History of Vermillion County

A county in the W. part of Indiana, bordering on Illinois, contains about 290 square miles. It is bounded on the E. by the Wabash, and drained by the Vermilion river. The surface is mostly level; the soil varies from sandy to clayey, and is very fertile. About one-third of its area is a beautiful prairie, which produces abundant crops of wheat, corn, oats, grass, &c. In 1850 this county yielded 701,770 bushels of corn; 45,144 of wheat; 90,711 of oats, and 2829 tons of hay. It contained 17 churches, 1 newspaper office, and 550 pupils attending public schools. Extensive mines of coal and iron ore are found. On the border of a prairie in Holt township, there is a conical mound, which is 60 feet high, and about 600 yards in circuit at the base. The county is intersected by the Indiana and Illinois Central railroad unfinished. Capital, Newport. Population, 8661.

History of Newport

A post-village, capital of Vermilion co., Indiana, on Little Vermilion river, 1 mile from the Wabash river, and 75 miles W. from Indianapolis. It has 2 churches, and a flourishing seminary. Pop., 500.