The Athens of Indiana
Discover unique treasures in a city rich in literary heritage, historic architecture, and 200 years of history
Our Mission
Crawfordsville Antiques was created to help visitors and locals alike discover the rich collection of antique shops in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Our town has a wonderful heritage of antique dealers, each offering unique treasures from different eras and styles.
We believe that antique shopping should be an adventure. With our interactive map and detailed shop listings, you can plan the perfect day of treasure hunting, learning about each shop's specialties, hours, and history before you visit.
But we're more than just an antique shop directory. We care deeply about Crawfordsville and want to share its incredible story with every visitor. This city has shaped American literature, sports, and industry — and we believe that understanding its past makes hunting for antiques here even more meaningful. Every piece you find carries a connection to over 200 years of history.
Whether you're searching for Victorian furniture, mid-century collectibles, rare books, or unique Indiana memorabilia, Crawfordsville's antique shops offer something special. And when you take a break from shopping, you can explore the same streets where Lew Wallace penned Ben-Hur, where Indiana basketball was born, and where Civil War generals once walked. That's the magic of antiquing in the Athens of Indiana.
1823
Founded
12
Historic Landmarks
16,306
Population
1911
1st State BB Champs
The Athens of Indiana
Montgomery County Courthouse
Clock tower restored in 2018
Historic Downtown
Washington Street
Crawfordsville earned its distinguished nickname "The Athens of Indiana" back in 1825, and for good reason. This charming city in Montgomery County has been home to an extraordinary number of authors, intellectuals, and cultural figures throughout its 200-year history.
Founded in 1823 on the banks of Sugar Creek, the city was named in honor of William H. Crawford, Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Madison and Monroe. Major Ambrose Whitlock, a Virginian who had served under General "Mad" Anthony Wayne in the Northwest Indian War, laid out the town and became its first settler.
According to an 1824 diary by Sanford C. Cox, one of the area's first schoolmasters: "Crawfordsville is the only town between Terre Haute and Fort Wayne." From those humble beginnings with just a tavern, grocery, and two stores, the city grew into a thriving cultural center.
Key Moments in History
Literary Legacy
Lew Wallace Study
National Historic Landmark
"Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" became one of the best-selling novels of the 19th century, outselling every book except the Bible until Gone with the Wind.
In 1880, General Lew Wallace completed his masterpiece in his study here in Crawfordsville. The novel has been adapted into multiple films, including the 1959 epic starring Charlton Heston that won 11 Academy Awards.
But Wallace wasn't alone. The city was home to numerous celebrated authors including Maurice Thompson (poet and naturalist who popularized archery as a sport), Meredith Nicholson (The House of a Thousand Candles), and journalists Mary Hannah Krout and Caroline Virginia Krout. Even Maurine Dallas Watkins, author of Chicago (later adapted into the famous musical), hailed from here.
Notable Crawfordsville Residents
- Lew Wallace — Civil War general, author of Ben-Hur, Governor of New Mexico Territory
- Will Shortz — The New York Times crossword puzzle editor
- Dick Van Dyke — Legendary actor, attended Tuttle Middle School
- Joseph P. Allen — NASA astronaut, mission specialist on first operational Space Shuttle flight (1982)
- Howdy Wilcox — Winner of the 1919 Indianapolis 500
- Henry S. Lane — U.S. Senator, Governor of Indiana, pallbearer for Abraham Lincoln
- James W. Marshall — Gold miner who sparked the California Gold Rush
- Henry B. Carrington — Civil War general, taught at Wabash College
Historic Landmarks
For antique lovers, Crawfordsville is a treasure trove of history. The city boasts twelve properties on the National Register of Historic Places.
Rotary Jail Museum
Built 1882 — One of the first rotary jails in the country
Henry S. Lane House
Home of the Senator & Governor
Carnegie Museum
Built 1902 — Former library, now museum
National Register Sites
• Gen. Lew Wallace Study (Museum)
• Montgomery County Jail (Rotary Jail Museum)
• Henry S. Lane House (Museum)
• Crawfordsville Commercial Historic District
• Elston Grove Historic District
• Montgomery County Courthouse
• Bethel AME Church
• Saint John's Episcopal Church
• Col. Isaac C. Elston House (DAR HQ)
• Culver Union Hospital (Senior Apts)
• Otto Schlemmer Building
• McClelland-Layne House
In 1842, 9-year-old Horace Hovey discovered remarkably well-preserved Crinoid fossils along Sugar Creek, drawing researchers and fossil enthusiasts to the area — a tradition of discovery that continues today in our antique shops!
Wabash College & Basketball Heritage
Wabash College
Founded 1832
Wabash College was founded here in 1832 as "The Wabash Teachers Seminary and Manual Labor College" — one of only three remaining all-male liberal arts colleges in the country with about 900 students.
The college has produced numerous notable alumni including Civil War generals, U.S. congressmen, governors, and business leaders. It continues to be a center of academic excellence and leadership development.
The Monon Bell — Wabash plays an annual football game against DePauw University for this trophy, one of the oldest rivalries in all college sports. They also won the Division III NCAA basketball title in 1982.
Speaking of basketball — Crawfordsville was among the first Indiana communities to embrace the sport. The Crawfordsville YMCA hosted one of Indiana's earliest basketball games in March 1894, and was also the site of one of the first intercollegiate basketball games between Wabash College and Purdue University that same year. Crawfordsville High School won the state's first high school basketball title in 1911!
Civil War Generals
Several Civil War generals called Crawfordsville home. Generals Lew Wallace and Mahlon D. Manson spent most of their lives here. General Henry B. Carrington lived in town after the war and taught military science at Wabash College. Future generals Joseph J. Reynolds, Speed S. Fry, and Charles Cruft were Wabash students before the war.
Innovation & Industry
Steel Innovation
Crawfordsville is home to the world's first thin-slab casting minimill. Nucor Steel broke ground on its billion-dollar facility in 1987, revolutionizing steel manufacturing by recycling scrap steel using electric arc-furnace technology.
Printing Heritage
R.R. Donnelley & Sons started a printing plant here in 1921, employing many local residents for decades. The facility is now known as Lakeside Book Company and continues the city's tradition of bookmaking.
The early 20th century brought an electric interurban railway to Lebanon (1904), offering fast transportation to Indianapolis and Lafayette — followed by the "Ben Hur Route" in 1907 running directly to Indianapolis.
For Shop Owners
Do you own an antique shop in the area? We'd love to feature your business on Crawfordsville Antiques. Our platform helps connect you with customers actively seeking antique treasures in the Athens of Indiana.
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Crawfordsville, Indiana
Located in west-central Indiana, 49 miles west-northwest of Indianapolis. Part of the Indianapolis–Carmel–Muncie Combined Statistical Area.
Amtrak Service
The Cardinal line connects Crawfordsville to New York and Chicago, with stops three times weekly. The station is located behind the historic depot.
Sugar Creek
A tributary of the Wabash River
Did You Know?
- • Crawfordsville is one of the smallest U.S. cities with two daily newspapers
- • The city has its own regional airport (KCFJ) with a 5,505-foot runway
- • In 1910, four adjoining towns were annexed: Englewood, Fiskville, Highland, and Longview
- • The courthouse clock tower was restored in 2018 after 77 years without it
- • The 2015 Stellar Community grant helped revitalize downtown
- • Population has grown steadily from 1,327 (1840) to 16,306 (2020)
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