Spiceland was founded in 1842 and remains alive with a population of 890 residents. The Town Council was founded in 1842 as well, to discuss new town ordinance and to share the council’s minutes with residents. This was mainly a Quaker community.
The Town of Spiceland is truly unique in that no other township, town, village, or city in the United States has the same name. The town was called "Spiceland” because of the abundance of shrubbery that grew in the area known as the spice-bush. Native Americans were first attracted to the area because of the abundance of springs along the stream called Brook Bezor. In later years, the pioneers that came to the area were mostly from North Carolina and were members of the “Society of Friends”. They were younger people who came to secure homes and wanted to better their lives. Popular careers in the area in the early years of the town were farmers, cobblers, mill workers, and merchants. There was even a state senator that once lived in the town. Throughout the history of the town, Spiceland Academy (later called Spiceland High School) turned out a number of outstanding graduates, including playwrites, lyricists, inventors, entrepreneurs, authors, and college presidents. Some notable franchises that originated from Spiceland residents include Minute Maid citrus concentrate and Carnation evaporated milk. In pre-Civil War days, the town of Spiceland was a prominent station on the Underground Railroad. During this monumental time in history, Spiceland was sympathetic to the abolitionist cause. Draper Incorporated is a large manufacturer of projection screens, window shades, gym equipment, and much more, located just outside the town of Spiceland. Draper's is the largest factory of it's kind in the United States and the largest industry in Henry County. Having been in business since 1902, Draper's has played a huge role in the history of this town. One of the oldest events that still takes place to this day in Spiceland is the Freedom Days Festival. Residents used to have parades that included custom designed floats and an election for Freedom Days Festival Queen. |
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Spiceland Town Office:
130 East Main Street, PO Box 386 Spiceland, Indiana, 47385. |
