Mt. Carmel

Southeast Indiana Area

Meandering along St. Rt. 252 through the rich flat tableland of eastern Franklin County, you come around a bend and discover Mount Carmel. You’ll see fine old brick farm houses built in the days and the architectural style of the early republic or federal style of building. Founded in 1832 and named for the Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church, it was the site of numerous factories including the famed Reed Factory used for looms for the wool and cotton mills throughout the area. Mount Carmel was the area’s hub with two general stores, two blacksmith shops, a butcher shop, and a harness shop. The first Women’s Club and the oldest literary club in the county, the M. Louisa Chitwood Club was renamed to honor the memory of the local poetess, known for her prolific four editions of her poems. Today Mount Carmel is primarily a farming and residential community.

Southeastern Indiana