Home » Why NEI » Economic Development » County Profiles » Adams County
Adams County, which shares its eastern border with Ohio, is located just south of Allen County in Northeast Indiana. The county has four incorporated cities: Monroe, Berne, Geneva and the county seat of Decatur. Four Indiana state roads, three U.S. Routes, and one railroad line traverse the county. With a large list of major employers in the food-processing industry, including Red Gold Products and Bunge North America, Adams County’s main industry supports the food-processing value chain with diverse agribusiness and food-ingredient companies.
A stroll around the friendly Swiss communities of Berne and Geneva provides a glimpse of our generous and good-natured residents. Nestled near the headwaters of the Wabash River, these two communities are sure to give people a big-hearted welcome as they observe the many horse-drawn Amish buggies and authentic Swiss architecture.
Located at the heart of Adams County, you’ll discover Monroe—a town named in honor of the fifth president of the United States. Established in 1847, this community exudes both agricultural beauty and the welcoming allure of a small town. Within its confines, Monroe proudly hosts an array of vibrant small businesses.
The county seat, Decatur, is a picturesque, historic city full of friendly Hoosier people. The pleasant mixture of newer homes, well-maintained older homes, tree-lined streets, and gardens reflects pride of ownership and a sense of community. The natural beauty of the St. Marys River is part of what makes Decatur a great place to live, work, and raise a family. A city of rich heritage, Decatur was the birthplace and boyhood home of David Smith, widely heralded as the greatest American sculptor of the 20th century. Decatur is also the hometown of preeminent American sculptor Ralph Hurst. Two of his works are featured in the town’s popular Sculpture Tour.
In the southernmost part of the county, Geneva was the home of one of Indiana’s most famous female authors, Gene (Geneva) Stratton-Porter. Her historic home, the Limberlost Cabin, is now an Indiana State Historic Site and is open to the public.
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