Lawrence County, Indiana

Lawrence County Education, Geography, and History

Lawrence County is a county located in the state of Indiana. As of 2010, the population was 46,134. Lawrence County was created on March 1, 1818. The county seat is Bedford. The county is named for Captain James Lawrence, hero of the War of 1812.

Etymology - Origin of Lawrence County Name

 The county is named for naval officer Captain James Lawrence, of the Frigate Chesapeake, whose trips to England failed to avert the War of 1812. He was killed in the battle with the Frigate Shannon during that war.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Lawrence County History

Lawrence County began its formal existence March 1, 1818. It was named for Capt. James Lawrence, who uttered the famous words "Don't give up the ship" after being mortally wounded during the War of 1812.

Lawrence County is divided into 9 Civil Townships as follows: Bono, Guthrie, Indian Creek, Marion, Marshall, Perry, Pleasant Run, Shawswick and Spice Valley. The township once known as Flinn in now included in portions of Shawswick, Pleasant Run and Guthrie Townships

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 452 square miles (1,171 km²), of which 449 square miles (1,162 km²) is land and 3 square miles (8 km²) (0.72%) is water.

Lawrence county is located in south Indiana. Part of Hoosier National Forest is located in this county.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• North: Monroe County
• East: Jackson County
• Southeast: Washington County
• South: Orange County
• Southwest: Martin County
• Northwest: Greene County

Education

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