Crawfordsville is a city located in Montgomery County, Indiana, United States. It was founded in 1823 and named after William H. Crawford, a United States Senator and Secretary of the Treasury. The city was incorporated in 1865 and has a rich history tied to the development of the railroads in the area.
Notable individuals from Crawfordsville include author Lew Wallace, who wrote "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ," and actor James Best, best known for his role as Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane on the television show "The Dukes of Hazzard."
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Crawfordsville was 15,915 as of the 2020 census.
Crawfordsville is located in central Indiana, approximately 50 miles northwest of Indianapolis. The city is situated along the banks of Sugar Creek and is surrounded by farmland and rolling hills.
Crawfordsville's economy is diverse, with industries including manufacturing, agriculture, and education. Major employers in the area include Nucor Steel, RR Donnelley, and Wabash College.
Crawfordsville has a rich cultural scene, with events such as the Strawberry Festival, the Taste of Montgomery County, and the Montgomery County Fair drawing visitors from across the region. The city also has a vibrant arts community, with galleries, theaters, and music venues scattered throughout the downtown area.