The History of Madison County and Pendleton, Indiana

Madison County was organized in 1823 and named for James Madison, the fourth president of the United States. Anderson was selected as the county seat.

Pendleton was platted by Thomas Pendleton in 1821 in southern Madison County. Three years prior, John Rogers was the first non-native settler in the area and built his home near the falls on Fall Creek. Other settlers arrived and built there as well, which was the community’s source of water and power.

As of the 2024 census, Pendleton’s population is 5,758, making it the third-largest incorporated town/city in Madison County behind Anderson (55,851) and Elwood (8,495). It is the 120th-largest city in Indiana.

Things to Do In or Near Pendleton, Indiana

Falls Park is the go-to spot to get outdoors in town. Once a public dump, it was converted into a public park in 1920 thanks to Town Board member and hardware store owner, Mr. B.F. Phipps, who had the vision of transforming the eyesore into the town’s jewel.

Staying outdoors, Mystic Waters Campground just west of town near I-69 offers cabin stays, RV sites, and tent camping. I’ve actually stayed in a tent on these grounds before. People were swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding on the water, playing volleyball, and enjoying games inside the lodge.

For festival-goers, the Pendleton Fall Festival in September has craft and food vendors, shopping and eateries, and a scarecrow contest. Then in November, don’t miss Christmas in Pendleton, which is a full day of holiday activities. There are reindeer, a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and snowball fight in Falls Park, plus food vendors, illuminated parade, and lighting of the Christmas tree to wrap the day-long festivities.

For golfers, check out Fall Creek Golf Club. It opened as Idlewold Country Club in 1920 as a nine-hole course, then added nine more holes in 1923. Pendleton purchased the course in 2008 and it became part of Falls Park in 2014.

Places to Eat and Shop in Pendleton, Indiana

For breakfast, head to Invited to the Table. They’ve got 4.8 stars on Google with many reviews raving about their waffles, cinnamon rolls, scones, and atmosphere. They’re open Wednesday through Sunday.

Anita’s Diner (also known as The Diner) is another popular spot for breakfast and lunch. Open Monday through Saturday until 2 p.m., Anita’s menu will exceed your expectations. You can’t go wrong with their biscuits and gravy, tenderloin sandwich, and breakfast served all day.

INItaly Pizzeria & Bar serves lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday. They’re known for their Neapolitan-style pizza, meatballs, bruschetta, and more.

Last but not least, dine-in or grab Chinese takeout at Happy Dragon Monday through Saturday. The fried rice, chicken on a stick, and General Tso’s chicken are among the favorites. 

High School History

Pendleton Heights High School opened in 1969 and its mascot is the Arabians.

They have won numerous Indiana Cheer Championships over the years, including a Varsity 3A title in 2005 and Varsity B titles in 2013, ‘14, ‘17, ‘18 and ‘20.

Softball has racked up 10 regional titles and finished as the 3A runner-up in both 2001 and ‘05.

Boys basketball won a 3A regional in 2000 and girls basketball secured a 4A regional in 2009, but neither reached the state finals. 

Arabians football hasn’t yet made it to semi-state, but they do have four seasons of 10 or more wins, including a 10-2 campaign in fall 2025.

Before Pendleton Heights’ existence, Pendleton High School’s mascot was the Irish.

They made it to the very first IHSAA baseball state tournament in 1912.

In boys basketball, they qualified for the 1914 state tournament and reached the Sweet 16 in 1917, losing to the eventual single-class runner-up Kendallville. They also won a regional title in 1947 but lost 45-41 in semi-state to Lawrenceburg, which won the state title the following week.

That’s it for small town breakdown No. 55. Where should we head next?