Tell City, IN

Tell City, Indiana, was established in the mid-19th century by a group of Swiss-German immigrants. The story begins in 1854 when a Swiss immigrant named Joseph Andrew Schuler purchased a tract of land along the Ohio River with the intention of founding a city. Schuler, along with a few other immigrants from Switzerland, envisioned creating a community where they could pursue their trades and maintain their Swiss cultural heritage.

Schuler, together with his associates, set out to lay the foundation for the new city. They laid out streets, established a town plan, and sent letters back to Switzerland encouraging more immigrants to join them. By 1855, the first settlers arrived, and the community began to take shape.

The town was named "Tell City" after the legendary Swiss hero William Tell. The choice of name reflected the immigrants' pride in their Swiss heritage and their desire to establish a place that honored their roots.

Tell City quickly grew and flourished thanks to its prime location along the Ohio River. The river provided easy access to transportation and trade routes, which allowed the town to become an important center for commerce and industry.

One of the key industries in Tell City was the manufacturing of furniture. In 1858, a group of Swiss craftsmen founded the Tell City Chair Company, which became highly successful and helped drive the local economy. The company specialized in producing quality wooden chairs, earning a reputation for excellence that stretched far beyond the town's borders.

Over the years, Tell City continued to grow and diversify its economy. Other industries such as woodworking, textiles, and brick-making emerged, further establishing the town as a hub of manufacturing in southern Indiana.

Today, Tell City remains a vibrant community that celebrates its heritage. The town hosts various cultural events and festivals that pay homage to its Swiss-German roots. The annual Schweizer Fest, for example, showcases traditional Swiss attire, food, and music, attracting both locals and visitors.

The history of Tell City is a testament to the perseverance and entrepreneurial spirit of the Swiss-German immigrants who founded the town. Their vision and hard work laid the foundation for a thriving community that continues to thrive to this day.

Tell City Historical Museum

Explore the rich history and heritage of Tell City, featuring exhibits on the city's founding, development, and notable residents.

Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum

Step back in time to the 19th century at this open-air museum complex. Walk through Indiana's early history with 14 replica pioneer cabins, depicting life during Abraham Lincoln's childhood.

Hagedorn's Winery

Enjoy wine tasting and tours at this family-owned winery. Sample a variety of their award-winning wines and learn about the winemaking process.

William Tell Center

This community center hosts various events and activities, including dances, bingo nights, and live entertainment. Check their schedule for upcoming events during your visit.

Sunset Park

This riverside park offers scenic views of the Ohio River. Enjoy a picnic, fishing, or simply relax while watching the sunset.

Pour Haus Winery

Another winery in the area, Pour Haus offers wine tastings, outdoor seating, and a charming rural setting.

Perry County Museum

Located in Cannelton, a nearby town, this museum exhibits artifacts and documents related to the history of Perry County and its significance to the Ohio River.

Tipsaw Lake Recreation Area

Situated near the Hoosier National Forest, this outdoor recreational area offers activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. Enjoy the natural beauty of Southern Indiana.

Lincoln State Park

Located a short drive from Tell City, this state park is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and campgrounds.

Tell City Pretzel Company

Get a taste of local flavor at this pretzel factory, where you can tour their facilities and sample freshly baked pretzels.

Tell City, Indiana has a humid continental climate, which is characterized by four distinct seasons throughout the year.

Summers in Tell City are typically warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the 80s °F (around 26-32 °C). The hottest months are July and August, with temperatures occasionally reaching the 90s °F (around 32-35 °C). Humidity levels can also be high during this time, making conditions feel even warmer.

Winter in Tell City is cold, with average high temperatures in the 30s-40s °F (around 0-9 °C) and average lows dropping into the 20s-30s °F (around -6 to 2 °C). January is the coldest month, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common during the winter months, with an average accumulation of around 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) per year.

Spring and autumn in Tell City are generally mild and transitional seasons. Spring sees temperatures gradually warming up, with average highs in the 60s-70s °F (around 15-26 °C) and increasing rainfall. Autumn brings cooler temperatures, with average highs in the 50s-60s °F (around 10-20 °C), colorful foliage, and decreasing rainfall.

Overall, Tell City experiences a good balance of all four seasons, with warm summers, cold winters, and mild transitional seasons. It is important to note that specific weather conditions can vary from year to year due to natural climate variability.

Tell City, Indiana is a small city located in Perry County, in the southern part of the state. While it is not divided into distinct neighborhoods, there are several areas within the city that offer unique characteristics and amenities. Here are a few notable areas within Tell City:

Downtown

Located along Main Street, downtown Tell City is the historic and commercial center of the city. It features a charming mix of old and new buildings, with locally-owned businesses, shops, restaurants, and services. The downtown area often hosts community events, parades, and festivals.

Troy

Situated just east of Tell City, Troy is a small town that borders the Ohio River. This area offers scenic riverfront views and is known for its recreational opportunities, including fishing, boating, and picnicking. Troy is also home to several parks and wildlife areas, providing a peaceful and natural environment.

Burglen Hills

Burglen Hills is a residential neighborhood located on the northwest side of Tell City. It features a mix of single-family homes and some apartment complexes. The neighborhood offers a quiet and suburban atmosphere, with tree-lined streets and easy access to local amenities.

Barkhamsted

Located on the southwest side of the city, Barkhamsted is another residential area in Tell City. It is characterized by a mix of housing options, ranging from larger, newer homes to smaller, older houses. Barkhamsted is close to schools, parks, and the local golf course, making it an attractive neighborhood for families.

Huntersville

Situated on the northeast side of Tell City, Huntersville is a predominantly residential area with a suburban feel. It offers a mix of newer and older homes, and its proximity to schools and recreational areas makes it popular with families. Huntersville also has easy access to the downtown area and major highways.

These are just a few examples of the different areas within Tell City, Indiana. Each neighborhood has its own unique charm and offers residents a variety of amenities and housing options.