William Conner entered the area in the early 1800's and later sold ground to John & Sarah Berry who donated 32 acres to the County on the condition that they move the County Seat from Pendleton to Anderson. John Berry laid out the first plat in 1827, and in 1828 the seat of justice was moved to Anderson.
Internal improvements caused a growth spurt in 1837 due to the Central Canal, which was to be a branch of the Wabash and Erie Canal. The town was incorporated in 1838 and almost immediately came the discouraging news that the canal project had been suspended by the state.
The town became a sleepy village until 1849 when new commercial ventures located around the Courthouse Square. With the completion of the Indianapolis Bellefontaine Railroad and station in 1852, Anderson burst to life.
In August of 1865, Anderson was incorporated as a city. Nautral gas was discovered in 1887 and several factories rushed to located here. In 1897 the Interurban Railroad was born in Anderson and continued to operate until 1941. The year 1912 was a disaster for Anderson when the natural gas ran out. Several factories moved out and for decades Delco Remy and Guide Lamp (later Fisher Guide) were the top two employers in the city.
The Church of God of Anderson, located their world headquarters here in 1905 and opened the Anderson Bible School in 1917. In 1925 the name was changed to Anderson College and to Anderson University in 1988.
Over the years 17 different types of automobiles were manufactured here. Many other inventions were perfected in Anderson including: the gas regulator, the stamp vending machine, clothes presser, flower car for funeral homes, automatic gearshift and the vulcanizing process.
Anderson is not only a great place for business - but also a wonderful community to live. In 2007 it was ranked 7th in the Culture & Leisure category for small US Metor Areas by Forbes magazine. The cost of living index shows Anderson as a very affordable place to live and work.
Things to see and do include:
Anderson Speedway - fastest 1/4 mile high-banked oval motor speedway in the world (Mar-Dec)
Hoosier Park Racing & Casino - premier horse racing venue and casino
Mounds State Park - Indianas smallest state park has some of the best preserved mounds in the state built by prehistoric Adena and Hopewell people
Paramount Theatre & Ballroom - restored 1929 theatre with Moorish courtyard facade
http://www.heartlandspirit.com/
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