New Burlington, Indiana

Unincorporated community in Indiana, U.S.

Unincorporated community in Indiana, United States

New Burlington

Unincorporated community

Excerpt from 1960 USGS map showing Medford and New Burlington, Indiana.

New Burlington

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New Burlington

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Coordinates: 40°07′12.22″N 85°18′28.97″W﻿ / ﻿40.1200611°N 85.3080472°W﻿ / 40.1200611; -85.3080472
Country| United States
State| Indiana
County| Delaware
Township| Perry
Founded by| George Ribble
Named after| New Burlington Pike
ZIP code|

47302

GNIS feature ID| 440029[1]

New Burlington is an unincorporated community in Delaware County, Indiana, in the United States.[1]

## History

[edit]

New Burlington, Indiana, was platted in August 1837 by George Ribble, making it the oldest of the three communities in Perry Township. It was soon followed by Mount Pleasant in September 1837 and much later by Medford in 1901.[2] A post office was established at New Burlington in 1838, and remained in operation until it was discontinued in 1901.[3]

The town developed along the New Burlington Pike, a major early road connecting Muncie and Richmond. The area was a significant stop for travelers, with numerous taverns and inns along the route. Additionally, John Newcomb opened the first general store in the community. However, after a railroad was built through Perry Township, the village's economic and transportation activity shifted, contributing to its decline.[4]

Settlers arrived in New Burlington during the 1820s, with the first school in Delaware County built nearby in 1827. Local tradition holds that Isaac Van Arsdall, a native of the area, was the first pioneer child born in the county. The village, which began as a small settlement, grew to serve travelers and farmers, with wagon and blacksmith shops, two general stores, and two taverns. However, the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s bypassed New Burlington, leading to a decline in its commercial prominence.[5]

New Burlington reached its peak activity between 1840 and 1880. The first school, a log structure with greased paper-covered windows, had a troubled history, including an incident where students threw the schoolmaster into Prairie Creek, leading to his death. During this period, the town had two taverns, blacksmiths, a shoemaker, a wagonmaker, and even a photographer’s studio. The Presbyterian Church, the first in New Burlington, was constructed during this time, as well as the New Burlington Cemetery (which was active from 1840-1910). The Masonic Hall, completed in 1859, served as a community space for various local events. However, as transportation methods improved and businesses shifted to other regions, New Burlington experienced a steady decline.[6]

A significant turning point for the town came in the late 1950s with the development of the Prairie Creek Reservoir, placing New Burlington near one of the largest bodies of water in Delaware County. The community today consists mainly of private homes, with the New Burlington United Methodist Church, built in 1872, and the Whitney Masonic Lodge, built in 1956, serving as notable landmarks.[5]

In 1994, former resident Clifford Williams left a $350,000 donation that funded the Clifford Williams Community Center, which opened in the early 2000s. This center hosts adult education classes and wedding receptions, with plans for future child-care or preschool facilities.[5]

Throughout the 20th century, New Burlington saw little change. The Masonic Lodge moved to a new building in 1956, while the church remained in its original location. The general store, which had been a staple of the community, closed in the 1960s due to population decline following the construction of the Prairie Creek Reservoir.[7]

The home of Dr. Samuel V. Jump, a prominent physician and Freemason in New Burlington, Indiana, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the mid-19th century, the house reflects the architectural style and historical significance of the era. Dr. Jump was instrumental in founding Whitney Lodge No. 229 and played a vital role in the local community. The home’s preservation recognizes its importance as both a historical residence and a testament to Dr. Jump’s contributions to medicine and Freemasonry in Delaware County.[8]

Whitney Lodge No. 229, one of the earliest Masonic lodges in Delaware County, was established in New Burlington in 1857 by Dr. Samuel V. Jump, Thomas Whitney, and John S. Hutchings. The lodge initially met in a rented space before constructing a two-story hall in 1861, which remained in use for 90 years. Over the years, the lodge played a central role in the community, hosting events such as St. John the Baptist Day observances and social gatherings. In 1956, the lodge moved to a new building, which remains a local landmark. Despite New Burlington’s small size, the Masonic membership often exceeded the town’s population.[9][10]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: New Burlington, Indiana
2. ^ Spurgeon, Bill (November 12, 1992). "Our Neighborhood". The Star Press. Newspapers.com. p. 6. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
3. ^ "Delaware County". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
4. ^ Kemper, G.W.H. (1908). A Twentieth Century History of Delaware County Indiana. Evansville, Indiana: Whippoorwill Publications. p. 101\. Bk3012.
5. ^ a b c Walker, Douglas (May 26, 1997). "New Burlington Survives Local Lake Effect". The Star Press. Newspapers.com. p. 7. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
6. ^ Spath, Constantina (March 25, 2006). "New Burlington Experienced 19th-Century Heyday". The Star Press. p. 26. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
7. ^ McFarren, Phil (April 15, 1962). "Little Has Changed in 125 Years: What Will the Reservoir Mean to New Burlington?". The Muncie Star. Newspapers.com. p. 27. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
8. ^ Winters, Rita (January 23, 1983). "Country Doctor's Home". The Muncie Star. Newspapers.com. p. 14. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
9. ^ Greene, Dick (November 19, 1958). "Seen and Heard in Our Neighborhood". The Muncie Star. Newspapers.com. p. 6. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
10. ^ "Tiny New Burlington Was Site of the Third Masonic Lodge Chartered in Delaware County". The Muncie Evening Press. June 13, 1992. p. 43. Retrieved February 5, 2025.

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Delaware County, Indiana, United States

County seat: Muncie

City|

* Muncie

Map of Indiana highlighting Delaware County

Towns|

* Albany‡
* Chesterfield‡
* Daleville
* Eaton
* Gaston
* Selma
* Yorktown

Townships|

* Center
* Delaware
* Hamilton
* Harrison
* Liberty
* Monroe
* Mount Pleasant
* Niles
* Perry
* Salem
* Union
* Washington

CDPs|

* Cowan
* Oakville
* Royerton
* Windsor‡

Other
communities|

* Anthony
* Bethel
* Cammack
* Cross Roads
* DeSoto
* Granville
* Medford
* Mount Pleasant
* New Burlington
* Progress
* Reed Station
* Shideler
* Smithfield
* Stockport
* West Muncie
* Wheeling

Footnotes|

‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties

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40°07′12″N 85°17′52″W﻿ / ﻿40.12000°N 85.29778°W﻿ / 40.12000; -85.29778
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