Downtown Noblesville

A Brief History of Noblesville

Noblesville has a rich history dating back to 1818 when the land that is now Hamilton County was purchased from the Native Americans.

William Conner and Josiah Polk submitted a plat of Noblesville in 1823, at the same time designating the town as the county seat. Noblesville was named either for James Noble, a state senator, or according to legend, for Lavinia Noble of Indianapolis, to whom Josiah was engaged. The Peru and Indianapolis Railroad was completed through town in 1851, strengthening the town economically and causing the population to increase.

The City's first large growth boon came in 1888 with the discovery of Noblesville's first natural gas well near 11th and Pleasant Streets. Many Victorian homes, as well as the vast majority of the Downtown Commercial District, were built during this time of prosperity.

The centerpiece of downtown Noblesville is the Courthouse Square, the location of the Hamilton County Courthouse (completed in 1879) and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Residence and Jail (constructed in 1876). Both buildings are fabulous examples of the Second Empire style  featuring mansard roofs.

To see the Courthouse and Sheriff's Residence, along with a number of other downtown buildings, visit our Virtual Tour of Downtown Noblesville.