The History of Wayne County and Centerville, Indiana
Wayne County was established in 1811 and named after “Mad” Anthony Wayne, a Revolutionary War General who was mostly remembered for his service in the 1790s in the Northwest Indian War.
In 1814, Centerville was platted as a result of the Twelve Mile Purchase from the Miami Indians in 1809. It was originally spelled Centreville following the traditional English spelling until it was later changed to the present Centerville. It became the county seat in 1818 because of its rapid growth and central location, and remained so until 1873. Salisbury was the previous county seat and no longer exists, but its log cabin courthouse now in Centerville is the only original log courthouse still standing in the old northwest territory.
Early settlers in Centerville constructed buildings with arched carriage entrances, allowing horses and wagons access. The five archways – Backenstoes, Dill, Lantz, Malone, and Shortridge – date from 1820 through 1836.
As of the 2024 census, Centerville’s population was 2,769, making it the second-largest incorporated town/city in Wayne County behind the county seat Richmond (35,561). It is the 182nd-largest city in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near Centerville, Indiana
Explore the Archway District. Centerville’s archway buildings are the town’s signature attraction. Walking Main Street offers a glimpse into early 19th-century architecture, with informational markers detailing the town's role in westward expansion and Indiana’s transportation history.
Centerville’s annual Archway Days Festival has been going since 1988 and is a two-day celebration held on the fourth weekend of August. It includes food and craft vendors, traditional fair merchandise, a pedal tractor pull, pie and watermelon eating contests, and live entertainment in Maplewood Park.
Visit the Mansion House. Built in 1840, the Mansion House once served as a popular National Road inn and stagecoach stop, and today operates as a museum. Behind it, you can see the old Salisbury log courthouse.
Bibbly Boo Toy & Candy Shoppe had its grand opening in October 2025 and sells a variety of toys, games, and candy. There’s also an indoor toddler playroom that provides a safe and inclusive environment.
The award-winning Cope Environmental Center has 130 acres filled with trails, sustainable-living demonstrations, wildlife programs, and environmental education year-round. It’s a peaceful escape for families, hikers, and anyone who enjoys central Indiana’s natural beauty.
And you can’t miss the giant candle off I-70, the signature landmark of the Warm Glow Candle Company. The store is home to over 60 candle fragrances and seasonal decor, with each of them handmade by Hoosiers in the production facility located in Centerville. No two candles are ever the same. If you’re in the shopping spirit, you can also swing through The Village Forager or Centerville Antique Mall & Auction House.
For more on Warm Glow, check out our podcast episode with the team behind the candles.
Places to Eat or Drink in Centerville, Indiana
Start your day with coffee, lattes, and pies at Auntie Em’s Farm Fresh Pies. They’ve got almost 3,000 followers on Facebook, 4.7 stars on Google, and are open Monday through Saturday.
5 Arch Brewing is a favorite among locals and visitors. Open Wednesday through Sunday, they offer ales, rotating taps, and pub-style food like burgers and fries.
We featured 5 Arch Brewing in a previous blog post if you want the full scoop.
Americana Pizza is another lunch and dinner staple in Centerville. It’s open Monday through Saturday and has 4.6 stars on Google among over 300 reviews. The Americana, Hawaiian, and pizza bread are favorites.
Centerville High School
Centerville High School is home of the Bulldogs. They compete in the Tri-Eastern Conference. While they do not have any IHSAA state championships in school history, the baseball program reached the 2A finals in 2022, falling to Illiana Christian.
That’s a wrap on Centerville. Where should we head next?
