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Knightstown, Indiana
Town of Knightstown
Knightstown, Indiana.jpg
Location of Knightstown in Henry County, Indiana.
Location of Knightstown in Henry County, Indiana.
Country United States
State Indiana
County Henry
Township Wayne
Area
 • Total 1.04 sq mi (2.69 km2)
 • Land 1.03 sq mi (2.67 km2)
 • Water 0.01 sq mi (0.02 km2)
Elevation
932 ft (284 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 2,140
 • Density 2,077.67/sq mi (802.52/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
46148
Area code(s) 765
FIPS code 18-40266
GNIS feature ID 0437394
Website http://www.knightstownonline.com

Knightstown is a town in Wayne Township, Henry County, Indiana, adjacent to Rush County, along the Big Blue River. The population was 2,182 at the 2010 census. It is approximately thirty-two miles east of Indianapolis. Knightstown is famous for the 1986 film Hoosiers. The Hoosier Gym was used in the filming of the film. Knightstown hosts two annual festivals: Jubilee Days held in early-mid June and The Hoosier Fall Festival held in September. Knightstown also hosts an annual car show and a music series on the town square. The Hoosier Gym also hosts Indiana's best high school basketball players in the annual Hoosier Classic.

History

Knightstown was platted in 1827, and named for Jonathan Knight, an engineer on the National Road. A post office has operated in Knightstown since 1833.

The Elias Hinshaw House, Knightstown Academy, and Knightstown Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Knightstown is located at 39°47′48″N 85°31′42″W / 39.79667°N 85.52833°W / 39.79667; -85.52833 (39.796734, -85.528334).

According to the 2010 census, Knightstown has a total area of 1.04 square miles (2.69 km2), of which 1.03 square miles (2.67 km2) (or 99.04%) is land and 0.01 square miles (0.03 km2) (or 0.96%) is water.

Demographics

Historical population
Census Pop.
1870 1,528
1880 1,670 9.3%
1890 1,867 11.8%
1900 1,942 4.0%
1910 2,008 3.4%
1920 1,918 −4.5%
1930 2,209 15.2%
1940 2,323 5.2%
1950 2,486 7.0%
1960 2,496 0.4%
1970 2,456 −1.6%
1980 2,325 −5.3%
1990 2,048 −11.9%
2000 2,148 4.9%
2010 2,182 1.6%
2020 2,140 −1.9%
U.S. Decennial Census

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 2,182 people, 899 households, and 590 families living in the town. The population density was 2,118.4 inhabitants per square mile (817.9/km2). There were 1,001 housing units at an average density of 971.8 per square mile (375.2/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.0% White, 0.1% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 899 households, of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.1% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.4% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the town was 38.8 years. 25.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 25.3% were from 45 to 64; and 16% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the town was 47.8% male and 52.2% female.

Recreation

  • The gym that served as the home court for the Hickory Huskers in the movie "Hoosiers" is located in Knightstown. It is now known as the Hoosier Gym. It serves as a community center and has a small museum. The gym and museum are open daily to the public free of charge.
  • Knightstown also has a public golf course named Royal Hylands, which in 2006 was named among the top 25 public golf courses in the state by the Indiana Golf Association tournament players.


Education

Knightstown is served by the Charles A. Beard Memorial School Corporation. Knightstown High School offers AP and ACP (Advanced College Project) credits. High School Cheerleaders won the State Championship in 2000, 2004, 2005, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018. Knightstown also has an elementary school and an intermediate school.

The town has a lending library, the Knightstown Public Library.

Notable people

  • Former Secretary of Agriculture (1969–1971) Clifford M. Hardin and historian Charles A. Beard grew up and attended school in Knightstown.
  • Actor Monte Blue grew up and was educated at the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home located south of Knightstown.
  • Character actor Forrest Lewis was born in Knightstown. He is best known for the recurring role of Officer Kelly in the films The Shaggy Dog, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Son of Flubber. He also appeared on many TV series, including The Andy Griffith Show and The Dick Van Dyke Show.
  • U.S. Marine Private William Zion was born in Knightstown. He received the Medal of Honor during the China Relief Expedition.
  • Former three-time NFL All-Pro running back/kick returner, actor, and singer Timmy Brown was raised in Knightstown.
  • Dr. Michael Schatzlein was raised in Knightstown. He was a pioneer in the field of open-heart surgery in the state of Indiana. He also was president and CEO of DuPont Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana for ten years.
  • Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court Douglas J. Morris was born and raised in Knightstown, graduating from Knightstown High School.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Knightstown (Indiana) para niños

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