About Knightstown

Conveniently located 33 miles east of Indianapolis along U.S. Highway 40, Knightstown is nestled between the Big Blue River and Montgomery Creek. Home to over 2,100 residents, this historic rural community offers affordable living, easy access to interstate travel, and all the necessities for daily life. Town leaders are actively pursuing projects and plans to strengthen the community, ensuring its continued growth and prosperity for the future.

Knightstown was settled in 1819, but not incorporated as a municipality until 1827. The town was founded and platted  by Waitsell M. Cary and was named in honor of Jonathan Knight, a civil engineer in charge of surveying and overseeing construction of the National Road (U.S. Hwy. 40) across the state.  Knightstown became a business destination when the railroad came to Henry County in 1853.  Historical pictures show a downtown area that was thriving with people and opportunities for commerce.  A local hotel, theater, eateries and many shopping areas can be seen among the horse-drawn buggies going down the street.

While Knightstown is not the county seat of Henry County, many “firsts” have been recorded by the town. The county’s first sawmill was established here by Samuel Cary, and the county’s first newspaper, the Federal Union, began publication in 1832. The First National Bank of Knightstown, chartered in 1865, and the Masonic lodge, founded in 1844, were also Henry County firsts.

During the 1850s, the community’s’ prosperity was further bolstered by the construction of the Terre Haute and Richmond Line (later called the Columbus, Chicago and Indiana Central Railroad) through Knightstown. The coming of the railroad, as well as the town’s location in a rich agricultural area, assured its continued growth during the last half of the 19th century.

Knightstown was a prosperous community during its early settlement days, as illustrated by the wonderful architecture throughout the town. The collection of Knightstown’s residential, commercial and public buildings from this period show a town that was clearly Henry County’s preeminent community. Remarkably, the people who have called Knightstown home throughout the years have cared for the history of the town and the history of their homes, leaving a beautiful setting for people who desire a life outside the hustle and bustle of larger cities and towns. The downtown area of Knightstown became a designated historic district in 1985; the Glen Cove Cemetery was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018; and many homes throughout the community have been designated historical sites.