Grant County, Indiana
Grant County is located in north-central Indiana, combining a strong industrial heritage with the character of a traditional Midwestern community. Marion, the county seat, was once a thriving industrial center and still retains much of its historic grit and working-class identity.
Indiana Wesleyan University is located on the south side of Marion, adding an important educational presence to the county. The Mississinewa River flows through Grant County, creating scenic landscapes and opportunities to enjoy the area’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
Grant County is especially known for the annual James Dean Festival in Fairmount, celebrating the legendary actor who grew up in the area. Gas City takes its name from the region’s historic natural gas boom, which played an important role in the county’s industrial development even though the boom has long since ended.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Grant County |
| County Seat | Marion |
| Etymology | Named after Captain Samuel and Moses Grant, American soldiers and settlers |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Marion, Gas City, Jonesboro, Upland, Fairmount, Converse (partially), Matthews, Swayzee, Sweetser, Van Buren |
| Interstates and Highways | I-69, US-35, IN-9, IN-13, IN-15, IN-18, IN-22, IN-26 |
| FIPS Code | 18-053 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 414 square miles (Land: 414 sq mi, Water: 0.5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Huntington County (Northeast), Wells County (Northeast), Blackford County (East), Delaware County (Southeast), Madison County (South), Tipton County (Southwest), Howard County (West), Miami County (Northwest), Wabash County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (ET) |
| State | Indiana |
| Coordinates | 40.5152° N, 85.6540° W |
| Major Landmarks | James Dean Gallery, Marion National Cemetery, Mississinewa 1812 Battlefield, Quilters Hall of Fame |
| Population | 62,000 (estimated) |
