Scott County Poor Farm
| Scott County Poor Farm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Opened | 1861 (Original location) |
| Closed | 1973 |
| Current Status | Preserved |
| Building Style | Single Building |
| Architect(s) | Johan J. Wiley |
| Location | Scottsburg, IN |
| Alternate Names |
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History[edit]
The first Scott County Home was located three miles north of Lexington, the first county seat and was built in 1861, 41 years after the establishment of Scott County by the Indiana Legislature, on 110 acres by James Hallenbeck. This home was used until 1879 when the Courthouse was moved to Scottsburg, the new county seat. The two-story brick structure was built around 1890 to replace an earlier frame building on the same site. The Indiana Board of State Charities and Corrections was established in 1899 and was required by Indiana law to examine the condition and management of the county homes and make an annual report to the Governor for the use of the Legislature. Under the reporting system by the board, county asylums greatly improved.
While the acreage surrounding the home was reduced greatly over the years, the building continued to function as a poor house until 1973. At this time offices for Scott County public services and government moved in and a few remaining residents were relocated. The building continued to function in this capacity until 1995 when an addition to the Scott County Courthouse fulfilled the need for extra space. Of the 92 county homes, only 31 remain standing. The Scott County Home remains unaltered in regard to architecture, location, and interior layout. Those changes that have been made throughout the years are largely superficial and could easily be restored to their original. On May 26, 2000, the Scott County Home was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Images of Scott County Poor Farm[edit]
Main Image Gallery: Scott County Poor Farm
