CONNERSVILLE, INDIANA

'Connersville' is a city in Fayette County, Indiana, United States. The population was 15,411 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Fayette County.

Contents

Geography

History

MudFest

MusicFest

First High School Marching Band

Demographics

Rail Transportation

Famous People from Connersville

See also

External links

Geography

Connersville is located at (39.653931, -85.137709).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.1 km² (8.1 mi²). 21.1 km² (8.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.12% is water.

History

Connersville is named for settler John Conner, brother of William Conner. In the early 20th century, the town became known as "Little Detroit" because of its importance to the automobile industry. Automobiles manufactured in Connersville include: Auburn, Cord, Duesenberg, Ansted, Empire, Lexington and McFarlan. It has struggled in recent times, and the local Visteon factory, along with its 900 jobs, will be closed by the end of December 2007.

MudFest

MudFest is a popular event that takes place each summer in July. Sponsored by the Connersville Parks and Recreation Department, it started in 1987 and has continued every summer except one. More than 100 teams play volleyball in a special muddy "court" at Roberts Park. The event raises funds for the Park Department.

MusicFest

In 2005 the first Heritage MusicFest was held. Local bands ranging in style from bluegrass to heavy metal perform by the Whitewater River. The event is open to the public.

First High School Marching Band

During the school year 1906-07, Dr. W. Otto Meissner established the first high school marching band in the U.S. at Connersville High School. The band is currently directed by Mr. Les Miller.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,411 people, 6,382 households, and 4,135 families residing in the city. The population density was 731.9/km² (1,894.5/mi²). There were 6,974 housing units at an average density of 331.2/km² (857.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.10% White, 2.48% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.65% of the population.

There were 6,382 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34, and the average family size was 2.90.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.3% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,911, and the median income for a family was $40,833. Males had a median income of $31,239 versus $21,836 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,839. About 7.9% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 9.7% of those age 65 or over.

Rail Transportation

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Connersville under the Cardinal route.

Famous People from Connersville

'Robert Wise,' one of Hollywood's most acclaimed directors and producers, was graduated from Connersville High School in 1932.
'
Kim Giesting', Indiana Teacher of the Year, 1998
'Phil Cox' was Indiana's Mr. Basketball in 1972.
'Sean Compton,' respected radio programmer, graduated from Connersville High School in 1992.
'Betsy M. Ross', former ESPN anchor, is also a graduate of Connersville High School.
'Scott Halberstadt', television actor, was born in Connersville in 1976.
'Danielle Slone', 1999 Indianapolis 500 Festival Queen.
'Tom T. Hall,' country singer and Grand Ole Opry member, spent time in Connersville early in his career and wrote "Thank You, Connersville" about the experience.
'April McDivitt' was Indiana's Miss Basketball in 1999.
'Finly Hutchinson Gray' - US Congressman. Elected to represent Indiana's 6th and 10th Districts in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1911 to 1917, and 1933 to 1939. Also served as Mayor of Connersville, from 1904 to 1910.

See also

★ Whitewater Valley Railroad

★ Whitewater Canal

External links

★ http://www.wifefm.com/index.html

★ http://www.newsexaminer.com