The Ohio River is the defining natural feature of Southern Indiana. Its “falls” – really an extended area of gentle rapids – originally made this area a stopping point for westward-bound traders and settlers.

Southern Indiana is notable, because it is culturally and geographically more similar to the South than it is to the rest of the state of Indiana. It is also the
first-settled area of the state. In particular, Southern Indiana is part of the greater Louisville metropolitan area (total population of 1.2 million). The bridges that connect Indiana and Kentucky’s interstate system provide easy and convenient movement for the metropolitan’s residents. Many people living in the area work, attend school, and enjoy activities on both sides of the Ohio River.

Clark and Floyd Counties, two of the four Indiana counties that make up the Indiana portion of Greater Louisville, have their own unique identity and micro-economy. In fact, many newcomers are drawn to Southern Indiana’s affordable housing, land and easy access to the amenities of the City of Louisville. Southern Indiana’s shoreline and hills, called “knobs”, offer the most dramatic views of Louisville found anywhere in the region.

For business, the Southern Indiana/Louisville area is rated as having one of
the best interstate highway systems in the country. Interstate highways running through the Southern Indiana/Louisville region include: I-65, I-64, I-71, I-265 and I-264.

In addition, our community is well-served by barge transportation with full-service stevedoring facilities, exceptional rail service throughout the area, and excellent commercial and general aviation services.

Clark County was formed in 1801. It is named for General George Rogers Clark, who captured the Northwest Territory for Virginia during the Revolutionary War. It was initially divided into three townships. Jeffersonville was the original county seat, from 1802-1811. Charlestown would become the county seat in 1811, but in 1878 the county seat returned to Jeffersonville due to its growth.

Floyd County was formed in 1819. The Indiana State Library says it was named for General John Floyd of Virginia, an officer in the War of 1812. Floyd was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 1819. Others say it was named for either early settler Davis Floyd or early settler John Floyd.