You’re driving on US 31 and there it is…a sign directing you to Mexico. Have you left the country? Nope, you’re still in Indiana. There are quite a few cities throughout our great state that may sound as if you’re in another state or even another country. Let’s review…
Brazil, IN
In the 1840s, the owners of the farm which would later originate the city of Brazil decided to name their farm after the country of Brazil, because that country was often the subject of news at the time.
Morocco, IN
The town was named either after Morocco, in North Africa or a traveler’s Moroccan red boots.
Mexico, IN
Mexico was platted in 1834. The community’s name probably commemorates the Mexican War of Independence. Mexico was established along an Indian Trail bordering the Eel River. This trail became the Michigan Road, the first road in Miami County which was at the time the only stopping point between Indianapolis and Michigan City.
Ireland, IN
The town was founded on land purchased from the United States government by John Stewart, a native of Ireland, on December 23, 1816. The town was once intended to be called American City, but changed to Ireland when the name was not approved by the post office department.
Panama, IN
Panama is an unincorporated community in Millgrove Township, Steuben County.
Kokomo, IN
It is the county seat of Howard County and is named for the Miami Ma-Ko-Ko-Mo who was called “Chief Kokomo”.
Peru, IN
Residents usually pronounce the name of Peru like the name of the nation of Peru as it is commonly pronounced in American English. Elderly Hoosiers commonly use the archaic pronunciation of /ˈpiːru/ PEE-roo.
Indiana Cities Named After Other Cities
Indiana contains cities that you might firstly associate with another state or country. Some examples are Austin, Cincinnati, Portland, Buffalo, Columbus, Topeka, Albany, Denver, Atlanta, Nashville, Lacrosse, Bismarck, Frankfort, Fairbanks, Syracuse, Salem, Milan, Warsaw, Versailles, Washington and Mt. Vernon. Yes, there is a Cincinnati, Indiana.
A post office was established at Cincinnati in 1874, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1934. According to tradition, the community was named when a visitor told the innkeeper that the surrounding hills and whiskey made him recall his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What About Indiana Cities Named After People?
You can consider Gary, Elizabeth, Lawrence, St. Joe, Victoria, Napoleon and Santa Claus!
In 1856, when the town was working to establish a post office, the Post Office Department refused their first application as there was already a Santa Fe, Indiana established with the Post Office Department. Several town meetings were held, during which the name Santa Claus was selected. The town has the world’s only post office to bear the name of the Christmas figure.
Which Indiana Town Sounds Like The Most Fun?
French Lick or Paradise! And to really celebrate the Hoosier state, you can go to Hoosier, IN! Have we forgotten any?
