The History of Clay County and Brazil, Indiana
Clay County was founded in 1825 and formed from parts of Owen, Putnam, Sullivan, and Vigo counties. It was named after U.S. statesman Henry Clay. The first county seat was Bowling Green, but it was eventually moved to the more centrally located Brazil in 1877. Before we go any further, yes, the town was named after the Republic of Brazil, South America.
The county’s early settlers found the land rich in coal and clay deposits, which helped shape the economy and the region’s identity.
By the mid-1800s, Brazil emerged as a booming industrial hub thanks to the arrival of the National Road (now U.S. 40) and later, the railroad. The abundance of coal and clay led to the rise of mining and brick production, with the town famously earning the nickname “The Clay Metropolis.”
As of the 2024 census, Brazil’s population is 8,239, making it the largest of seven incorporated towns/cities in Clay County ahead of Clay City (884), Knightsville (694), Harmony (673), Staunton (468), Carbon (258) and Center Point (211). It is the 96th-largest city in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near Brazil, Indiana
Start with a visit to Forest Park, the centerpiece of local recreation. It has 49 acres of woodland, a ¼ mile paved walking/go-kart track, a playground, four baseball fields, basketball courts, 13 shelters, a pool, and a splash pad that opened in May 2024. It also hosts community events throughout the year. Fun fact: The Chafariz dos Contos Fountain in the park was given to the City of Brazil as a symbol of friendship from Brazil, South America, in 1956.
Craig Park is another popular park that spans 97 acres and has two lakes for fishing, three miles of trails, softball and soccer fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course. If you want to see some Indiana wildlife, Craig Park is the spot.
If you want to play a couple courses, Forest Park Golf Course is in town. Another fun, family-friendly course to play just three miles east of Brazil is the 18-hole Oak Ridge Golf Course. Kids kindergarten through 12th grade play for free with a paying adult.
The Route 40 Fest in Brazil is Indiana’s largest one-day festival. It features live entertainment, food trucks, craft vendors, kids activities, Signal 10 Wrestling matches and more.
For a history lesson, stop by the Clay County Historical Society Museum downtown where you’ll find exhibits on Brazil’s brickyard and local coal mining industries. It also preserves stories from the Civil War era, when Clay County contributed many soldiers to the Union cause.
And don’t miss downtown Brazil itself, a classic Hoosier courthouse square surrounded by antique shops, cafes, and murals that showcase the community’s creative side.
Places to Eat or Drink in Brazil, Indiana
Eddie’s Sandwich Shoppe is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and serves breakfast all day to go with lunch and dinner. It’s got a retro feel with burgers, fries and hot dogs as favorites for guests, plus affordable prices. They’ve got over 300 Google reviews and 4.5 stars.
Piloni’s Italian Steakhouse has a variety of pastas, pizza, sandwiches and steaks. While the food is good, guests rave about the service and atmosphere, and give Piloni’s 4.6 stars on Google.
Pappy’s BBQ brings the smoke with brisket, pulled pork, and all the classic sides, including cornbread that is a favorite among visitors.
For a classic option, head to The Freeze “Where good things never change.” Low prices with tenderloins, hot dogs, BBQ, chicken chunks and something called the Morris Melt on the main menu, followed by shakes, malts, floats, sundaes and a Fundae – funnel cake fries with a sundae on top – for dessert.
Northview High School
Northview High School is home of the Knights. The school has one IHSAA state title in school history thanks to the baseball program in 2016, when the Knights topped Western 2-1 in the 3A championship game.
That’s a wrap on small town breakdown No. 38 of 2025. Where should we head next?
