Washington County - Background

For two centuries, Washington County, located in the beautiful hills and valleys of Southern Indiana, has been home to people with a work ethic built on the need to make their living from the land.

Changes in agricultural economics over the years resulted in the elimination of many family farms. The land that produced cattle, sheep and hogs, corn, soybeans and wheat, will need to make way for the development of businesses and industries.

With this change, the descendants of people who once worked the land adjusted, seeking jobs that would make it possible for them to earn a living, yet stay in the rural areas of Indiana that they and their ancestors have called home since the early 1800s.

In an effort to further that goal, Washington County has developed a 140-acre Industrial Park at the east edge of the City of Salem, the county seat. The infrastructure is in place to make it a suitable location for a variety of industries, large and small, specializing in manufacturing, assembly, and distribution.

The Industrial Park was recently designated as the J.F.Helsel Commerce Center in recognition of the contribution Jess Helsel represents to the economic growth and development of Washington County. [Related Information]

The Industrial Park is located adjacent to a state highway that provides quick uninterrupted access to north-south and east-west interstate highways. It is convenient to major cities, including Louisville, Kentucky, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Washington County residents take pride in what they do, demonstrating loyalty through long-term employment with local industries. Their children attend one of three public school corporations that offer 21st Century educational programs in well equipped, modern buildings.

A beautiful country club, the popular Salem Speedway, lakes, hiking trails and a host of other recreational facilities provide entertainment for young and old. Museums demonstrate the importance residents place on the history of their county. [Related Information]

And, still standing as the area's perpetual beacon of "Welcome Home", symbolic of the area's history and future yet to be, is the stately Washington County Court House. [Related Information].

It’s all here in Salem/Washington County. All it needs is you!