Gibson County, Indiana
Gibson County is located in southwestern Indiana along the Illinois border, with the Wabash River forming much of its western boundary before joining the White River at the confluence. The county combines expansive farmland with pockets of rolling terrain, creating a diverse southwestern Indiana landscape.
Princeton, the county seat, is known for its restored Art Deco theater and its connection to Toyota’s U.S. auto production. In the northeastern part of the county, the Azalea Path Arboretum becomes a popular spring attraction when its flowers are in bloom.
Gibson County is dominated by cornfields and agricultural land, although the eastern portion features some unexpectedly hilly terrain. Owensville proudly promotes itself as the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” adding a unique agricultural tradition to the county’s rural character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Gibson County |
| County Seat | Princeton |
| Etymology | Named after John Gibson, acting Governor of the Indiana Territory |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Princeton, Fort Branch, Owensville, Haubstadt, Oakland City, Patoka, Francisco, Somerville, Mackey, Hazleton |
| Interstates and Highways | I-64, I-69, US-41, IN-56, IN-57, IN-64, IN-65, IN-168 |
| FIPS Code | 18-051 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 499 square miles (Land: 488 sq mi, Water: 11 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | White County, Illinois (West), Wabash County, Illinois (Northwest), Knox County (North), Pike County (East), Warrick County (Southeast), Vanderburgh County (South), Posey County (Southwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Indiana |
| Coordinates | 38.3295° N, 87.5797° W |
| Major Landmarks | Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Gibson County Courthouse, Lyles Station Historic Site, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Management Area |
| Population | 34,000 (estimated) |
