Taylorville, Indiana

Coordinates: 39°27′45″N 87°25′25″W / 39.46250°N 87.42361°W / 39.46250; -87.42361
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Taylorville, Indiana
Location of Taylorville in Vigo County, Indiana.
Location of Taylorville in Vigo County, Indiana.
Coordinates: 39°27′45″N 87°25′25″W / 39.46250°N 87.42361°W / 39.46250; -87.42361
CountryUnited States
StateIndiana
CountyVigo
TownshipSugar Creek
Area
 • Total0.15 sq mi (0.39 km2)
 • Land0.15 sq mi (0.39 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation469 ft (143 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total38
 • Density251.66/sq mi (97.24/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
47885
Area code(s)812, 930
FIPS code18-18658
GNIS feature ID444608

Taylorville, also known as Taylorsville or Dresser, is an unincorporated community in eastern Sugar Creek Township, Vigo County, in the U.S. state of Indiana.[3] It is part of the Terre Haute metropolitan area. Though the United States Board on Geographic Names has officially designated the area as Taylorville, the 2010 United States Census considered the area a census designated place called Dresser.[4]

History[edit]

Taylorville was founded in 1908, and was named after a local farmer named Taylor.[5] A post office was established under the name Dresser in 1932, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1935.[6] Residents use the names Taylorville and Dresser interchangeably.[7]

Taylorville has historically had a reputation of being extremely poor and insular. A 1930s history of the village described it as “a breeding ground for all that was repugnant to American standards.”[8] Residents of Taylorville have recalled being bullied as children for being from the village. Residents do acknowledge that the village is extremely close-knit but also say they are simply independent and keep to themselves.[7][8]

Taylorville has declined in population in recent decades. The village is located in a floodplain and acquiring a permit to build a home in the village is difficult.[7] As of 2013, Vigo County officials were attempting to purchase properties in Taylorville in an effort to remove residents from flood-prone residences. This plan has been met with resistance from Taylorville residents.[8]

Geography[edit]

Taylorville is located at 39°27′45″N 87°25′25″W / 39.46250°N 87.42361°W / 39.46250; -87.42361 at an elevation of 591 feet. Located very near the Wabash River, the town is nestled between Terre Haute and West Terre Haute.

Demographics[edit]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
2010104
202038−63.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

As of the 2010 Census, the CDP of Dresser had 104 residents. All 104 residents were White and the median age was 38 years old.[10]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  2. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  3. ^ "Taylorville, Indiana". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  4. ^ "Dresser Census Designated Place". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  5. ^ Baker, Ronald L. (October 1995). From Needmore to Prosperity: Hoosier Place Names in Folklore and History. Indiana University Press. p. 320. ISBN 978-0-253-32866-3. ...was named in 1908 for a farmer called Captain Taylor.
  6. ^ "Vigo County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  7. ^ a b c McKee, Deb. "A look at the history behind the village of Taylorville". www.tribstar.com. Tribune-Star. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  8. ^ a b c Foulkes, Arthur. "Dresser: A town disappearing". www.tribstar.com. Tribune-Star. Retrieved January 26, 2020.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2016.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 26, 2020.