Liberty Township is one of six townships in Tipton County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 2,332 (down from 2,471 at 2010[3]) and it contained 975 housing units.
Liberty Township | |
|---|---|
 Location in Tipton County | |
| Coordinates: 40°22′08″N 86°03′48″W / 40.36889°N 86.06333°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Indiana |
| County | Tipton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Indiana township |
| Area | |
• Total | 34.89 sq mi (90.4 km2) |
| • Land | 34.89 sq mi (90.4 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) 0% |
| Elevation | 876 ft (267 m) |
| Population | |
• Total | 2,332 |
| • Density | 67/sq mi (26/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 46068, 46072, 46076, 46902 |
| Area code | 765 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0453562 |
History
editA man with the surname of Kaywood was the first white settler in what is now Liberty Township. He built the first known log cabin in the township. The next known settler was William Riggs, who came from Madison County, Indiana in 1853.[4] During the years of early settlement, settlers had to travel to New London, Lafayette, or Perkinsville.[5]
Prior to its founding, Liberty Township was a part of Prairie Township and Wildcat Township. After June 1849, county officials decided to create "a new township organized out of the west part of Wildcat Township, to be called Liberty Township..." In September 1851, a two-mile piece of Prairie Township was added to Liberty Township. Sharpsville was considered for the county seat that same year, but Tipton would end up having that role.[6]
Geography
editAccording to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 34.89 square miles (90.4 km2), all land.[3]
Natural environment
editHistorically, the township had rich soil which was valuable for agriculture. Timber was plentiful and included walnut, poplar, oak, sycamore, elm, beech, maple, hickory and ash.[7]
Cities, towns, villages
editUnincorporated towns
edit(This list is based on USGS data and may include former settlements.)
Adjacent townships
edit- Taylor Township, Howard County (north)
- Wildcat Township (east)
- Cicero Township (south)
- Prairie Township (west)
- Harrison Township, Howard County (northwest)
Economy
editHistorically, Liberty Township was known for agriculture, with corn being the most popular crop. Oats, wheat, hay, tomatoes, peas, and beans were also commonly farmed, the latter three primarily for canning.[6]
Government
editPolitical districts
edit- Indiana's 5th congressional district
- State House District 32
- State Senate District 21
Education
editEarly history
editThe first school in the township was built in Sharpsville and began operation in 1852. Martha Ann Grishaw was the teacher. A second school was built, right downtown, just after the first school. All schools were operated on the subscription model. Public schools became available in 1852.[8]
Today
editStudents in Liberty Township attend Tri-Central Community Schools.
Infrastructure
editCemeteries
editThe township contains these four cemeteries: Jackson, Barlow (aka Mudcreek), Sharp, and Turner.
References
edit- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
- ^ "Census Bureau profile: Liberty Township, Tipton County, Indiana". United States Census Bureau. May 2023. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
- ^ a b "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County -- County Subdivision and Place -- 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census. Archived from the original on February 10, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
- ^ Pershing, p. 124
- ^ Pershing, p. 125
- ^ a b Pershing, p. 126
- ^ Pershing, p. 123
- ^ Pershing, p. 192-193
Sources
edit- Pershing, Marvin W. "History of Tipton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions". Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen (1914).