Description

Columbus, Indiana, is a vibrant small city known for its modern architecture and for housing the world headquarters of Cummins, Inc., a global manufacturer of engines and engine components. Since its founding in 1821, Columbus transformed from a mostly agricultural town into a center of manufacturing and commerce, unusual for a town its size. Along the way, many colorful individuals played significant roles in the city's history. Names of early settlers--including Irwin, Perry, Marr, Glick, and Crump--formed the backbone of a growing community. As industry expanded throughout the county in the 19th century, names of enterprising individuals included Mooney, Lincoln, Brown, and Reeves. After the turn of the 20th century, some businesses faded away as new ones appeared and new names such as Cummins, Noblitt, and Hamilton emerged. Over the years, the Irwin-Sweeney-Miller family played a large role in Columbus's development as a livable city. Numerous others also left their marks in big and small ways creating a unique place that has been labeled by various national publications as safe, playful, beautiful, historic, and architecturally significant.