Adams County

Before and After

Get to Know Adams County

History and heritage are so important to Adams County and Geneva. Adams County is a county that is looking forward, but with a strong sense of pride in the past. There are many things to be proud of such as the outstanding landscape, community spirit and the role the county played in the life and upbringing of Gene Stratton Porter. 

The town lies in “Limberlost Country”, a timber swampland made famous by the naturalist and novelist, Gene Stratton Porter. In the early 1900s, the swampland was drained. Efforts began in 1996 to restore part of the wetland habitat. In 2002, Geneva’s downtown district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The population of Geneva was 1,293 in the 2010 census.

There are many things that make Adams County and the town of Geneva unique, one of which is being located in the heart of Amish Country. The Swiss Amish have an important economic impact on the town of Geneva’s business owners, including long-time businesses in the community such as M&M Market and Briggs Hardware. Geneva’s striking history and remaining historical structures, along with the quaint Amish community and tranquil nature preserves, transform a visit to the town into a step back in time.

Geneva is a town located in Wabash Township and is the southernmost town in Adams County, Indiana. This mostly rural area is located approximately 45 minutes south of Fort Wayne and two hours northeast of Indianapolis. Geneva was founded in 1874 when rival towns of Alexander and Buffalo merged. The first post office in Geneva was established in 1872 and the town was named after Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva became a booming oil town in the 1890s. In 1895, a fire decimated the area and resulted in a banning of wood buildings. Brick, stone or iron buildings were mandated, which create the signature look of Geneva’s historical downtown district today. 

Additional Resources

• Visit Adams County
• Adams County Economic Development