Why is Oldenburg, Indiana called the "Village of Spires"?

Oldenburg earned the nickname "Village of Spires" because of the many church steeples that fill its skyline. Catholic German immigrants started settling here in 1817, and after Father Francis Joseph Rudolf arrived in 1844 and Sister Theresa Hackelmeier founded the Sisters of St. Francis in 1851, the town quickly built churches and religious schools that gave the small community its distinctive vertical skyline.

What is Freudenfest in Oldenburg, Indiana?

Freudenfest is Oldenburg's annual German festival, known as the "Biggest Little German Festival" in Indiana. It started in 1976 as a community day of fun and now draws thousands every July with authentic German music, traditional food, sauerkraut balls, dachshund races, and family activities. The festival is free to attend and runs July 17-18, 2026.

How is Oldenburg connected to Marian University in Indianapolis?

Marian University traces its origins to Oldenburg. Sister Theresa Hackelmeier and the Sisters of St. Francis founded the school in 1851 as part of their religious community. It became Marian College in Oldenburg in 1936, moved to its current Indianapolis location in 1937, and was renamed Marian University in 2009.

Inside Oldenburg, Indiana's "Biggest Little German Festival" Town

Small Town Breakdown No. 67: Oldenburg, Indiana

For this week’s small town breakdown we’re going from Veedersburg in Fountain County to Oldenburg in Franklin County. Oldenburg is 45 minutes east of Cincinnati, 1 hour and 10 minutes southeast of Indianapolis, 1 hour and 45 minutes east of Bloomington, and 2 hours and 45 minutes south of Fort Wayne.

What’s it like in Oldenburg, Indiana?

Known as the “Villages of Spires,” Oldenburg offers deep history, locally owned shops, and Midwest charm.

The History of Franklin County and Oldenburg, Indiana

Franklin County was formed in 1811 from parts of Dearborn, Clark and Jefferson counties. It was named in honor of Benjamin Franklin.

Oldenburg began its settlement in 1817 when Catholic German immigrants migrated west from the Cincinnati area. It was officially platted in 1837 and became incorporated in 1869. German priest, Father Francis Joseph Rudolf, arrived in 1844, and in 1851, Sister Theresa Hackelmeier established what would become the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg and Oldenburg Academy. Alongside Holy Family Church, the Sisters of St. Francis played a critical role in shaping the town’s identity, founding schools, educating children, and creating a lasting spiritual presence. The town became known as the “Village of Spires” because of its many steeples.

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Fun fact: Marian University in Indianapolis grew out of the vision of Sister Hackelmeier and the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg. The school, established in 1851, became Marian College in 1936, moved to Indianapolis in 1937, and became Marian University in 2009.

As of the 2024 census, Oldenburg’s population is 647, making it the second-largest incorporated town/city in Franklin County behind the county seat of Brookville (2,655). It is the 409th-largest town in Indiana.