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City of Crown Point, Indiana
—  City  —
Lake County Indiana Courthouse
Former Lake County courthouse in Crown Point
Nickname(s): Hub of Lake County
Lake County Indiana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Crown Point Highlighted
Location in the state of Indiana
Coordinates: 41°25′18″N 87°21′22″W / 41.42167, -87.35611Coordinates: 41°25′18″N 87°21′22″W / 41.42167, -87.35611
Country United States
State Indiana
County Lake
Township Center & Ross
Government
 • Mayor David F. Uran (D)
Area[1]
 • Total 17.73 sq mi (45.92 km2)
 • Land 17.71 sq mi (45.87 km2)
 • Water 0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation 732 ft (223 m)
Population (2010)[2]
 • Total 27,317
 • Estimate (2013[3]) 28,412
 • Density 1,542.5/sq mi (595.6/km2)
Time zone CST (UTC-6)
 • Summer (DST) CDT (UTC-5)
ZIP codes 46307-46308
Area code(s) 219
FIPS code 18-16138[4]
GNIS feature ID 0449644[5]
Website http://www.crownpoint.in.gov

Crown Point is a city in and the county seat of Lake County, Indiana, United States.[6] The population was 27,317 at the 2010 census. The city was incorporated in 1868. On October 31, 1834, Solon Robinson and his family became the first settlers to an area that later became Crown Point. Because of its location, Crown Point is known as the "Hub of Lake County".

The city is surrounded by Merrillville to the north, Winfield to the east, Cedar Lake to the southwest, St. John to the west, and unincorporated Schererville to the northwest. The southern and southeastern parts of Crown Point border some unincorporated areas of Lake County.

History[]

On October 31, 1834, Solon Robinson and his family became the first settlers to stake a claim in the area that would eventually become Crown Point.[7] In February 1837, Lake County was incorporated, with Liverpool, Indiana, as the county seat. Later that year, Solon Robinson funded a US$500 project to build a new wooden county courthouse in Crown Point, and thus Crown Point became the county seat. However it wasn't until 1868 that Crown Point was actually incorporated into a city. In 1878 construction began on a new, more impressive county court house and clock tower. This new court house, known as the Grand Old Lady, was built in the center of town and would become the dominant feature of Crown Point (further additions to this courthouse would be made from 1907–1928). Campaigning for the presidency of the United States, William Jennings Bryan addressed a crowd from the steps of the court house in 1896. In 1897 a crowd of 4,000 gathered to watch a winning harness racing horse bred by noted Chicago theater manager Will J. Davis and his famous wife, contralto Jessie Bartlett Davis. The Davis' bred trotters and dogs at their Crown Point farm c.1885-1917 (Chicago Daily Tribune, Aug 8, 1897, pg 7). Crown Point was the site of the first Cobe Trophy automobile race, won by Louis Chevrolet in 1909. The Old Lake County Courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and the new Lake County Government Center opened on the north side of the city the next year. Because Crown Point had no waiting period for marriage licenses, the city became a popular place to get married and became known as the "Marriage Mill". Many famous people came to Crown Point to be wed, including Tom Mix, Rudolph Valentino, Cassius Clay, and Jackson 5 patriarch Joseph Jackson. Certain online sources claim that Ronald Reagan and Jane Wyman were married in Crown Point,[8] including the website of current mayor David Uran.[9] However, Reagan and Wyman were in fact married in Glendale, California, according to Fox News,[10] the Washington Post,[11] and the Los Angeles Times.[12]

Gangster era[]

On March 3, 1934, Crown Point etched its name forever in the history books as the infamous bank robber and FBI "Public Enemy #1" John Dillinger escaped from the "escape-proof" (as it was dubbed by local authorities at the time) Lake County Jail, guarded by many police and national guardsmen. Dillinger apparently escaped using a hand-carved wooden gun blackened with shoe polish, although this was disputed by some witnesses. Dillinger further embarrassed the city, as well as then-42-year-old Sheriff Lillian Holley, by driving off in her brand new V-8 Ford. The press augmented her chagrin with such headlines as: "Slim woman, mother of twins, controlled Dillinger as sheriff." Incensed, Holley declared at the time, "If I ever see John Dillinger again, I'll shoot him dead with my own gun. Don't blame anyone else for this escape. Blame me. I have no political career ahead of me and I don't care." Furthermore, Sheriff Holley made certain the Dillinger name would have no standing in Crown Point up until her death in 1994 at 102.

Public Enemies (film)[]

In March 2008, Universal Studios, under the direction of Michael Mann, visited Crown Point to film parts of the movie Public Enemies at the former county jail facility from which Dillinger escaped. The crime drama is set during The Great Depression with the focus on the FBI agent Melvin Purvis' attempt to stop criminals John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. Christian Bale plays FBI agent Purvis, and Johnny Depp plays Dillinger. Actress Lili Taylor portrayed Sheriff Holley in the film. The shoot took three days to complete and involved a number of scenes inside the former Sheriff's House and jail. There was a scene also constructed for filming of the exterior. Johnny Depp was on the set for all three days and stayed late into the evenings on each night to shake hands with hundreds of fans who stood for hours to see him and the film shoot.[13] The movie was released in June 2009.

Geography[]

Crown Point lies on the Valparaiso Moraine.

According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 17.73 square miles (45.9 km2), of which 17.71 square miles (45.9 km2) (or 99.89%) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.052 km2) (or 0.11%) is water.[1]

Crown Point is situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Chicago's Loop.

Demographics[]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1880 1,708
1890 1,907 11.7%
1900 2,336 22.5%
1910 2,526 8.1%
1920 3,232 27.9%
1930 4,046 25.2%
1940 4,643 14.8%
1950 5,839 25.8%
1960 8,443 44.6%
1970 10,931 29.5%
1980 16,455 50.5%
1990 17,728 7.7%
2000 19,806 11.7%
2010 27,317 37.9%
Source: US Census Bureau

As of 2011, the median income for a household in the town was $62,110 while the mean income for a household in the town was $76,958. Additionally, the median income for a family was $74,971 and the mean income for a family was $90,248. The estimated per capita income for the town was $31,046. About 3.5% of families and 6.4% of the population were estimated to be below the poverty line.[14]

2010 census[]

As of the census[2] of 2010, there were 27,317 people, 10,394 households, and 7,001 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,542.5 inhabitants per square mile (595.6 /km2). There were 10,976 housing units at an average density of 619.8 per square mile (239.3 /km2). The racial makeup of the city was 88.2% White, 6.3% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 1.9% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.1% of the population.

There were 10,394 households of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 32.6% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.

The median age in the city was 39.6 years. 21.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 50.0% male and 50.0% female.

2000 census[]

As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 19,806 people, 7,824 households, and 5,359 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,191.7 people per square mile (460.1/km²). There were 8,166 housing units at an average density of 491.3/sq mi (189.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.32% White, 1.41% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.98% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.02% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.00% of the population.

There were 7,824 households out of which 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,889, and the median income for a family was $64,274. Males had a median income of $50,090 versus $26,669 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,568. About 2.1% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.9% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government[]

The government consists of a mayor and a city council. The mayor, currently David Uran, is elected in citywide vote. The city council consists of seven members. Five are elected from individual districts. Two are elected at-large.

Schools[]

Crown Point residents who live in Center Township are served by the Crown Point Community School Corporation. Residents who live in Ross Township are served by the Merrillville Community School Corporation.

Public schools in Crown Point are administered by the Crown Point Community School Corporation:[15]

  • Crown Point High School
  • Robert A. Taft Middle School
  • Colonel John Wheeler Middle School
  • Timothy Ball Elementary School
  • Eisenhower Elementary School
  • Lake Street Elementary School
  • Solon Robinson Elementary School
  • Jerry Ross Elementary School (in Winfield)
  • Winfield Elementary School (in Winfield))
  • MacArthur Elementary School (in Cedar Lake)
  • Crossroads Alternative Achievement Center
  • The Crown Point Community School Corporation administers the public schools for Center and Winfield Townships.

Private schools:

  • Pathway Christian School
  • Trinity Lutheran School
  • St. Mary Catholic Community School
  • Avicenna Academy

Private Colleges:

  • Hyles-Anderson College {Unincorporated Crown Point}
  • University of Saint Francis

Rivals of Crown Point High School include Merrillville High School, Portage High School, Hobart High School, Lake Central High School, Lowell High School, and Hanover Central High School.

Lake County Court House[]

The old Lake County Court House is prominently situated in the center of Crown Point, which is commonly referred to simply as the square. The first portion of the court house was erected in 1878,[16] with portions being added on all the way up to 1928. Inside the "Grand Old Lady", there are gift shops, a restaurant, and a museum which is located on the second floor.

Fairgrounds[]

The Lake County Fairgrounds are located near the southern portion of Crown Point. The fairgrounds include historic brick exhibition buildings, tree covered hills, rambling walking paths, the county's only covered bridge (relocated from Rush County in 1933) and a historic grandstand near the swimming area in Fancher Lake

Events[]

The Lake County Fair, is the 2nd-largest county fair in the state of Indiana, is held on the fairgrounds each year in early August for 10 days. The Lake County Fair always boasts monster trucks, demolition derby, and an entire arena for horse shows.

The Corn Roast and the Taste of Crown Point, annual festivals featuring food and entertainment, are held downtown around the historic courthouse.

Foodstock Benefit Concert is an annual concert held in May that benefits the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. The concert is organized by Crown Point High School students and features an array of musical styles from both student and faculty bands. The concert is held at On the Square Sports Academy. Bands such as Asteria, Top Hat Tuesday, The Sunshine Killaz, Freedom 129, Hip-Hoptimus Prime and the MotherFunkers, Doug Norris/Performance First, and The Administrators are a few acts that have headlined past concerts.

There are also parades held on Memorial Day, Independence Day, and St. Patrick's Day.

Notable people[]

  • Spike Albrecht, Basketball Player
  • William G. Haan, World War I general
  • Dan Plesac, Major League pitcher and MLB Network analyst
  • Richie Roberts, Wide Receivers Coach
  • Jerry L. Ross, Astronaut
  • Thelma Strabel, novelist
  • John Wheeler, Civil War officer
  • Dean White, Entrepreneur and billionaire

See also[]

  • Lake County, Indiana
  • Lake County Indiana Sheriff's Department
  • Indiana State Police
  • Crown Point, IN. Police Dept.

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Places: Indiana". 2010 Census Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/2010_place_list_18.txt. Retrieved 2012-04-21. 
  2. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml. Retrieved 2012-12-11. 
  3. ^ "Population Estimates". United States Census Bureau. http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2012/SUB-EST2012.html. Retrieved 2013-06-25. 
  4. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder2.census.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  5. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. http://geonames.usgs.gov. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  6. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx. Retrieved 2011-06-07. 
  7. ^ Crown Point Network,Crown Point Indian History (last accessed 31 Aug 2006)
  8. ^ Crown Point Indiana History
  9. ^ Crown Point - A Historic and Developing Community - David Uran For Mayor, Crown Point, IN
  10. ^ "Oscar-Winner Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan's First Wife, Dead at 93". Fox News. September 10, 2007. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296302,00.html. 
  11. ^ "Actor, Governor, President, Icon". The Washington Post. June 6, 2004. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18329-2004Jun5.html. Retrieved April 30, 2010. 
  12. ^ Oliver, Marilyn. (March 31, 1988). "Locations Range From the Exotic to the Pristine". The Los Angeles Times. 
  13. ^ Woulfe, Molly. "Johnny Depp". NWI Times. http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/johnny-depp-as-dillinger/article_e23d0619-f2ba-5316-a1ab-e73af5278c60.html. Retrieved 22 October 2013. 
  14. ^ American FactFinder - Results
  15. ^ CPCSC Schools
  16. ^ Counts, I.W. (1991). The Magnificent 92 Indiana Courthouses. Bloomington, Ind.: Rosebud Press. ISBN 0253336384. 

External links[]

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This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Crown Point, Indiana. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
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