Township in Indiana, United States
| Liberty Township | |
|---|---|
| Township | |
 Location in Tipton County | |
| Coordinates: 40°22′08″N 86°03′48″W / 40.36889°N 86.06333°W / 40.36889; -86.06333 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Indiana |
| County | Tipton |
| Government | |
| • Type | Indiana township |
| Area | |
| • Total | 34.89 sq mi (90.4 km) |
| • Land | 34.89 sq mi (90.4 km) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km) 0% |
| Elevation | 876 ft (267 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 2,332 |
| • Density | 67/sq mi (26/km) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP codes | 46068, 46072, 46076, 46902 |
| Area code | 765 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0453562 |
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) and it contained 975 housing units.
History
A 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. During the years of early settlement, settlers had to travel to New London, Lafayette, or Perkinsville.
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.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 34.89 square miles (90.4 km), all land.
Natural environment
Historically, 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.
Cities, towns, villages
Unincorporated towns
(This list is based on USGS data and may include former settlements.)
Adjacent townships
- Taylor Township, Howard County (north)
- Wildcat Township (east)
- Cicero Township (south)
- Prairie Township (west)
- Harrison Township, Howard County (northwest)
Economy
Historically, 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.
Government
Political districts
- Indiana's 5th congressional district
- State House District 32
- State Senate District 21
Education
Early history
The 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.
Today
Students in Liberty Township attend Tri-Central Community Schools.
Infrastructure
Cemeteries
The township contains these four cemeteries: Jackson, Barlow (aka Mudcreek), Sharp, and Turner.
References
- "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.
- ^ "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
- ^ Pershing, p. 126
- Pershing, p. 123
- Pershing, p. 192-193
Sources
- Pershing, Marvin W. "History of Tipton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions". Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen (1914).
External links
| Places adjacent to Liberty Township, Tipton County, Indiana | ||||||||||||||||
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Liberty Township
| Municipalities and communities of Tipton County, Indiana, United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| County seat: Tipton | ||
| Cities |  | |
| Towns | ||
| Townships | ||
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| Other communities | ||
| Ghost town | ||
| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |