The History of Decatur County and Greensburg, Indiana
Decatur County was organized off the tract of land known as the New Purchase in 1821. It was named for Commodore Stephen Decatur, a naval hero.
Greensburg was founded in 1822 by War of 1812 veteran Colonel Thomas Hendricks, and his wife named the town for her previous home in Pennsylvania.
As of the 2024 census, Greensburg’s population is 12,317, making it the largest incorporated town/city in Decatur County. It is the 73rd-largest town in Indiana.
Things to Do In or Near Greensburg, Indiana
No matter if you’re just passing through town briefly or there for a weekend visit, you have to stop at the Decatur County Courthouse and the courthouse square. Completed in 1860, this courthouse – placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 – is famous for a tree growing from the top of the building’s 115-foot clock tower. The tree has been mentioned in publications across the world and was even on an episode of the television show, “Ripley’s Believe It or Not.” You have to see it to believe it.
If you want to get outdoors, head to the 15-acre Rebekah Park for playgrounds, pickleball courts, a splash pad, dog park, and plenty of green space to picnic. Or head to Decatur County Park which is home to a 10-acre lake, 16 acres of land, shelter houses, playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts, horseshoe pits, pool, skate park, and paddleboats to get out on the water. There is also a youth sports complex with baseball and softball diamonds.
If you’re visiting in July, head to the fairgrounds for the Decatur County 4-H Fair, filled with all the fair food and carnival rides you can handle. Then in September, don’t miss the Tree City Fall Festival that first occurred in 1979. It features live entertainment, a parade, car show, vendors, food trucks, and more.
For additional entertainment, Greensburg is home to a disc golf course, the 18-hole Greensburg Country Club that was founded in 1925, Parkside Lanes Bowling Center which is great for hosting parties, and Wolf Theatres for movie night.
Places to Eat and Shop in Greensburg, Indiana
Start your morning at The Branch Gathering Place & Coffee House, which comes with a really cool story. In 2016, the City of Greensburg completed a community-vision process that identified the need for a local coffee shop. Three years later, the All for One Ministry Board launched a fundraising campaign to raise $320,000 and secure a downtown building. Then on June 25, 2021, The Branch Gathering Place & Coffee House officially opened, becoming the first nonprofit, charitable coffee house in Greensburg and one of the first in Indiana. The menu includes a wide range of hot, iced, and frozen beverage options, plus locally sourced food items.
Carriage on the Square Smokehouse is an absolute must when you’re in Greensburg. The Get Indiana crew ordered the Walking Pony, Smoked Chicken Burrito Bowl, Wobbling Carriage, nachos, mac and cheese, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Needless to say, it’s no wonder why Hans and his team at Carriage are beloved in the community. They’ve got 4.7 stars on Google, as guests can’t get enough of their brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and everything we devoured. We gave ‘em a 5.
For quick bites and ice cream, you’ve got to check out Dairy Point. And if you’re looking for a local brew, Tree City Brew Co. is the spot for pizza, tacos, sandwiches, appetizers and 10-plus house brewed beers.
For shoppers, there are plenty of small businesses worth exploring. Our personal favorite was Dyed Designs, where we picked up a couple sweet t-shirts.
Greensburg Community High School
The mascot for Greensburg Community High School is the Pirates, and they’ve won two IHSAA state championships in school history, both in boys basketball.
The Pirates secured the school’s first state title in the 2013 3A championship, overcoming a 10-point halftime deficit and defeating Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran 73-70 in overtime. The win capped a 26-1 season. Then in 2014, the Pirates’ boys basketball team went back-to-back in 3A, topping Bowman Academy 89-76 to finish 28-1. In the championship games combined, a core of four players led the Pirates in scoring – Sean Sellers (46 points), Ryan Welage (37 points), Bryant McIntosh (33 points), and Collin Rigney (31 points).
That’s it for small town breakdown No. 52. Where should we head next?
