By Terri Horvath
Thanks to the opportunities brought by the railroad, Zionsville had grown to a significant stop along the tracks during the 19th century.
The town’s original plat in 1852 consisted of 28 acres specifically to accommodate the Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Lafayette Railroad. As the railroad plowed its way north, merchants were lured to the area seeking new opportunities.
One business that seemed to thrive at the time was the saloon. While the railroad was being built through town, seven saloons sprung up rapidly to serve the railway workers. An active temperance movement eventually whittled the number down significantly. Other less controversial businesses also were established.
By 1900, the town had spread to 640 acres, or one square mile. The population was about 1,500 people with more than 70 businesses in operation, plus an assortment of doctors, attorneys and other professionals. Most served the agricultural economy. Among them were blacksmiths, a wagon wheel factory and a small stockyard for cattle waiting to be shipped to market.
The town also had an active social scene. An opera house brought in lecturers and entertainers. Plus, Zion Park was the site of a popular chautauqua-like event every year.
