Heritage Fund : The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County

About Bartholomew County

Bartholomew County is located in the southeastern part of Indiana. The 409 square mile county is home to over 73,000 residents. Founded in 1821 and named for General Joseph Bartholomew, who fought in the Battle of Tippecanoe, Bartholomew County includes the towns of Columbus, Hope, Elizabethtown, Hartsville, Clifford, Jonesville and a portion of Edinburgh.

Columbus (population 39,000) is the county seat and is located just 43 miles south of Indianapolis on I-65, and is at the center of a triangle of Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville.

Columbus is ranked 6^th nationally for its collection of world-class modern architecture. It is also home to a wide variety of public art, created by some of the world's best-known artists.

Shopping includes two outlet malls with more than 85 stores, shopping centers and traditional malls, a 72,000 square foot antique mall and stores, and a vibrant, tree-lined downtown with specialty shops. Nearby is a family-owned winery and vineyard and friendly downtown Farmer's Market in the spring through fall.

Sporting events are a vital componet of the area's business and leisure markets. Columbus regularly hosts state, regional and national amateur sports events, due to the well-maintained athletic facilities and hospitality from volunteers, workers and leaders. And Columbus is the hometown of NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.

Gardens and green spaces that are open to the public are plentiful, including Irwin Gardens, a privately owned historic garden with mature trees, fountains and sculptures. The city also has a nationally recognized park system, including Mill Race Park, recognized by Landscape Management as one of the top 100 parks in the nation. This riverfront park is the centerpiece of a 19-mile city-wide trail system. The parks also have fishing ponds, an observation tower, outdoor amphitheatre, indoor ice skating complex and a skateboard park. In 2006, Columbus won the American in Bloom national competition, based on heritage, urban forestry and floral displays.

Columbus has been selected as one of the Ten Most Playful Towns in America by Nick Jr. Family Magazine, is rated among the safest cities in the U.S. and features many festivals, gatherings and activities geared toward families and children. In 2007, Bartholomew County was named one of 100 Best Communities for Young People - by America Promise- the Alliance for youth.