Stringtown, Indiana, Vanderburgh County is an intriguing ghost town that once thrived in the heart of Indiana. Despite its eventual decline, the remnants of Stringtown still whisper tales of its past. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Vanderburgh County
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 38.0317° N, 87.5789° W
Elevation: Approximately 390 feet
Time Zone: Central Time Zone (CT)
Established: Not available
Disestablished: Not available
Comments: Stringtown, Indiana, is a fascinating example of a ghost town that has largely disappeared from the map.
While there is limited historical information about its heyday, the town’s existence reminds us of the many small communities that once dotted the Midwest, driven by the ambitions of industry and agriculture.
Remains: Today, there are very few, if any, physical remains of Stringtown. The area that once hosted this community has been absorbed by the urban expansion of nearby cities, leaving little trace of the original settlement.
An 1881 history of the county offers the following brief description: “String Town” is a mining place close to Snoddy’s mill. It is a collection of cheap houses erected mainly by the coal companies to be used by the miners.
It is of mushroom growth, and an immense business is being done, especially in liquors, with about seventeen saloons at this point. It is hoped that the better element will become stronger and that at some time, this intemperance will cease.
There are about 600 men employed in the mines, and the demand for coal is far beyond the ability to supply due to the scarcity of conveyance. There are religious organizations here, but they are mainly composed of foreigners engaged in mining.
Current Status: Stringtown’s location has been integrated into the surrounding urban landscape, and there are no official designations or preservation efforts for the town itself. It exists now mostly in historical records and the memories of those who once lived nearby.
Remarks: Stringtown is a poignant example of the transient nature of many small American towns. As industries and transportation routes shifted, so did populations, leading to the rise and fall of places like Stringtown.
Countless other ghost towns across the United States share its story, each with its unique narrative of growth and decline.