From rolling hills to flat stretches, Wayne County is home to a diverse topography. It contains Indiana’s highest point above sea level at the northern edge of the county which sits 1,257 feet above sea level. It also offers, just thirty miles south at the southern border of the county, the hamlet of Abington which is only 800 feet above sea level. The variety of topography situates Wayne County as an exciting location for industry, business, and leisure.

The earliest white settlers, who arrived after 1806, made full use of the water power by building mills throughout the county alongside rivers where the power could be harnessed. More than 400 feet of fall over 30 miles created an enormous amount of potential water power for use in agricultural mills. At its most active, Wayne County had more than 250 mills. Many of these gradually converted over into factories with water providing electricity for production. Richmond, the largest city in the county, grew as an industrial center until well after World War II. Water and the topography of the land created opportunity for economic success and ultimately reshaped the county.

In this tour, you'll get a glimpse of Wayne County and its industrial history.