Wells County, Indiana

Wells County Education, Geography, and History

Wells County is a county located in the state of Indiana. Based on the 2010 census, the population was 27,636. Wells County was created on February 17, 1837. The county seat is Bluffton.  The county is named for Captain William A. Wells, Native American who became a hero in the War of 1812.  

Etymology - Origin of Wells County Name

The county is named for Captain William H. Wells, who was killed by Indians in the Ft. Dearborn Massacre of August 15, 1812, while attempting to escort the garrison of Fort Dearborn to Fort Wayne.

Demographics:

County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts

Wells County History

Wells County was organized by an act of the Legislature February 17, 1837, which became effective May 1 of that same year. It was named for Capt. William A. Wells, who was captured by Native Americans as a young boy and adopted by the Miami chief Little Turtle. He eventually became a scout for Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne. Capt. Wells was killed by Potawatomi allied with the British at the Fort Dearborn Massacre at the outbreak of the War of 1812. The Potawatomi ate Capt. Wells' heart to gain part of his courage.

Wells County is divided into 9 Civil Townships as follows: Chester, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Lancaster, Liberty, Nottingham, Rock Creek and Union.

Geography: Land and Water

As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 370 square miles (959 km²), of which 370 square miles (958 km²) is land and 0 square miles (1 km²) (0.12%) is water.

Wells county is located in northeast Indiana.

Neighboring Counties

Bordering counties are as follows:

• Northeast: Allen County
• East: Adams County
• Southeast: Jay County
• Southwest: Blackford County; Grant County
• Northwest: Huntington County

Education

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