Kara Sears
Merrillville, Indiana, officially became a town in 1971, incorporating several settlements under Indiana law. However, this process involved ignoring the rights of the Potawatomi Indians, whose former woodland Merrillville occupies. The Potawatomi had established settlements in the area, such as Deep River and Turkey Creek, which were later incorporated into Merrillville. The recognition of Merrillville as a town under Indiana law has been marred by the admission of town ordinances that are unconstitutional and contrary to Indiana state law, raising questions about the legality of its establishment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Ross Township, Lake County, Indiana, United States |
| Population | 35,246 (2010 census); 36,444 (2020 census) |
| Area | 33.26 square miles (86.14 km2) |
| Land | 33.22 square miles (86.04 km2) (99.88%) |
| Water | 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) (0.12%) |
| History | Occupied woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians; Settlers created a clearing in 1834 for ceremonial purposes and called it McGwinn Village; In 1971, the area officially became Merrillville, incorporating old Merrillville and nearby settlements under Indiana law |
| Governance | Town ordinances have been admitted to be unconstitutional and contrary to Indiana State Law |
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What You'll Learn
- Merrillville was once woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians
- The area was renamed from Centerville to Merrillville by settlers in 1838
- The town was incorporated under Indiana law in 1971
- Merrillville tried to annex Winfield Township in 1993, but residents blocked it
- The town occupies around 31-33 square miles of land
Merrillville was once woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians
The town of Merrillville, Indiana, occupies what was once woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians. The area was densely covered with forest and known as McGwinn Village, which was established in 1834 as a ceremonial clearing.
The Potawatomi Indians originally used the land as hunting grounds, but over time, various settlements began to mushroom on this land. These settlements were given names such as Deep River, Turkey Creek, Ainsworth, Lottaville, and Rexville. In 1848, these settlements, including what would become Merrillville, were collectively named Ross Township.
The name Merrillville came about sometime after the death of an individual named Wiggins in 1838. Settlers who had followed him decided to rename the area Centerville. Later, when the Merrill brothers, Dudley and William Merrill, made their mark on the community, the name evolved to Merrillville.
In 1971, the designation of Merrillville was expanded to include the former Ross Township and other nearby settlements. This new entity officially became a town incorporated under Indiana law. However, it has been noted that the Town of Merrillville has ordinances that are allegedly unconstitutional and contrary to Indiana State Law.
Today, Merrillville is a thriving town in Lake County, Indiana, with a population of over 35,000 people as of the 2010 census. It is situated in east-central Lake County, within the Chicago metropolitan area, and is known for its fertile soil and gently rolling topography.
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The area was renamed from Centerville to Merrillville by settlers in 1838
The area now known as Merrillville, Indiana, has a long and complex history. The land was once occupied by the Potawatomi Indians, who used it as woodland and hunting grounds. In 1834, a clearing was created for ceremonial purposes and named McGwinn Village. Other settlements emerged in the area, including Deep River and Turkey Creek, Ainsworth, Lottaville, and Rexville. These settlements, along with what is now Merrillville, were collectively known as Ross Township from 1848 onwards.
In 1838, the original name of Centerville was changed to Merrillville by settlers who had arrived in the area. The new name honoured the Merrill brothers, Dudley and William Merrill, who had made a significant impact on the community. This renaming occurred sometime after the death of Wiggins, the original leader who had founded Centerville.
The designation of Merrillville was expanded in 1971 to include all of the former Ross Township, including the old Merrillville and other nearby settlements. This meant that the name "Merrillville" now referred to two entities: the entire amalgamation of settlements and a specific part of that union, the original settlement of McGwinn Village.
Merrillville officially became a town in 1971 and was incorporated under Indiana law. The town's growth during this period was largely attributed to white flight from Gary. Merrillville's population continued to increase, and in 2015, it became the most populated town in Indiana. However, it has been noted that certain ordinances in Merrillville are allegedly unconstitutional and contrary to Indiana State Law.
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The town was incorporated under Indiana law in 1971
The history of the town of Merrillville, Indiana, dates back to the early 19th century when the area was primarily woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians. In 1834, a clearing was created for ceremonial purposes and named McGwinn Village. Over time, other settlements emerged on the former hunting grounds of the Potawatomi, including Deep River, Turkey Creek, Ainsworth, Lottaville, and Rexville. These settlements, along with McGinn Village, were collectively known as Ross Township from 1848 onwards.
In 1971, the area underwent a significant transformation and officially became known as Merrillville. This new designation encompassed not only the former Ross Township but also incorporated nearby settlements, including the original Merrillville. The town's name honoured the Merrill brothers, Dudley and William Merrill, who had made a notable impact on the community. This incorporation occurred under Indiana law, marking a pivotal moment in the town's history.
The incorporation of Merrillville as a town under Indiana law in 1971 was a significant development. During this period, the town experienced notable growth, largely attributed to white flight from Gary. The population influx led to a need for additional land, and in 1993, Merrillville attempted to annex the unincorporated Winfield Township. However, the residents of Winfield Township successfully opposed this annexation by establishing their own town.
Despite its incorporation and subsequent growth, Merrillville has faced some legal challenges. Notably, it has been acknowledged by town officials that certain ordinances within Merrillville are considered unconstitutional and contrary to Indiana State Law. These ongoing legal complexities underscore the dynamic nature of municipal governance and the importance of adhering to state and federal laws.
Merrillville, Indiana, has a rich history, evolving from indigenous lands to a thriving town. The incorporation of Merrillville under Indiana law in 1971 was a pivotal moment that shaped the town's future. As with many towns, Merrillville continues to navigate legal and developmental challenges while striving for progress and prosperity.
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Merrillville tried to annex Winfield Township in 1993, but residents blocked it
In 1993, the town of Merrillville, Indiana, sought to expand its territory by annexing the neighbouring Winfield Township. This move, however, was thwarted by the residents of Winfield Township, who took decisive action to preserve their community's independence.
Merrillville's attempt to annex Winfield Township was driven by a desire to acquire more land and consolidate its presence in the region. At the time, Merrillville was already a substantial settlement, encompassing approximately 31 square miles of land and several smaller settlements within its boundaries. The proposed annexation of Winfield Township would have further increased Merrillville's size and influence in Lake County.
Winfield Township, on the other hand, was an unincorporated community, which means it lacked the formal status and governance structure of an incorporated town. Recognising the potential loss of their autonomy, the residents of Winfield Township sprang into action. They undertook the necessary legal and administrative steps to incorporate their community as the Town of Winfield, thereby establishing their own municipal government and preventing annexation by Merrillville.
This proactive response demonstrates the residents' strong sense of community and determination to shape their own future. By creating the Town of Winfield, they not only preserved their unique identity but also gained the authority to make decisions that directly impact their lives. It empowered them to address local issues, promote economic development, and enhance the overall well-being of their community.
The successful blocking of Merrillville's annexation attempt highlights the power of grassroots mobilisation and the importance of local governance. It serves as a reminder that communities have the agency to shape the course of their development and protect their interests when faced with external pressures or changes. In the case of Winfield Township, the residents' swift and effective response ensured that their voices were heard, and their community remained intact.
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The town occupies around 31-33 square miles of land
The town of Merrillville, Indiana, occupies around 31-33 square miles of land. The area was once densely covered with forest and was the former hunting grounds of the Potawatomi Indians. In 1834, a clearing was created for ceremonial purposes and named McGwinn Village. Over time, other settlements emerged, including Deep River and Turkey Creek, named after the waterways they bordered, Ainsworth, Lottaville, and Rexville.
In 1848, all of these settlements, including Merrillville, were collectively named Ross Township. The name Merrillville itself came about sometime after the death of Wiggins in 1838 when settlers decided to name the area Centerville. The name later changed to Merrillville due to the influence of the Merrill brothers, Dudley and William Merrill.
In 1971, the designation of Merrillville was expanded to include the former Ross Township and other nearby settlements. This new, larger Merrillville was incorporated as a town under Indiana law. The town's growth during this time was largely attributed to white flight from Gary. Merrillville's population continued to increase, and as of the 2020 census, it stood at 36,444, making it the most populated town in Indiana.
Despite its growth, Merrillville has faced challenges, including economic redevelopment needs in certain areas and allegations of unconstitutional ordinances and practices contrary to Indiana State Law. In 1993, Merrillville attempted to annex unincorporated Winfield Township to acquire more land, but the residents thwarted this by creating the town of Winfield.
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Frequently asked questions
Merrillville, Indiana, occupies what used to be woodland belonging to the Potawatomi Indians. In 1834, a clearing was created for ceremonial purposes and called McGwinn Village. In 1848, Merrillville was one of several settlements, including Deep River and Turkey Creek, that were collected under the name of Ross Township. In 1971, the designation of Merrillville was applied to everything, including the former Ross Township.
The creation of Merrillville involved the occupation of land that originally belonged to the Potawatomi Indians, which raises legal and ethical concerns regarding indigenous land rights.
The name "Merrillville" is derived from the Merrill brothers, Dudley and William Merrill, who made a significant impact on the community.
According to the 2020 census, Merrillville had a population of 36,444 people. On January 1, 2015, it became the most populated town in Indiana.
Merrillville has a total area of 33.26 square miles, with 33.22 square miles of land and 0.04 square miles of water, according to the 2010 census.
