Clark County, Indiana
Encyclopedia
Clark County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Indiana
, located directly across the Ohio River
from Louisville
, Kentucky
. At the 2010 Census, the population was 110,232. The county seat
is Jeffersonville
. Clarksville
is also a major city in the county. Clark County is part of the Louisville/Jefferson County
, KY
–IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.
. A significant gateway to the state of Indiana
, Clark County’s settlement began in 1783. The state of Virginia
rewarded General George Rogers Clark
and his regiment for their victorious capture of Forts Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes from the British by granting them 150000 acres (607 km²) of land. A small portion of this land, 1000 acres (4 km²), became known as Clarksville
, the first authorized American settlement in Northwest Territory
, founded the next year in 1784.
Clark County was formed 3 February 1801 from Knox County. Counties later formed all or in part from Clark County were: Crawford (1818), Decatur (1822), Fayette (1819), Floyd (1819), Franklin (1811), Harrison (1808), Jackson (1816), Jefferson (1811), Jennings (1817), Randolph (1818), Ripley (1816), Rush (1822), Scott (1820), Switzerland (1814), Union (1821), Washington (1814), and Wayne (1811).
The first county seat and court was established in Springville
, Indiana
on April 7, 1801. The platting of Jeffersonville occurred a year later and the county seat was fixed to Jeffersonville on June 9, 1802 by order of Governor William Henry Harrison
. By December 14, 1810 the county seat changed for the third time to Charlestown and it would remain there until 1873. The county seat changed for one last time on September 23, 1873 and returned to Jeffersonville with then mayor Luther Warder
campaigning for the county seats return.
From its beginning Clark County’s history, culture and growth has been linked to the development of the river. The use of the steamboat in the early nineteenth century to transport goods and services provided Clark County opportunities for commercial and industrial growth. In 1832, James Howard
founded the Howard shipyards
making Clark County a leader in ship building and bringing with it economic growth.
The railroad brought further economic growth. Two railroad lines, the Monon, which spanned from New Albany to Chicago and the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis railroad, provided Clark County and southern Indiana with access to the northern trading centers of Indianapolis and Chicago.
Industries locating to Clark County during the nineteenth century included the Louisville Cement Company in Speed, Indiana
and the Ford Plate Glass Company established in Jeffersonville in 1876.
During the 1920s, Clark County attracted the Colgate-Palmolive Company to the Clarksville Riverfront. Colgate purchased the former Indiana Reformatory building in 1923. The Company rehabilitated and adapted the building for its dedication in 1924. They stayed in business until early 2008.
Throughout the years of the Second World War, Clark County prospered. The United States began construction on the Indiana Arsenal near Charlestown
in 1940. Producing smokeless powder for the conflict overseas, the arsenal, at times, employed as many as 20,000. During the war, Howard shipyards was Commissioned by the Navy to produce landing craft. Later Howard shipyards reorganized as Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company (Jeffboat
) — a current major employer (1991).
After World War II ended, Clark County as well as the United States experienced significant residential and commercial growth. The Interstate Highway System act of 1956 aided this growth. Because of the improved access and efficiency brought by the interstate system, especially Interstate 65
, new development in the form of subdivisions and shopping centers located near these roads.
Clark County history has been closely associated with the development of the Ohio River
. From its beginnings, Clark County relied on the river for economic opportunities. Clark County has diversified its economic base, lessened its dependency on the river, and continues to develop in new directions. However, the county still looks to the river as one link to its significant pioneer heritage.
, and by the Indiana Code
.
County Council: The seven member county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Four representatives are elected from county districts, and three are elected at large. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Courts: The Clark County Judicial System consists of 8 Courts:
Clark Circuit Court (Judge Daniel Moore)
Clark Superior Court #1 (Judge Vicki Carmichael)
Clark Superior Court #2 (Judge Jerome Jacobi)
Clark Superior Court #3 (Judge Joe P. Weber)
Jeffersonville City Court (Judge Ken Pierce)
Charlestown City Court (Judge George Waters)
Clarksville Town Court (Judge Samuel Gwin)
Sellersburg Town Court (Judge Thomas Lowe)
By statute, the Circuit and Superior Courts have unlimited jurisdiction with the power to hear all civil and criminal cases. City and Town Courts have jurisdiction to hear Ordinance violations and misdemeanor prosecutions, as well as civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed five hundred dollars ($500). Judgments in the City and Town Courts may be appealed de novo to the Clark Circuit Court. In addition, Clark Superior Court #3 maintains a Small Claims Docket. Local Rules of Practice may also limit the ability of a Court to hear certain cases. Judgments in other Courts may be appealed to the Indiana Court of appeals or the Indiana Supreme Court.
The Circuit and Superior Court Judges are assisted by 2 Magistrates, who are appointed and serve at the direction of the elected Judges.
The Circuit and Superior Court Judges are elected on a partisan basis, must reside within the County, and serve six year terms. The City and Town Court Judges are elected on a partisan basis, must reside within the City/Town, and serve four year terms.
Felony and Misdemeanor prosecutions are filed by the Prosecuting Attorney, who is elected on a partisan basis, must reside within the County, and serves a term of four years. The current Prosecuting Attorney, Steven D. Stewart, has been in Office since 1989.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including prosecuting attorney, sheriff
, coroner
, auditor, treasurer
, recorder
, surveyor
, and circuit court clerk
. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare a party
affiliation and to be residents of the county.
Clark County is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district
; Indiana Senate
districts 45 and 46; and Indiana House of Representatives
districts 66, 70, 71, 72 and 73.
Clark County is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district
and is represented in Congress by Republican
Todd Young
.
West Clark Community School Corp.
Greater Clark County Schools
of 2000, there were 96,472 people, 38,751 households, and 26,544 families residing in the county. The population density
was 257 people per square mile (99/km²). There were 41,176 housing units at an average density of 110 per square mile (42/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.30% White
, 6.63% Black
or African American
, 0.26% Native American
, 0.59% Asian
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
, 0.79% from other races
, and 1.40% from two or more races. 1.86% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 23.7% were of German
, 23.3% American
, 11.9% Irish
and 10.1% English
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 38,751 households out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.10% were married couples
living together, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.20% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 30.60% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,111, and the median income for a family was $47,412. Males had a median income of $32,197 versus $24,033 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $19,936. About 6.00% of families and 8.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.20% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of 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...
, located directly across the Ohio River
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
from Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. At the 2010 Census, the population was 110,232. 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....
is Jeffersonville
Jeffersonville, Indiana
Jeffersonville is a city in Clark County, Indiana, along the Ohio River. Locally, the city is often referred to by the abbreviated name Jeff. It is directly across the Ohio River to the north of Louisville, Kentucky along I-65. The population was 44,953 at the 2010 census...
. Clarksville
Clarksville, Indiana
Clarksville is a town in Clark County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River as a part of the Louisville Metropolitan area. The population was 21,724 at the 2010 census. The town, once a home site to George Rogers Clark, was founded in 1783 and is the oldest American town in the Northwest...
is also a major city in the county. Clark County is part of the Louisville/Jefferson County
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, KY
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
–IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Clark County lies on the north bank of the Ohio RiverOhio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
. A significant gateway to the state of 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...
, Clark County’s settlement began in 1783. The state of Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
rewarded General George Rogers Clark
George Rogers Clark
George Rogers Clark was a soldier from Virginia and the highest ranking American military officer on the northwestern frontier during the American Revolutionary War. He served as leader of the Kentucky militia throughout much of the war...
and his regiment for their victorious capture of Forts Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and Vincennes from the British by granting them 150000 acres (607 km²) of land. A small portion of this land, 1000 acres (4 km²), became known as Clarksville
Clarksville, Indiana
Clarksville is a town in Clark County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River as a part of the Louisville Metropolitan area. The population was 21,724 at the 2010 census. The town, once a home site to George Rogers Clark, was founded in 1783 and is the oldest American town in the Northwest...
, the first authorized American settlement in Northwest Territory
Northwest Territory
The Territory Northwest of the River Ohio, more commonly known as the Northwest Territory, was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from July 13, 1787, until March 1, 1803, when the southeastern portion of the territory was admitted to the Union as the state of Ohio...
, founded the next year in 1784.
Clark County was formed 3 February 1801 from Knox County. Counties later formed all or in part from Clark County were: Crawford (1818), Decatur (1822), Fayette (1819), Floyd (1819), Franklin (1811), Harrison (1808), Jackson (1816), Jefferson (1811), Jennings (1817), Randolph (1818), Ripley (1816), Rush (1822), Scott (1820), Switzerland (1814), Union (1821), Washington (1814), and Wayne (1811).
The first county seat and court was established in Springville
Springville, Indiana
Springville was a small town that existed from 1798-1811 in Charlestown Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. It was named for the springs in the area that provided a good fresh water supply. A Frenchman had established a trading post at the site in 1799, Indians called it Tullytown...
, 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...
on April 7, 1801. The platting of Jeffersonville occurred a year later and the county seat was fixed to Jeffersonville on June 9, 1802 by order of Governor William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison
William Henry Harrison was the ninth President of the United States , an American military officer and politician, and the first president to die in office. He was 68 years, 23 days old when elected, the oldest president elected until Ronald Reagan in 1980, and last President to be born before the...
. By December 14, 1810 the county seat changed for the third time to Charlestown and it would remain there until 1873. The county seat changed for one last time on September 23, 1873 and returned to Jeffersonville with then mayor Luther Warder
Luther Warder
Luther F. Warder was born in Kentucky and moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana when he was twenty years old at the start of the Civil War. He then worked in railroad shops and later politics until his death. Luther in 1875 would become mayor...
campaigning for the county seats return.
From its beginning Clark County’s history, culture and growth has been linked to the development of the river. The use of the steamboat in the early nineteenth century to transport goods and services provided Clark County opportunities for commercial and industrial growth. In 1832, James Howard
James Howard
James or Jim Howard may refer to:* James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk * James Howard , English dramatist* James Howard MP , British Liberal politician, manufacturer and agriculturalist...
founded the Howard shipyards
Howard Steamboat Museum
The Howard Steamboat Museum is located in Jeffersonville, Indiana, across from Louisville, Kentucky. Based in the old Howard home, it features items related to steamboat history....
making Clark County a leader in ship building and bringing with it economic growth.
The railroad brought further economic growth. Two railroad lines, the Monon, which spanned from New Albany to Chicago and the Jeffersonville, Madison, and Indianapolis railroad, provided Clark County and southern Indiana with access to the northern trading centers of Indianapolis and Chicago.
Industries locating to Clark County during the nineteenth century included the Louisville Cement Company in Speed, Indiana
Speed, Indiana
Speed is an unincorporated community in Silver Creek Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. It was previously known as Petersburg....
and the Ford Plate Glass Company established in Jeffersonville in 1876.
During the 1920s, Clark County attracted the Colgate-Palmolive Company to the Clarksville Riverfront. Colgate purchased the former Indiana Reformatory building in 1923. The Company rehabilitated and adapted the building for its dedication in 1924. They stayed in business until early 2008.
Throughout the years of the Second World War, Clark County prospered. The United States began construction on the Indiana Arsenal near Charlestown
Charlestown, Indiana
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 5,993 people, 2,341 households, and 1,615 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,570.0 people per square mile . There were 2,489 housing units at an average density of 1,067.4 per square mile...
in 1940. Producing smokeless powder for the conflict overseas, the arsenal, at times, employed as many as 20,000. During the war, Howard shipyards was Commissioned by the Navy to produce landing craft. Later Howard shipyards reorganized as Jeffersonville Boat and Machine Company (Jeffboat
Jeffboat
Jeffboat is the largest inland shipbuilder in the United States, located in Jeffersonville, Indiana. It is the second-largest builder of barges...
) — a current major employer (1991).
After World War II ended, Clark County as well as the United States experienced significant residential and commercial growth. The Interstate Highway System act of 1956 aided this growth. Because of the improved access and efficiency brought by the interstate system, especially Interstate 65
Interstate 65
Interstate 65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. The southern terminus is located at an intersection with Interstate 10 in Mobile, Alabama, and its northern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 90 , U.S. Route 12, and U.S...
, new development in the form of subdivisions and shopping centers located near these roads.
Clark County history has been closely associated with the development of the Ohio River
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest tributary, by volume, of the Mississippi River. At the confluence, the Ohio is even bigger than the Mississippi and, thus, is hydrologically the main stream of the whole river system, including the Allegheny River further upstream...
. From its beginnings, Clark County relied on the river for economic opportunities. Clark County has diversified its economic base, lessened its dependency on the river, and continues to develop in new directions. However, the county still looks to the river as one link to its significant pioneer heritage.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 376.45 square miles (975 km²), of which 372.86 square miles (965.7 km²) (or 99.05%) is land and 3.6 square miles (9.3 km²) (or 0.96%) is water.Adjacent counties
- Scott CountyScott County, IndianaAs of the census of 2000, there were 22,960 people, 8,832 households, and 6,491 families residing in the county. The population density was 121 people per square mile . There were 9,737 housing units at an average density of 51 per square mile...
- north - Jefferson CountyJefferson County, IndianaJefferson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 32,428. The county seat is Madison.-History:Jefferson County was formed in 1811...
- northeast - Trimble County, KentuckyTrimble County, KentuckyTrimble County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 8,125. Its county seat is Bedford. The county is named for Robert Trimble. Trimble is a prohibition or dry county. It is part of the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY–IN Metropolitan Statistical...
- east - Oldham County, KentuckyOldham County, KentuckyAs of the census of 2000, there were 46,178 people, 14,856 households, and 12,196 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 15,541 housing units at an average density of...
- southeast - Jefferson County, KentuckyJefferson County, KentuckyAs of the census of 2000, there were 693,604 people, 287,012 households, and 183,113 families residing in the county. The population density was . There were 305,835 housing units at an average density of...
- south - Floyd CountyFloyd County, IndianaFloyd County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 74,578. The county seat is New Albany. Floyd County is the county with the second smallest land area in the entire state...
- west - Washington CountyWashington County, IndianaWashington County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 28,262. The county seat is Salem.Washington County is part of the Louisville/Jefferson County, KY–IN Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Early settlers:...
- northwest
Cities and towns
- BordenBorden, IndianaBorden is a town in Wood Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 808 at the 2010 census. The town's official name was New Providence until December 29, 1994.-History:...
- CharlestownCharlestown, Indiana-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 5,993 people, 2,341 households, and 1,615 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,570.0 people per square mile . There were 2,489 housing units at an average density of 1,067.4 per square mile...
- ClarksvilleClarksville, IndianaClarksville is a town in Clark County, Indiana, United States, along the Ohio River as a part of the Louisville Metropolitan area. The population was 21,724 at the 2010 census. The town, once a home site to George Rogers Clark, was founded in 1783 and is the oldest American town in the Northwest...
- JeffersonvilleJeffersonville, IndianaJeffersonville is a city in Clark County, Indiana, along the Ohio River. Locally, the city is often referred to by the abbreviated name Jeff. It is directly across the Ohio River to the north of Louisville, Kentucky along I-65. The population was 44,953 at the 2010 census...
- SellersburgSellersburg, IndianaSellersburg is a city located within Silver Creek Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. It had a population of 6,128 at time of the 2010 census...
- UticaUtica, IndianaUtica is a town in Utica Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 776 at the 2010 census.- History :Between 1794-1825, Utica was a popular ferry crossing, as ferry crossings were considered too dangerous at Jeffersonville, due to inexperienced ferry operators and the Falls...
Unincorporated towns
- Bethlehem
- HenryvilleHenryville, IndianaHenryville is a census-designated place in Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 1,905 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Henryville is located at ....
- MarysvilleMarysville, IndianaMarysville is an unincorporated town in Oregon Township, Clark County, Indiana....
- MemphisMemphis, IndianaMemphis is a census-designated place in Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 695 at the 2010 census.-Geography:Memphis is located at ....
- NabbNabb, IndianaNabb is an unincorporated community in Lexington Township in Scott County and Washington Township in Clark County, in the southern part of the U.S. state of Indiana....
- New WashingtonNew Washington, IndianaNew Washington is a census-designated place in Clark County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP population was 547.-Geography:New Washington is located at ....
- Oak ParkOak Park, IndianaOak Park is a census-designated place in Clark County, Indiana, United States. The population was 5,379 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Oak Park is located at ....
- OtiscoOtisco, IndianaOtisco is an unincorporated town in Charlestown Township, Clark County, Indiana....
- SpeedSpeed, IndianaSpeed is an unincorporated community in Silver Creek Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. It was previously known as Petersburg....
- StarlightStarlight, IndianaStarlight is an unincorporated community in Wood Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. Addresses in Starlight are listed as part of nearby Borden.-Attractions:...
- WatsonWatson, IndianaWatson is an unincorporated town in Utica Township, Clark County, Indiana....
Extinct towns
- Oregon
- Port FultonPort Fulton, IndianaPort Fulton was a town located two miles up the river from Louisville, within present-day Jeffersonville, Indiana. At its height it stretched from the Ohio River to modern-day 10th Street, and from Crestview to Jefferson/Main Streets....
- SpringvilleSpringville, IndianaSpringville was a small town that existed from 1798-1811 in Charlestown Township, Clark County, Indiana, United States. It was named for the springs in the area that provided a good fresh water supply. A Frenchman had established a trading post at the site in 1799, Indians called it Tullytown...
Townships
- BethlehemBethlehem Township, Clark County, IndianaBethlehem Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 330.-Geography:Bethlehem Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Bethlehem* Miles Point* Otto...
- CarrCarr Township, Clark County, IndianaCarr Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,263.-Geography:Carr Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Bennettsville* Broom Hill* Carwood...
- CharlestownCharlestown Township, Clark County, IndianaCharlestown Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 11,457.-Geography:Charlestown Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Otisco* Rolling Hills...
- MonroeMonroe Township, Clark County, IndianaMonroe Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,688.-Geography:Monroe Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Adjacent townships:* Vienna Township, Scott County...
- OregonOregon Township, Clark County, IndianaOregon Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,540.-Unincorporated towns:* Marysville* Runyantown-Adjacent townships:...
- OwenOwen Township, Clark County, IndianaOwen Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 865.-Geography:Owen Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Hibernia* Owen* Sunset Village* Vesta...
- Silver CreekSilver Creek Township, Clark County, IndianaSilver Creek Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 9,399.-Geography:Silver Creek Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Cities and towns:* Clarksville...
- UnionUnion Township, Clark County, IndianaUnion Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,021.-Unincorporated towns:* Perry Crossing* Slatecut* Sylvan Grove...
- UticaUtica Township, Clark County, IndianaUtica Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 3,085.-Geography:Utica Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Cities and towns:* Jeffersonville...
- WashingtonWashington Township, Clark County, IndianaWashington Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 1,667.-Adjacent townships:* Saluda Township, Jefferson County * Bethlehem Township * Owen Township...
- WoodWood Township, Clark County, IndianaWood Township is one of twelve townships in Clark County, Indiana. As of the 2000 census, its population was 2,462.-Geography:Wood Township covers an area of ; of this is water.-Unincorporated towns:* Chestnut Hill* Starlight...
Major highways
-
Interstate 65Interstate 65Interstate 65 is a major Interstate Highway in the United States. The southern terminus is located at an intersection with Interstate 10 in Mobile, Alabama, and its northern terminus is at an interchange with Interstate 90 , U.S. Route 12, and U.S... -
Interstate 265Interstate 265Interstate 265 is an Interstate Highway ringing the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area, which includes southern Indiana, although the Indiana and Kentucky segments remain separate at the present time. In Kentucky it only runs through Jefferson County, from Interstate 71 in northeastern... -
U.S. Route 31U.S. Route 31U.S. Route 31 is a long north–south highway connecting northern Michigan to southern Alabama, with its northern terminus at Interstate 75 near Mackinaw City, Michigan, and southern terminus at the combined U.S. Route 90 & U.S. Route 98 at Spanish Fort, Alabama... -
Indiana State Road 3Indiana State Road 3State Road 3 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a discontinuous state road running through east central Indiana from near the Michigan state line to near the Ohio River... -
Indiana State Road 60Indiana State Road 60State Road 60 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a mostly rural, two-lane highway in the southeastern portion of the state, covering a distance of about .-Route description:... -
Indiana State Road 62Indiana State Road 62State Road 62 in the U.S. State of Indiana is an east–west route that runs from the Illinois state line in the southwest corner of Indiana to the Louisville, Kentucky area, then northeast toward the Cincinnati, Ohio area.-Route description:... -
Indiana State Road 111Indiana State Road 111State Road 111 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a rural two lane highway which passes though New Albany in the far southern portion of the state. It has existed since 1935.-Route description:... -
Indiana State Road 160Indiana State Road 160State Road 160 in the U.S. State of Indiana is a narrow two-lane road that crosses the scenic hill country of Washington, Scott and Clark counties.-Route description:The western terminus of State Road 160 is in Salem at its parent route, State Road 60... -
Indiana State Road 265 -
Indiana State Road 311Indiana State Road 311State Road 311 in the U.S. state of Indiana is a short southwest-to-northeast route in the southeastern part of the state.-Route description:State Road 311 runs a five-mile stretch from Interstate 265 north of New Albany to U.S. Route 31 near Interstate 65 in Sellersburg. State Road 311 in Floyd... -
Indiana State Road 362Indiana State Road 362State Road 362 in the U.S. state of Indiana is a short seven-mile route in the southeastern portion of the state.-Route description:State Road 362 straddles the Clark County border with Scott and Jefferson counties... -
Indiana State Road 403Indiana State Road 403State Road 403 is a six-mile northeast-to-southwest route that lies entirely within Clark County.-Route description:State Road 403 begins in the north end of Sellersburg at U.S. Route 31, just south of the community of Speed. The road runs northeast in a straight line toward central Charlestown...
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in Jeffersonville have ranged from a low of 25 °F (-3.9 °C) in January to a high of 87 °F (30.6 °C) in July, although a record low of -22 °F was recorded in January 1994 and a record high of 107 °F (41.7 °C) was recorded in July 1936. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 2.79 inches (7.1 cm) in October to 4.88 inches (12.4 cm) in May.Government
The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of IndianaConstitution of Indiana
There have been two Constitutions of the State of Indiana. The first constitution was created when the Territory of Indiana sent forty-three delegates to a constitutional convention on June 10, 1816 to establish a constitution for the proposed State of Indiana after the United States Congress had...
, and by the Indiana Code
Indiana Code
The Indiana Code is the code of laws for the US State of Indiana. The contents are the codification of the all the laws currently in effect within Indiana...
.
County Council: The seven member county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Four representatives are elected from county districts, and three are elected at large. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.
Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.
Courts: The Clark County Judicial System consists of 8 Courts:
Clark Circuit Court (Judge Daniel Moore)
Clark Superior Court #1 (Judge Vicki Carmichael)
Clark Superior Court #2 (Judge Jerome Jacobi)
Clark Superior Court #3 (Judge Joe P. Weber)
Jeffersonville City Court (Judge Ken Pierce)
Charlestown City Court (Judge George Waters)
Clarksville Town Court (Judge Samuel Gwin)
Sellersburg Town Court (Judge Thomas Lowe)
By statute, the Circuit and Superior Courts have unlimited jurisdiction with the power to hear all civil and criminal cases. City and Town Courts have jurisdiction to hear Ordinance violations and misdemeanor prosecutions, as well as civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed five hundred dollars ($500). Judgments in the City and Town Courts may be appealed de novo to the Clark Circuit Court. In addition, Clark Superior Court #3 maintains a Small Claims Docket. Local Rules of Practice may also limit the ability of a Court to hear certain cases. Judgments in other Courts may be appealed to the Indiana Court of appeals or the Indiana Supreme Court.
The Circuit and Superior Court Judges are assisted by 2 Magistrates, who are appointed and serve at the direction of the elected Judges.
The Circuit and Superior Court Judges are elected on a partisan basis, must reside within the County, and serve six year terms. The City and Town Court Judges are elected on a partisan basis, must reside within the City/Town, and serve four year terms.
Felony and Misdemeanor prosecutions are filed by the Prosecuting Attorney, who is elected on a partisan basis, must reside within the County, and serves a term of four years. The current Prosecuting Attorney, Steven D. Stewart, has been in Office since 1989.
County Officials: The county has several other elected offices, including prosecuting attorney, sheriff
Sheriff
A sheriff is in principle a legal official with responsibility for a county. In practice, the specific combination of legal, political, and ceremonial duties of a sheriff varies greatly from country to country....
, coroner
Coroner
A coroner is a government official who* Investigates human deaths* Determines cause of death* Issues death certificates* Maintains death records* Responds to deaths in mass disasters* Identifies unknown dead* Other functions depending on local laws...
, auditor, treasurer
Treasurer
A treasurer is the person responsible for running the treasury of an organization. The adjective for a treasurer is normally "tresorial". The adjective "treasurial" normally means pertaining to a treasury, rather than the treasurer.-Government:...
, recorder
Recorder of deeds
Recorder of deeds is a government office tasked with maintaining public records and documents, especially records relating to real estate ownership that provide persons other than the owner of a property with real rights over that property.-Background:...
, surveyor
Surveying
See Also: Public Land Survey SystemSurveying or land surveying is the technique, profession, and science of accurately determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them...
, and circuit court clerk
Court clerk
A court clerk is an officer of the court whose responsibilities include maintaining the records of a court. Another duty is to administer oaths to witnesses, jurors, and grand jurors...
. Each of these elected officers serves a term of four years and oversees a different part of county government. Members elected to county government positions are required to declare a party
Political party
A political party is a political organization that typically seeks to influence government policy, usually by nominating their own candidates and trying to seat them in political office. Parties participate in electoral campaigns, educational outreach or protest actions...
affiliation and to be residents of the county.
Elected county officials
The Clark County building is located on Court Avenue in downtown Jeffersonville, and has a council of 7 elected officials. The Clark County Council includes:Clark County is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district
Indiana's 9th congressional district
Indiana's 9th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. Located in south-central and southeastern Indiana, the district is based in Bloomington....
; Indiana Senate
Indiana Senate
The Indiana Senate is the upper house of the Indiana General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Indiana. The Senate is composed of 50 members representing an equal number of constituent districts. Senators serve four-year terms without term limits...
districts 45 and 46; and Indiana House of Representatives
Indiana House of Representatives
The Indiana House of Representatives is the lower house of the Indiana General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Indiana. The House is composed of 100 members representing an equal number of constituent districts. House members serve two-year terms without term limits...
districts 66, 70, 71, 72 and 73.
- Barbara C. Hollis
- Jackie Dickman
- Jack Coffman (Vice President)
- David Abbott (President)
- landon howell
- R Monty Snelling
- Danny Yost
- Scott Lewis (Attorney)
Clark County is part of Indiana's 9th congressional district
Indiana's 9th congressional district
Indiana's 9th congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Indiana. Located in south-central and southeastern Indiana, the district is based in Bloomington....
and is represented in Congress by Republican
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
Todd Young
Todd Young
Todd Christopher Young is the U.S. Representative for . He is a member of the Republican Party.- Early life:Young was born was born August 24, 1972, the second of three children of Bruce and Nancy Young. He lived in Marion County for several years before settling in Hamilton County, where he...
.
Schools
There are three separate public school districts and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis that serve the entirety of Clark County. The county is also served by two colleges that offer associates to bachelors degrees.Public school districts
Clarksville Community School Corp.- Clarksville Senior High School
- Clarksville Middle School
- Greenacres Elementary School
- George Rogers Clark Elementary School (Closed 05/2010)
West Clark Community School Corp.
- Silver Creek High School
- Bordon Jr/Sr High School
- Henryville Jr/Sr High School
- Silver Creek Middle School
- Bordon Elementary School
- Henryville Elementary School
- Silver Creek Elementary School
Greater Clark County Schools
- Charlestown High School
- Jeffersonville High SchoolJeffersonville High SchoolJeffersonville High School, home of the red devils, was founded in 1871-1872. Originally located in downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana, in the early 1970s a new, larger campus was constructed on the outer eastern edge of the city...
- New Washington High School
- Charlestown Middle School
- New Washington Middle School
- Parkview Middle School
- River Valley Middle School
- Bridgepoint Elementary School
- Maple Elementary School
- New Washington Elementary School
- Northaven Elementary School
- Parkwood Elementary School
- Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
- Riverside Elementary School
- Spring Hill Elementary School
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
- Utica Elementary School
- Wilson Elementary School
- Options Alternative School
- Corden Porter School
Private schools
Archdiocese of Indianapolis- Our Lady of Providence Junior-Senior High School
- St. Anthony of Padua Elementary School(K-7)
- Sacred Heart of Jesus (PK-8)
- St. Paul's School(K-6)
Colleges and universities
- Ivy Tech State College (Non-profit)
- Mid-America College of Funeral Services (Non-profit)
- Ottawa University - Jeffersonville (Non-Profit)
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 96,472 people, 38,751 households, and 26,544 families residing in the county. 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 257 people per square mile (99/km²). There were 41,176 housing units at an average density of 110 per square mile (42/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.30% White
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...
, 6.63% Black
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...
or African American
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...
, 0.26% Native American
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...
, 0.59% Asian
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...
, 0.04% Pacific Islander
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...
, 0.79% 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 1.40% from two or more races. 1.86% of the population were Hispanic
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...
or Latino
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...
of any race. 23.7% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 23.3% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 11.9% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and 10.1% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 38,751 households out of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.10% 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, 12.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.50% were non-families. 26.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.20% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 30.60% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 12.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,111, and the median income for a family was $47,412. Males had a median income of $32,197 versus $24,033 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 county was $19,936. About 6.00% of families and 8.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.20% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.
See also
- Louisville-Jefferson County, KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Louisville-Elizabethtown-Scottsburg, KY-IN Combined Statistical Area
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, IndianaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, IndianaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Clark County, Indiana.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Clark County, Indiana, United States...