Lebanon, Indiana - County Seat for Boone County

Lebanon is approximatley 25 miles NW of Indianapolis, heading north on I-65.  It was founded by 2 prominent Indianapolis men, General James Perry Drake and Colonel George Kinnard. Their military titles came from service in the Indiana Militia.  They were both shrewd developers and speculators.  The two men knew this location would most likely be the site for the new county seat and would develop into a town.  They acquired property (reportedly at $1.25 per acre), platted a town (19 blocks) and to ensure the future of the town, they surveyed a road from Indianapolis to Lafayette with a convenient 8 block job through the Main St of their "town".  Then, so ensure it's election as the county seat, they donated every 3rd lot to the county.

The honor of naming the town fell on Adam French, one of the first commissioners.  Because a cluster of hickory trees reminded hom of the Cedars of Lebanon from the bible, he shouted to onlookers, "The name of this town shall be Lebanon."

Being a city bounded by I-65, the potential for growth continues.  The Lebanon Business Park is in its 14th year.  US cold Storage has begun construction of a new faiclity which will employ over 2600. The South 39 business park is just beginning to develop with 573 acres just south of I-65.

The county courthouse is noted for its vertical, single-piece Ionic order columns made of limestone - with the 2nd largest stained glass dome and 8 rare Hahl pneumatically calibrated clocks that still keep time.  The city also boasts 2 parks: memorial Park is 40+ acres and Abner Longley Park is 50+ acres with amenieites such as pools, basketball & tennis courts, shelters, playgrounds, football & baseball fields, nature trail and sledding hills.

"The Friendly City" is more than just a slogan in Lebanon.  It is a reflection of the quality of life and pride of the community.  They offer a solid education system which excels in both academics and sports. Lebanon has state of the art medical facilities and social and civic organizations to meet any need.

http://www.cityoflebanon.org/