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Brown County is a place that celebrates its past... Some people believe there are two histories of Brown County. One story traces the founding and development of the Art Colony; the other is focused on the local residents and culture. The truth is, the complete history of Brown County is rich with a beautiful blending of both. Due to the popularity of the local artists and the visitors they attracted, small shops, lodging facilities, and restaurants opened throughout Nashville and Brown County.
As Brown County developed, roads were built linking settlements throughout the county such as New Bellsville, Story, Nashville, Bean Blossom, and  Helmsburg. The railroad made it to Helmsburg, which through the years has been home to a sawmill, post office, hardware store, and broom factory. Many old businesses are gone, but the buildings remain and are home to new endeavors. Brown County’s history is still evident on every street and alive in every hill and valley.
While in Brown County be sure to check out all our great historic spots, in town and throughout the county. Our Pioneer Village Museum is located right in town. Also, the Brown County Historical Society has a great knowledge base of our history.
Historic Sites and Highlights:
• February 4, 1836: Brown County was named in honor of Major General Jacob Brown, a hero of the War of 1812.
• The county was dotted with small villages, with names like Bean Blossom, Gnaw Bone, Story, Helmsburg, Trevlac, and Needmore.
• Local industries included leather tanning, salt mining, orchards, gold mining and timber.
 
• In 1837 a log courthouse and a log jail (right) were completed in Nashville, the county seat. The current courthouse (far right) was completed in 1874. It is the third courthouse to be built on this site and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
• The Bean Blossom Bridge (left), built in 1880, is one of Brown County’s two covered bridges. The other, the Ramp Creek Bridge (right), crosses Salt Creek at the north entrance of Brown County State Park.
 
• The statue that stands at Stonehead (right) on State Road 135 South. The inscriptions direct travelers to Columbus and Fairfax.
• Kin Hubbard, an American humorist, created a clown-like, rustic character named Abe Martin (left). In 1904 Abe and his fellow characters graced the back page of the Indianapolis News and was syndicated in over 300 newspapers throughout the country for 26 years. In May 1932, the State of Indiana dedicated Brown County State Park as a memorial to Kin, and the rustic Abe Martin Lodge, constructed of native hardwoods and Brown County stone, was built on a high ridge in the park and named in his honor.
• Many historic homes in the Village have been transformed into  specialty shops…
The Bartartley House was built in 1886. The Ferguson House (lower right) on the edge of Antique Alley was originally the home of Allie Ferguson. The original For Bare Feet store is still located in Antique Alley. The former Village Shop (top right) is now the Summer Kitchen on Van Buren Street.
• In 1873,Frank Taggart built a general store in the Village of Nashville. In 1923, it was converted into Miller’s Drug Store (bottom left), complete with a soda fountain. The oldest business building still standing in the Village of Nashville, it has been home to the Hobnob Corner Restaurant since 1979, and still contains some of the original floors,oak fixtures and the soda fountain counter. Also, the Nashville House (bottom right), a Brown County tradition, is still serving their fresh biscuits and homemade apple butter. 
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