A Few Facts About Hancock County . . .
- Named for John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence who is remembered for his large signature. It is said he wanted King George to be able to see it without his glasses!
- Hancock County is divided into 9 Civil Townships as follows: Blue River, Brandywine, Brown, Buck Creek, Center, Green, Jackson, Sugar Creek and Vernon.
- Hancock County was organized effective March 1, 1828.
- Greenfield is the County Seat and was first settled in 1828 by Meek and Spillman. By 1849 it contained the Court House and county offices, County Seminary and sixty dwelling houses with 300 inhabitants.
- James Whitcomb Riley, the Hoosier Poet, was born in Greenfield and his inspiration for "The Brandywine," "The old Swimmin' Hole," and other poems came from this locale.
- A mill just outside of Maxwell blew up between 1892-1900. A friend of the owner called the group that worked there the "dirty dozen!" — Thanks to Charles Snyder
- According to the Society of Indiana Pioneers, an individual was a pioneer of our county if they resided here on or before December 31, 1830.
- Cynthia's Hallmark shop in Greenfield is one of the three largest Hallmark store in the United States. www.cynthiashallmarkstores.com
- Olympic Gold Medalist, Jaycie Phelps, opened Jaycie Phelps Athletic Center in 2010. Phelps, an Indiana native, was a member of the Magnificent 7 in women's gymnastics in the 1996games. The center is located near Mt. Comfort Airport. www.jpacsports.com
