Georgetown Bicentennial 1807-2007
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Not only are we known as the oldest municipality in Floyd County, but
Georgetown has a rich history... It began as a small sawmill and ferrier outpost
in 1807, six years before New Albany! The town grew up around Whiskey Run
Creek and was named for its founder, George Waltz who originally had
acquired the land from the government, The first structure in the area, a log
cabin, built from Blue Ash logs, was erected at the site of the drive-in about
1805 by Patrick Shields. Native Americans were still active in the area and
known to frighten many early residents. The first general store in town was built
by John Hanger and James Waltz. (now Walts) The town's first post office
began inside the tavern that the Walts' built and mail was delivered twice weekly
by horse and buggy. In 1906 the town caught fire, and a good portion of Mains
St. (Hwy 64) burned to the ground. The fire was caused by cinders blowing
from the smokestack of a passing train...
Over the years, Georgetown has
been no stranger to growing
pains, it took many years to
build a public water system,
prior to it the town relied solely
on cisterns and wells until
the late 1950's.
Pictured on right, R Malianee, JP,
and Cleve Harman with the last of
the town pumps.
Above; Fire of 1906
Right; The Sawmill
c. 1894
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This year Georgetown turns 200!
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Left; An early Post Office c. 1915
Below; Wrights Drugstore
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Left; Old Georgetown Bank, now the Town Hall
Below; The original Georgetown School
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Until 1967, the only high school in Floyd
County was Georgetown's, the basketball
games drew people from many miles. The
school now educates children K-6.
More information can be learned at the
New Albany Floyd County Library's Indiana
Room.
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The most famous person to come
from Georgetown? Supreme Court
Justice Sherman Minton, who was
born here in 1890. An IU graduate,
her served in WWI, was elected
Senator in 1935 and in 1949 was
appointed to the Supreme Court by
President Truman.
Left; Sherman Minton, Harry
Truman and Fred Vinson
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