Brownsburg, Indiana
Encyclopedia
As of the census
of 2000, there were 14,520 people, and 5,366 households residing in the town. The population density
was 1,983.5 people per square mile (765.9/km²). There were 5,574 housing units at an average density of 761.4 per square mile (294.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.44% White, 0.32% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races
, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.18% of the population.
There were 5,366 households out of which 41.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples
living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the town the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 34.5% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $53,629, and the median income for a family was $63,245. Males had a median income of $46,240 versus $28,685 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $23,196. About 1.5% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
In 1828, the first log school house was built in Brown Township. One room brick schools were built every four miles, and everyone in the family except the mothers went to school when it was not crop season. The age range in the classroom was from six years to forty-three years. Brown Township was divided in 1863, becoming Brown Township to the North, named after its first resident. Lincoln Township was created to the South, being named after President Abraham Lincoln
as a sign of support during the American Civil War
. A stagecoach
line was established along a road built in 1820 connecting all of the small outlying communities with Indianapolis. William Harris settled in the area North of what is now Main Street, selling sections of woods to incoming pioneers which gave the town its original name of Harrisburg in 1835. A post office was established in 1836 under the name of Harrisburg, but was later changed to Brownsburg since the name Harrisburg was being used by a post office in another Indiana County. The first church building to be erected in Brownsburg was a log structure built in 1840. From the 1840s to the 1870s, the town almost tripled in size, from its original six acres to more than sixteen acres. 1848 brought the area’s first election with a total of ten male votes cast.
In 1869, the Big Four Railroad opened service to Brownsburg. By 1910, the Interurban
was making daily trips between Indianapolis
and Crawfordsville
with scheduled hourly stops in Brownsburg.
In 1917, Superintendent of Schools Sylvester Moore and his wife were instrumental in forming Brownsburg’s first public library, funded by local gifts as well as a $12,500 gift from Carnegie Corporation. This building served as the Brownsburg Police Department headquarters for several years and is currently empty. The first two-story schoolhouse was built in 1917 on College Avenue. Later a gym was added to the site and was one of gymnasiums used for the filming of the movie Hoosiers
. The late 1950s saw the first high school erection. It was during this time the first shopping area was established on the East edge of the Town.
Currently Brownsburg Fire Territory employs 87 firefighters, civilian medics, and administative staff to serve the community. The incorporated Town of Brownsburg is served by the Brownsburg Police Department (BPD). Within the BPD there are 7 divisions:
The townships of Brown and Lincoln are served by the Hendricks County Sheriff's office, though BPD often responds first.
maintains all public schools in Brownsburg. All public schools are fully accredited.
Harris Academy
http://www.brownsburg.k12.in.us/harris/
Brownsburg East Middle School
White Lick Elementary School
Delaware Trail Elementary School
Cardinal Elementary School
Eagle Elementary School
Reagan Elementary School
ST. Malachy
Census
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 14,520 people, and 5,366 households residing in the town. 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 1,983.5 people per square mile (765.9/km²). There were 5,574 housing units at an average density of 761.4 per square mile (294.0/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 97.44% White, 0.32% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.78% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.35% 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 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.18% of the population.
There were 5,366 households out of which 41.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% 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, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. 20.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.10.
In the town the population was spread out with 29.2% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 34.5% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $53,629, and the median income for a family was $63,245. Males had a median income of $46,240 versus $28,685 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 town was $23,196. About 1.5% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.3% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.
History
Brownsburg's first settler was James B. Brown , a Kentucky native, who settled in Brown Township in 1824. At the time the area was dense and unbroken wilderness with only hunters and trappers in the area. Delaware Indians lived in what is now called Lincoln Township, along White Lick Creek, which was then called “Wa-pe-ke-way” or “White Salt”.In 1828, the first log school house was built in Brown Township. One room brick schools were built every four miles, and everyone in the family except the mothers went to school when it was not crop season. The age range in the classroom was from six years to forty-three years. Brown Township was divided in 1863, becoming Brown Township to the North, named after its first resident. Lincoln Township was created to the South, being named after President Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
as a sign of support during the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
. A stagecoach
Stagecoach
A stagecoach is a type of covered wagon for passengers and goods, strongly sprung and drawn by four horses, usually four-in-hand. Widely used before the introduction of railway transport, it made regular trips between stages or stations, which were places of rest provided for stagecoach travelers...
line was established along a road built in 1820 connecting all of the small outlying communities with Indianapolis. William Harris settled in the area North of what is now Main Street, selling sections of woods to incoming pioneers which gave the town its original name of Harrisburg in 1835. A post office was established in 1836 under the name of Harrisburg, but was later changed to Brownsburg since the name Harrisburg was being used by a post office in another Indiana County. The first church building to be erected in Brownsburg was a log structure built in 1840. From the 1840s to the 1870s, the town almost tripled in size, from its original six acres to more than sixteen acres. 1848 brought the area’s first election with a total of ten male votes cast.
In 1869, the Big Four Railroad opened service to Brownsburg. By 1910, the Interurban
Interurban
An interurban, also called a radial railway in parts of Canada, is a type of electric passenger railroad; in short a hybrid between tram and train. Interurbans enjoyed widespread popularity in the first three decades of the twentieth century in North America. Until the early 1920s, most roads were...
was making daily trips between Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
and Crawfordsville
Crawfordsville
Crawfordsville may refer to the following places in the United States:* Crawfordsville, Arkansas* Crawfordsville, Indiana* Crawfordsville, Iowa...
with scheduled hourly stops in Brownsburg.
In 1917, Superintendent of Schools Sylvester Moore and his wife were instrumental in forming Brownsburg’s first public library, funded by local gifts as well as a $12,500 gift from Carnegie Corporation. This building served as the Brownsburg Police Department headquarters for several years and is currently empty. The first two-story schoolhouse was built in 1917 on College Avenue. Later a gym was added to the site and was one of gymnasiums used for the filming of the movie Hoosiers
Hoosiers
Hoosiers is a 1986 sports film about a small-town Indiana high school basketball team that wins the state championship. It is loosely based on the Milan High School team that won the 1954 state championship....
. The late 1950s saw the first high school erection. It was during this time the first shopping area was established on the East edge of the Town.
Public safety
Brownsburg, along with Brown and Lincoln townships are served by the Brownsburg Fire Territoy (BFT). BFT is responsiable for 52 square miles.Currently Brownsburg Fire Territory employs 87 firefighters, civilian medics, and administative staff to serve the community. The incorporated Town of Brownsburg is served by the Brownsburg Police Department (BPD). Within the BPD there are 7 divisions:
- Interstate Crime Enforcement team (I.C.E.); patrols I-74 as well as I-65 outside of Brownsburg limits
- K9 Unit; consists of four canines and their officers
- Uniform Patrol and Reserves; makes up 80% of BPD
- Motorcycle Unit consisting of two Harley-Davidson police motorcycles
- Bicycle Unit; consits of five officers operating eight months of the year
- Training Unit
- Emergency Response Team; commonly called a SWAT team; not a full-time department and is used only in crises.
The townships of Brown and Lincoln are served by the Hendricks County Sheriff's office, though BPD often responds first.
Public schools
Brownsburg Community School CorporationBrownsburg Community School Corporation
Brownsburg Community School Corporation is a public school district in the community of Brownsburg, Indiana. The total enrollment in the Brownsburg Community Schools is 6,848 as of 10-07. The superintendent is Jim Snapp.-Elementary:*St...
maintains all public schools in Brownsburg. All public schools are fully accredited.
High schools
Brownsburg High SchoolBrownsburg High School
Brownsburg High School is a public high school in Brownsburg, Indiana, United States within the Brownsburg Community School Corporation. The student count for the 2010-2011 school year is 2,204.-Sports teams' state championship games:In year order...
- The ISTEP scores have averaged 13.6% above the statewide average for the past 7 years. Graduation rate as of 2006 was 85.3% with 406 students graduating. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 88% of the 2008 students are White,7% are Hispanic, 2% are Black, 2% are Asian, and 2% are Multiracial.
Harris Academy
http://www.brownsburg.k12.in.us/harris/
Middle schools
Brownsburg West Middle School- The ISTEP scores have averaged 12.6% above the statewide average for the past 7 years. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 88% of the 720 students are White, 6% are Hispanic, 3% are Black, 2% are Asian, and 1% are Multiracial.
Brownsburg East Middle School
- The ISTEP scores have averaged 13.2% above the statewide average for the past 2 years. It became a new school in 2005. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 86% of the 952 students are White, 6% are Hispanic, 4% are Black, 2% are Asian, and 2% are Multiracial.
Elementary schools
Brown Elementary School- The ISTEP scores have averaged 16.0% above the statewide average for the past 7 years. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 92% of the 701 students are White, 2% are Black, 3% are Hispanic, 1% are Asian, and 2% are Multiracial. 4-Star School.
White Lick Elementary School
- The ISTEP scores have averaged 10.5% above the statewide average for the past 7 years. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 78% of the 557 students are White, 11% are Black, 3% are Hispanic, 3% are Asian, and 4% are Multiracial.
Delaware Trail Elementary School
- The ISTEP scores have averaged 12.6% above the statewide average for the past 6 years. It became a new school in 2005. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 83% of the 633 students are White, 10% are Black, 2% are Hispanic, 2% are Asian, and 3% are Multiracial. 4-Star School.
Cardinal Elementary School
- The ISTEP scores have averaged 12.6% above the statewide average for the past 6 years. It became a new school in 2005. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 90% of the 588 students are White, 1% are Black, 4% are Hispanic, 2% are Asian, 1% Native American, and 2% are Multiracial. 4-Star School.
Eagle Elementary School
- The ISTEP scores have averaged 18.9% above the statewide average for the past 7 years. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 89% of the 728 students are White, 5% are Black, 2% are Hispanic, 1% are Asian, and 4% are Multiracial. 4-Star School.
Reagan Elementary School
- Opened for 2008 School year. It was completed in July, 2008. Reagan Elementary School is expected to hold a capacity of 684 students.
Private schools
Bethesda Christian School- The ISTEP scores have averaged 27.0% above the statewide average for the past 4 years. Graduation rate as of 2006 was 95.7% with 22 students graduating. As of the 2006-2007 school year, 96% of the 408 students are White, .2% are Asian, and 1% are Multiracial. Bethesda Christian School is PK-12 grades and is an Accredited-Freeway School.
ST. Malachy
- Created in 1955.
Notable natives
- Lance LynnLance LynnMichael Lance Lynn is an American professional baseball player with the St. Louis Cardinals.-Early and personal life:...
- St. Louis Cardinals MLB Pitcher & 2005 Indiana Mr. Baseball http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/L/lance-lynn.shtml - Drew StorenDrew StorenDrew Patrick Storen is an American baseball relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals. The Nationals selected the 6'1" 170 lb. right-hander No. 10 overall in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft...
- Washington Nationals All-Star MLB Pitcher - Bobby EastBobby EastRobert East, born in Torrance, California on December 17, 1984, is an American auto racing driver. He has raced in the United States Auto Club, the Auto Racing Club of American, and NASCAR...
- Racecar driver and resident - Arthur W Graham IIIArthur W Graham IIIArthur "Art" W. Graham III, was the Director of Timing & Scoring for the Indianapolis 500 from 1978-97.A native of Columbus, IN , but a longtime resident of Brownsburg, IN , Graham Created the 1st fully automatic electronic race timing and scoring system and introduced many of the...
: Creator of 1st fully automatic electronic race timing & scoring system; long-time Indy 500 Executive Race Official - Bill SampenBill SampenWilliam Albert Sampen , is a former professional baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1990-1994. In his rookie year he nearly won the Rookie of the Year Award. He now resides in Brownsburg,IN where he helps coach the local baseball team...
- Former Major League Baseball pitcher for three teams - Robbie StanleyRobbie StanleyRobbie Stanley, born November 16, 1967 in Brownsburg, Indiana died May 26, 1994 in Winchester, Indiana was an American auto racing driver.After winning the All-Star Circuit of Champions championship in 1989, he began racing in USAC...
- Racecar driver - Kent BottenfieldKent BottenfieldKent Dennis Bottenfield is a former Major League Baseball pitcher from 1992 to 2001 for the Montreal Expos, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Anaheim Angels, Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros...
- Former Major League Pitcher 1999 All Star - John AndrettiJohn AndrettiJohn Andretti is an American race car driver. He has won in CART, IMSA GTP, Rolex Sports Car Series and NASCAR. He was the last NASCAR driver to win a Cup race for the famous Petty Enterprises team.-Andretti family:...
- Racecar driver and former resident - Aldo AndrettiAldo AndrettiAldo Andretti is the twin brother of Mario Andretti and the father of John Andretti and Adam Andretti. He is the uncle of Michael Andretti and Jeff Andretti, and great-uncle of Marco Andretti. Aldo and Mario are identical twins...
- Former racecar driver - Gordon HaywardGordon HaywardGordon Daniel Hayward , is an American basketball player for the Utah Jazz. He played college basketball at Butler University in Indianapolis for two seasons before leaving for the NBA. Hayward emerged as a superstar in his sophomore year, leading his team to a runner-up finish in the 2010 NCAA...
- Former Butler BulldogsButler Bulldogs men's basketballThe Butler Bulldogs men's basketball team represents Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The school's team currently competes in the Horizon League, of which it has been a member since 1979...
basketball player who is currently with the Utah JazzUtah JazzThe Utah Jazz is a professional basketball team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They are currently a part of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association...
; 9th overall pick of the 2010 NBA Draft - Angela Ganote - Fox 59 Co-Anchor and current resident http://www.fox59.com/about/station/staff/wxin-angela-ganote-37702,0,7170112.story
- Allen HughesAllen HughesAllen Hughes was an American dance and music critic.Born in Brownsburg, Indiana, Hughes started his career as a critic in 1950 when he joined the staff of Musical America. In 1955, he became a music critic for The New York Herald Tribune...
- Brownsburg native and former New York Times music and dance critic http://brownsburg-indiana.funcityfinder.com/people/ - Mike VanderjagtMike VanderjagtMichael John "Mike" Vanderjagt , is a professional American and Canadian football placekicker and punter who has played in the Arena Football League, the Canadian Football League and National Football League...
- Former NFL kicker and former resident http://brownsburg-indiana.funcityfinder.com/2010/03/11/mike-vanderjagt/ - Mark TitusMark TitusMark Titus is an American blogger, college graduate and former walk-on basketball player for Ohio State University. Since October 2008, he has written about his basketball-related experiences in his blog 'Club Trillion'. He was selected in the 2010 Harlem Globetrotters draft...
- Contributing Writer for ESPN Insider