festival
The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is a fall festival which takes place in nine communities in Parke County, Indiana. It celebrates the county's 31 covered bridges, and is attended by more than 2 million people each year...
often causes traffic problems on Indiana Highway 59.
Brazil's sewer/drainage system dates from the early 20th century. Even though large section of the sewer system were replaced in the late 20th century, a moderate rainstorm will cause the storm drain system to back up and flood town streets.
Airport
The Brazil Clay County AirportBrazil Clay County Airport
Brazil Clay County Airport is a public-use airport located three nautical miles south of the central business district of Brazil, a city in Clay County, Indiana, United States. It is owned by the Brazil-Clay County BOAC....
is a public-use airport
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
located in Clay County, three nautical miles (3.5 mi, 5.6 km) south of Brazil's central business district
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
.
Rail
The Terre Haute, Brazil and Eastern RailroadTerre Haute, Brazil and Eastern Railroad
The Terre Haute, Brazil and Eastern Railroad was a short-line railroad that was incorporated May 1, 1987 and began operations on October 15, 1987. The TBER operated over 30 miles of the Pennsylvania Railroad's St. Louis-Indianapolis-Pittsburgh Line, which had been abandoned by Conrail in 1984 in...
was a short-line railroad that once ran a tourist excursion called the Beaver Creek Express between Brazil and Limedale. The line was dismantled after TBER entered bankruptcy and ceased operation on December 31, 1993.
Famous former residents
- Jimmy HoffaJimmy HoffaJames Riddle "Jimmy" Hoffa was an American labor union leader....
, Union organizer - Orville RedenbacherOrville RedenbacherOrville Clarence Redenbacher was an American businessman most often associated with the brand of popcorn that bears his name.-Early life:...
, popcorn tycoon - Henry Lee SummerHenry Lee SummerHenry Lee Summer is an American rock singer, songwriter, musician, and Record producer from Brazil, Indiana best known for his hit singles "I Wish I Had A Girl" and "Hey Baby".-Career:...
, 80s pop singer - Charles B. Hall, Tuskegee Airman, first African American pilot to shoot down a German Focke-Wulf on July 2, 1943. A street on the north side of Brazil is named for Hall and a memorial was placed in front of City Hall on July 15, 2009.
- Ralph Francis StearleyRalph Francis StearleyRalph Francis Stearley was a United States Army and Air Force officer. He is best known as a general in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Stearly was born at Brazil, Indiana, in 1898...
, Air Force General - Harold "Babe" Wheeler, Hall of Fame High School Basketball Coach
- George N. CraigGeorge N. CraigGeorge North Craig was the 39th Governor of the U.S. state of Indiana from 1953 until 1957. A lawyer and veteran of World War II who was promoted to serve in a division command staff, Craig first gained popularity in the state as national commander of the American Legion...
, Governor of Indiana; Past National Commander of American Legion - Ivan FuquaIvan FuquaIvan William Fuqua was an American athlete, a gold medal winner in the 4x400 m relay at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Fuqua was born in Decatur, Illinois, and graduated from Brazil High School in Brazil, Indiana, where he set multiple track and field school records...
, winner of gold medal in 4x400 m relay at the 1932 Summer Olympics - Johnnie DavisJohnnie DavisJohnnie Davis, also billed as Johnny Davis and Johnnie "Scat" Davis, was an American actor and singer....
, musician, band leader - Gerald Eades BentleyGerald Eades BentleyGerald Eades Bentley was an American academic and literary scholar, best remembered for his The Jacobean and Caroline Stage, published by Oxford University Press in seven volumes between 1941 and 1968...
, scholar of Elizabethan theatre - Tony Bussing - US Veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom
Area festivals
- Brazil Rotary’s Annual 4th of JulyIndependence Day (United States)Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
Festival - Clay County Popcorn Festival (First Weekend in October)
- Christmas in the Park Celebration (Day after Thanksgiving until Dec 26th)
- Parke County Covered Bridge FestivalParke County Covered Bridge FestivalThe Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is a fall festival which takes place in nine communities in Parke County, Indiana. It celebrates the county's 31 covered bridges, and is attended by more than 2 million people each year...
(15 miles north of Brazil) (Starts second Friday in October, lasts two weeks) - Cory Apple Festival, Cory, IN. 15 Miles SW of Brazil in Clay County. (Last Full Weekend of September, Friday - Sunday)