Four months after the Indiana General Assembly established Clinton County, longtime resident John Pence donated 60 acres of centrally located farmland where the county seat would be built. Thanks to Pence’s generosity, the city of Frankfort, named in honor of his ancestral German home, was born on May 9, 1830. Dense forests, poor roads, and harsh winters were among the many challenges facing Frankfort’s earliest inhabitants. Yet, that tiny, close-knit community grew and blossomed into the beautiful “Gem City,” abundant in commerce, schools, churches, and culture. The spirit of those early settlers still prevails. It is revealed in their sons and daughters, who include heroes, entrepreneurs, educators, political leaders, artists, entertainers, athletes, and more. The images in this book highlight much of the history of a proud Hoosier city and those who call it home.
