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Coordinates: 40°56′15″N 87°10′06″W / 40.93750°N 87.16833°W / 40.93750; -87.16833
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{{Other uses|Rensselaer (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = City of Rensselaer, Indiana
|name = Rensselaer, Indiana
|settlement_type = [[City]]
|settlement_type = [[City]]
|nickname =
|nickname =
|mapsize = 250x200px
|mapsize = 250x200px
|image_skyline = Jasper County Courthouse Rensselaer Indiana.JPG
|image_skyline = Jasper County Courthouse Rensselaer Indiana.JPG
|imagesize = 300 px
|imagesize = 300 px
|image_caption = Jasper County Courthouse
|image_caption = Jasper County Courthouse
|image_map = File:Jasper County Indiana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Rensselaer Highlighted 1863792.svg
|image_map = Jasper_County_Indiana_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Rensselaer_Highlighted.svg
|map_caption = Location in the state of [[Indiana]]
|map_caption = Location of Rensselaer in Jasper County, Indiana
|image_map1 =
|image_map1 =
|mapsize1 =
|mapsize1 =
|map_caption1 =
|map_caption1 =
|subdivision_type = [[List of countries|Country]]
|subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|subdivision_name = [[United States]]
|area_note =
|area_note =
|subdivision_type1 = [[Political divisions of the United States|State]]
|subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Indiana]]
|subdivision_name1 = [[Indiana]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Indiana|County]]
|subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Indiana|County]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Jasper County, Indiana|Jasper]]
|subdivision_name2 = [[Jasper County, Indiana|Jasper]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of townships in Indiana|Township]]
|subdivision_type3 = [[List of townships in Indiana|Townships]]
|subdivision_name3 = [[Marion Township, Jasper County, Indiana|Marion]]
|subdivision_name3 = [[Marion Township, Jasper County, Indiana|Marion]], [[Newton Township, Jasper County, Indiana|Newton]]
|government_type =
|government_type =
|leader_title = Mayor
|leader_title = Mayor
|leader_name = Herbert H. Arihood ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
|leader_name = Jeff Phillips ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
|named_for = James Van Rensselaer
|named_for = James Van Rensselaer
|established_title = Platted
|established_title = Platted
Line 29: Line 31:
|established_title1 = Incorporated
|established_title1 = Incorporated
|established_date1 = December 8, 1858
|established_date1 = December 8, 1858
|area_magnitude = 1 E6
|population_footnotes =
|area_total_km2 = 2.6
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|area_land_km2 = 2.6
|population_est =
|area_water_km2 = 0.2
|pop_est_as_of =
|population_as_of = 2010
|population_note =
|population_note =
|population_total = 5733
|population_density_sq_mi = 852.11
|population_total = 5859
|population_density_km2 = 704.8
|population_density_km2 = 328.99
|timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
|timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|CST]]
|utc_offset = -6
|utc_offset = -6
|timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
|timezone_DST = [[North American Central Time Zone|CDT]]
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|utc_offset_DST = -5
|area_total_sq_mi = 9.9
|area_land_km2 = 17.43
|area_land_sq_mi = 9.9
|area_water_km2 = 0.01
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_18.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.1
|elevation_m = 201
|area_total_km2 = 17.44
|area_total_sq_mi = 6.73
|area_land_sq_mi = 6.73
|area_water_sq_mi = 0.01
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
|elevation_ft = 659
|elevation_ft = 659
|coordinates = {{coord|40|56|15|N|87|10|06|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
|coordinates_display = inline,title
|coordinates_type = region:US_type:city
|latd = 40 |latm = 56 |lats = 17 |latNS = N
|longd = 87 |longm = 9 |longs = 5 |longEW = W
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]
|postal_code = 47978
|postal_code = 47978
|area_code = [[Area code 219|219]]
|area_code = [[Area code 219|219]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 18-63792{{GR|2}}
|blank_info = 18-63792<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0441902{{GR|3}}
|blank1_info = 2396349<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2396349}}</ref>
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|website = http://cityofrensselaerin.com |
|website = {{URL|cityofrensselaerin.com}}
|pop_est_footnotes =
|unit_pref = Imperial
}}
}}
'''Rensselaer''' is a city located along the [[Iroquois River]] in [[Marion Township, Jasper County, Indiana|Marion Township]], [[Jasper County, Indiana|Jasper County]], [[Indiana]], [[United States]]. The population was 5,859 at the 2010 census. The city is the [[county seat]] of [[Jasper County, Indiana|Jasper County]]{{GR|6}}. Rensselaer is home to [[Saint Joseph's College of Indiana]].
'''Rensselaer''' is a city located along the [[Iroquois River (Indiana-Illinois)|Iroquois River]] in [[Marion Township, Jasper County, Indiana|Marion Township]], [[Jasper County, Indiana|Jasper County]], [[Indiana]], United States. The population was 5,859 at the 2010 census,<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1863792| archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213041452/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1863792| url-status=dead| archive-date=February 13, 2020| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Rensselaer city, Indiana| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| work=American Factfinder| access-date=May 15, 2018}}</ref> up from 5,294 at the 2000 census. The city is the [[county seat]] of Jasper County.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref> [[Saint Joseph's College (Indiana)|Saint Joseph's College]] is located just south of the city limits.

==History==
[[File:St Joseph's College Church.JPG|thumb|upright|left|St. Joseph's College (church)]]This settlement, first platted on June 12, 1839, was originally named "Newton" and was established at the rapids of the Iroquois River. By 1844, it had been renamed "Rensselaer", after James Van Rensselaer, a merchant from [[Utica, New York]], who came to the area after his business failed in the [[Panic of 1837]]. He took over the land from Joseph D. Yeoman, who had established a farm some years earlier and had begun to plan the village.<ref name="wbjn1883">{{cite book |last=Battle |first=J. H. |title=Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper, and Newton, Indiana |publisher=F. A. Battey and Company |year=1883 |location=Chicago, Illinois |pages=508–514 |chapter=History of Jasper County}}</ref>

[[St. Joseph Indian Normal School]] was established in 1888 by [[Katharine Drexel|St. Katherine Drexel]], an heiress from [[Philadelphia]], who donated $50,000 for the education of [[Catholic Church|Catholic]] American Indian boys. The school trained 60 boys annually until 1896. The school was operated by the [[Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions]].

In addition to St. Joseph Indian Normal School, the [[Jasper County Courthouse (Indiana)|Jasper County Courthouse]], [[Oren F. and Adelia Parker House]], [[Rensselaer Carnegie Library]], and [[Rensselaer Courthouse Square Historic District]] are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref><ref name="nps">{{cite web |date=April 20, 2012 |title=National Register of Historic Places Listings |url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/20120420.htm |work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 4/09/12 through 4/13/12 |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref><ref name="nps1">{{cite web |date=October 10, 2014 |title=National Register of Historic Places Listings |url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/20141010.htm |work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 9/29/14 through 10/03/14 |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
Rensselaer is located southwest of the center of Jasper County.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref> It is bordered to the south by the unincorporated community of [[Collegeville, Indiana|Collegeville]], home to Saint Joseph's College. The [[Iroquois River (Indiana-Illinois)|Iroquois River]], a tributary of the [[Kankakee River]], hence part of the [[Illinois River]] watershed, flows from east to west through the southern part of the city.
Rensselaer is located at {{Coord|40|56|17|N|87|9|5|W|city}} (40.938051, -87.151341){{GR|1}}. [[U.S. Route 231]] and [[Indiana State Road 114]] intersect in the downtown area. The [[Iroquois River]] flows through the south part of the city.


[[U.S. Route 231]] and [[Indiana State Road 114]] intersect in the downtown area. US-231 leads north {{convert|20|mi}} to [[DeMotte, Indiana|DeMotte]] and south {{convert|12|mi}} to [[Remington, Indiana|Remington]], while State Road 114 leads east {{convert|13|mi}} to [[U.S. Route 421 in Indiana|U.S. Route 421]] and west {{convert|3.5|mi}} to [[Interstate 65 in Indiana|Interstate 65]]. Via I-65, Rensselaer is {{convert|42|mi}} north of [[Lafayette, Indiana|Lafayette]] and {{convert|54|mi}} south of [[Gary, Indiana|Gary]].
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of 3.0&nbsp;[[square mile]]s (7.7&nbsp;[[km²]]), of which, 2.9&nbsp;square miles (7.5&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 0.1&nbsp;square miles (0.2&nbsp;km²) of it (2.03%) is water.


According to the 2010 census, Rensselaer has a total area of {{convert|3.86|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|3.8|sqmi|sqkm|2}} (or 98.45%) is land and {{convert|0.06|sqmi|sqkm|2}} (or 1.55%) is water.<ref name="census-g001">{{cite web
==History==
|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1863792
[[File:St Joseph's College Church.JPG|thumb|200 px|left|St. Joseph's College (church)]]This settlement, first platted on June 12, 1839, was originally named Newton and was established at the rapids of the Iroquois River. By 1844 it had been renamed to Rensselaer after James Van Rensselaer, a merchant from [[Utica, New York]], who came to the area after his business failed in the [[Panic of 1837]]. He took over the land from Joseph D. Yeoman, who had established a farm some years earlier and had begun to plan the village.<ref name="wbjn1883">{{cite book
|title=G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1
| last = Battle
|access-date=July 29, 2015
| first = J. H.
|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
| title = Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper, and Newton, Indiana
|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213041452/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1863792
| chapter = History of Jasper County
|archive-date=February 13, 2020
| year = 1883
|url-status=dead
| publisher = F. A. Battey and Company
}}</ref>
| location = Chicago, Illinois
| pages = 508–514
}}</ref>


=== Climate ===
[http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM3FRT_St_Josephs_Indian_Normal_School_Rensselaer_IN St. Joseph's Indian Normal School] was established in 1888 and trained 60 Indian Boys annually until 1896. The school was operated by the [[Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions]].
Humid continental climate is a climatic classification typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. Precipitation is relatively well distributed year-round in many areas with this climate, while others may see a marked reduction in wintry precipitation and even a wintertime drought. The [[Köppen Climate Classification]] subtype for this climate is "[[Humid continental climate|Dfa]]". (Hot Summer Continental Climate).<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=744664&cityname=Rensselaer%2C+Indiana%2C+United+States+of+America&units= Climate Summary for Rensselaer, Indiana]</ref>


{{US Census population
{{USCensusPop
|1850= 241
|1860= 535
|1870= 617
|1880= 968
|1890= 1455
|1900= 2255
|1900= 2255
|1910= 2393
|1910= 2393
Line 94: Line 110:
|2000= 5294
|2000= 5294
|2010= 5859
|2010= 5859
|2020= 5733
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 5,294 people, 2,158 households, and 1,404 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 1,824.8 people per square mile (704.8/km²). There were 2,296 housing units at an average density of 791.4 per square mile (305.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 97.94% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.32% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.21% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.09% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.66% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.77% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 2.53% of the population.


===2010 census===
There were 2,158 households out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 31.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.
At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]] there were 5,859 people, 2,336 households, and 1,517 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1541.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 2,556 housing units at an average density of {{convert|672.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2010 census|racial makup]] of the city was 95.4% White, 0.7% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.4%.<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=December 11, 2012}}</ref>


In the city the population was spread out with 25.3% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
Of the 2,336 households 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.1% were non-families. 29.5% of households were one person and 12.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.96.


The median age was 36.6 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.4% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The median income for a household in the city was $34,821, and the median income for a family was $43,313. Males had a median income of $33,971 versus $24,016 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $20,872. About 6.6% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.


==Rail Transportation==
===2000 census===
At the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]] there were 5,294 people, 2,158 households, and 1,404 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,824.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 2,296 housing units at an average density of {{convert|791.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census#2000 census|racial makup]] of the city was 97.94% White, 0.32% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.66% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.53%.<ref name="GR2" />
{{See also|Rensselaer, Indiana (Amtrak station)}}
[[Amtrak]], the national passenger rail system, provides service to Rensselaer.


Of the 2,158 households 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 31.1% of households were one person and 15.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.
Amtrak Train 51, the westbound [[Cardinal (passenger train)|Cardinal]], is scheduled to depart Rensselaer at 8:20am on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday; Amtrak Train 851, the westbound [[Hoosier State (passenger train)|Hoosier State]], is scheduled to depart Rensselaer at 8:20am on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Both trains go to [[Dyer, Indiana|Dyer]] and [[Union Station (Chicago)|Chicago Union Station]] to connect with other trains.


The age distribution was 25.3% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.
Amtrak Train 50, the eastbound Cardinal, is scheduled to depart Dyer at 8:57pm on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with service to [[Lafayette, Indiana|Lafayette]], [[Crawfordsville, Indiana|Crawfordsville]], [[Indianapolis, Indiana|Indianapolis]], [[Connersville, Indiana|Connersville]], [[Cincinnati, Ohio|Cincinnati]], [[Maysville, Kentucky|Maysville]], [[South Shore, Kentucky|South Portsmouth]], [[Ashland, Kentucky|Ashland]], [[Huntington, West Virginia|Huntington]], [[Charleston, West Virginia|Charleston]], [[Montgomery, West Virginia|Montgomery]], [[Thurmond, West Virginia|Thurmond]], [[Prince, West Virginia|Prince]], [[Hinton, West Virginia|Hinton]], [[Alderson, West Virginia|Alderson]], [[White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia|White Sulphur Springs]], [[Clifton Forge, Virginia|Clifton Forge]], [[Staunton, Virginia|Staunton]], [[Charlottesville, Virginia|Charlottesville]], [[Culpeper, Virginia|Culpeper]], [[Manassas, Virginia|Manassas]], [[Alexandria, Virginia|Alexandria]], and [[Union Station (Washington)|Washington, DC]] and continuing on to [[New York, New York|New York City]].<br />
Amtrak Train 850, the eastbound Hoosier State, is scheduled to depart Rensselaer at 9:41pm on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with service to [[Lafayette, Indiana|Lafayette]], [[Crawfordsville]], and [[Indianapolis]].


The median household income was $34,821 and the median family income was $43,313. Males had a median income of $33,971 versus $24,016 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,872. About 6.6% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.
==Famous residents==

* [[Tom Harmon|Thomas Dudley Harmon]], [[1940]] [[Heisman Trophy]] winner at the [[University of Michigan]], played football professionally with the [[New York Yankees (1940 AFL)|New York Americans]] and the [[Los Angeles Rams]], Actor, Radio and Television Sports Broadcaster. As a pilot in the [[United States Army Air Corps|Army Air Corps]] during [[World War II]], he was awarded the [[Purple Heart]] and the [[Silver Star]] for his actions.
==Education==
* [[Steve Buyer]], [[U.S. House of Representatives]] for [[Indiana's 4th Congressional District]].
It is within the [[Rensselaer Central School Corporation]] (K-12 school district).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st18_in/schooldistrict_maps/c18073_jasper/DC20SD_C18073.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jasper County, IN|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 5, 2023}}</ref>
* [[Charles A. Halleck]], [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] leader of the [[United States House of Representatives]] from the [[Indiana's 2nd congressional district|Second District of Indiana]]. He served as the [[House Majority Leader]] after the elections of 1946 and 1952; was the [[House Minority Leader]] 1959-1964.

* [[James F. Hanley|James Frederick "Jimmy" Hanley]], American songwriter, best remembered for the hit songs "[[Back Home Again in Indiana|(Back Home Again in) Indiana]]" (1917), "Second Hand Rose" (1921) and "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart" (1934).
Rensselaer has a public library, a branch of the Jasper County Public Library.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.myjcpl.org/locations/rensselaer | title=Rensselaer Public Library, Headquarters | publisher=Jasper County Public Library | access-date=March 8, 2018}}</ref>
* [http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemDetailPaged.aspx?itemID=447213 Nellie Donegan], Actress, [[Ziegfeld Girl]], [[Artistic roller skating|Artistic Roller Skating]] [[Vaudeville]] Performer & International Speed Roller Skater.

* [[Augustus Phillips]], Actor during the [[silent film]] era, appeared in 134 films between 1910 and 1921.
[[Saint Joseph's College (Indiana)|Saint Joseph's College]] is in Rensselaer.
* [[Eleanor Stackhouse Atkinson]], Author, Journalist and Teacher, she is best known for her 1912 novel [[Greyfriars Bobby]].

* [http://www.oregonencyclopedia.org/entry/view/marshall_edison_1894_1967_/ Edison Marshall], nationally known author and adventurer. Won the prestigious [[O. Henry Award]] for "The Heart of Little Shikara."
==Transportation==
Rensselaer is served by Amtrak's [[Amtrak Cardinal|Cardinal]], which runs three days per week, stopping at the [[Rensselaer station|Rensselaer Amtrak]] station.

==Notable people==
* [[Eleanor Stackhouse Atkinson]], author
* [[Dan Brandenburg]], [[National Football League]] player, [[Buffalo Bills]] 1996-1999<ref>[http://www.nfl.com/player/danbrandenburg/2499762/profile Dan Brandenburg, LB at NFL.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
* [[Steve Buyer]], former [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. Representative]]
* [[Charles A. Halleck]], [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] leader of the U.S. House of Representatives
* [[James F. Hanley|James Frederick "Jimmy" Hanley]], American songwriter
* [[Tom Harmon]], 1940 [[Heisman Trophy]] winner
* [[Eli Isom]], professional wrestler
* [[Michael Stephen Kanne]], Judge on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals
* [[Robert H. Milroy]], Major General in the Union Army during the American Civil War
* [[Augustus Phillips]], actor during the [[silent film]] era


==References==
==References==
Line 128: Line 158:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://cityofrensselaerin.com/ City of Rensselaer, Indiana website]
{{Americana Poster|Rensselaer (Indiana)|Rensselaer, Indiana}}
* [http://www.visitrensselaer.com/ Visitor's Guide: Rensselaer, Indiana]
* [http://cityofrensselaerin.com/ City of Rensselaer official website]
* [http://mainstreetrensselaer.org/ Main Street: Rensselaer, Indiana]


{{Jasper County, Indiana}}
{{Jasper County, Indiana}}
{{Indiana County Seats}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Cities in Indiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Indiana]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1839]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1839]]
[[Category:Populated places in Jasper County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Jasper County, Indiana]]
[[Category:County seats in Indiana]]
[[Category:County seats in Indiana]]
[[Category:Northwest Indiana]]
[[Category:Northwest Indiana]]
[[Category:Towns in Indiana]]

[[ca:Rensselaer (Indiana)]]
[[Category:1858 establishments in Indiana]]
[[es:Rensselaer (Indiana)]]
[[fr:Rensselaer (Indiana)]]
[[io:Rensselaer, Indiana]]
[[ht:Rensselaer, Indiana]]
[[nl:Rensselaer (Indiana)]]
[[pt:Rensselaer (Indiana)]]
[[simple:Rensselaer, Indiana]]
[[sv:Rensselaer, Indiana]]
[[vo:Rensselaer (Indiana)]]

Latest revision as of 00:44, 1 May 2024

For other uses, see Rensselaer (disambiguation).

Rensselaer, Indiana
City
Jasper County Courthouse
Jasper County Courthouse
Location of Rensselaer in Jasper County, Indiana
Location of Rensselaer in Jasper County, Indiana
Coordinates: 40°56′15″N 87°10′06″W / 40.93750°N 87.16833°W / 40.93750; -87.16833[1]
CountryUnited States
StateIndiana
CountyJasper
TownshipsMarion, Newton
PlattedJune 12, 1839
IncorporatedDecember 8, 1858
Named forJames Van Rensselaer
Government
 • MayorJeff Phillips (R)
Area
[2]
 • Total
6.73 sq mi (17.44 km2)
 • Land6.73 sq mi (17.43 km2)
 • Water0.01 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation
[1]
659 ft (201 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
5,733
 • Density852.11/sq mi (328.99/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
47978
Area code219
FIPS code18-63792[3]
GNIS feature ID2396349[1]
Websitecityofrensselaerin.com

Rensselaer is a city located along the Iroquois River in Marion Township, Jasper County, Indiana, United States. The population was 5,859 at the 2010 census,[4] up from 5,294 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Jasper County.[5] Saint Joseph's College is located just south of the city limits.

History

[edit]
St. Joseph's College (church)

This settlement, first platted on June 12, 1839, was originally named "Newton" and was established at the rapids of the Iroquois River. By 1844, it had been renamed "Rensselaer", after James Van Rensselaer, a merchant from Utica, New York, who came to the area after his business failed in the Panic of 1837. He took over the land from Joseph D. Yeoman, who had established a farm some years earlier and had begun to plan the village.[6]

St. Joseph Indian Normal School was established in 1888 by St. Katherine Drexel, an heiress from Philadelphia, who donated $50,000 for the education of Catholic American Indian boys. The school trained 60 boys annually until 1896. The school was operated by the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions.

In addition to St. Joseph Indian Normal School, the Jasper County Courthouse, Oren F. and Adelia Parker House, Rensselaer Carnegie Library, and Rensselaer Courthouse Square Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[7][8][9]

Geography

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Rensselaer is located southwest of the center of Jasper County.[10] It is bordered to the south by the unincorporated community of Collegeville, home to Saint Joseph's College. The Iroquois River, a tributary of the Kankakee River, hence part of the Illinois River watershed, flows from east to west through the southern part of the city.

U.S. Route 231 and Indiana State Road 114 intersect in the downtown area. US-231 leads north 20 miles (32 km) to DeMotte and south 12 miles (19 km) to Remington, while State Road 114 leads east 13 miles (21 km) to U.S. Route 421 and west 3.5 miles (5.6 km) to Interstate 65. Via I-65, Rensselaer is 42 miles (68 km) north of Lafayette and 54 miles (87 km) south of Gary.

According to the 2010 census, Rensselaer has a total area of 3.86 square miles (10.00 km2), of which 3.8 square miles (9.84 km2) (or 98.45%) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km2) (or 1.55%) is water.[11]

Climate

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Humid continental climate is a climatic classification typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. Precipitation is relatively well distributed year-round in many areas with this climate, while others may see a marked reduction in wintry precipitation and even a wintertime drought. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Dfa". (Hot Summer Continental Climate).[12]

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850241—
1860535122.0%
187061715.3%
188096856.9%
18901,45550.3%
19002,25555.0%
19102,3936.1%
19202,91221.7%
19302,798−3.9%
19403,21414.9%
19504,07226.7%
19604,74016.4%
19704,688−1.1%
19804,9445.5%
19905,0452.0%
20005,2944.9%
20105,85910.7%
20205,733−2.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[13]

Demographics

[edit]

2010 census

[edit]

At the 2010 census there were 5,859 people, 2,336 households, and 1,517 families living in the city. The population density was 1,541.8 inhabitants per square mile (595.3/km2). There were 2,556 housing units at an average density of 672.6 per square mile (259.7/km2). The racial makup of the city was 95.4% White, 0.7% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.4%.[14]

Of the 2,336 households 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.9% were married couples living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.1% were non-families. 29.5% of households were one person and 12.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.96.

The median age was 36.6 years. 25.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.6% were from 25 to 44; 23.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.4% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

2000 census

[edit]

At the 2000 census there were 5,294 people, 2,158 households, and 1,404 families living in the city. The population density was 1,824.8 inhabitants per square mile (704.6/km2). There were 2,296 housing units at an average density of 791.4 per square mile (305.6/km2). The racial makup of the city was 97.94% White, 0.32% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.66% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.53%.[3]

Of the 2,158 households 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 31.1% of households were one person and 15.6% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.

The age distribution was 25.3% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.

The median household income was $34,821 and the median family income was $43,313. Males had a median income of $33,971 versus $24,016 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,872. About 6.6% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education

[edit]

It is within the Rensselaer Central School Corporation (K-12 school district).[15]

Rensselaer has a public library, a branch of the Jasper County Public Library.[16]

Saint Joseph's College is in Rensselaer.

Transportation

[edit]

Rensselaer is served by Amtrak's Cardinal, which runs three days per week, stopping at the Rensselaer Amtrak station.

Notable people

[edit]

References

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  1. ^ a b c U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rensselaer, Indiana
  2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001): Rensselaer city, Indiana". American Factfinder. U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved May 15, 2018.
  5. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  6. ^ Battle, J. H. (1883). "History of Jasper County". Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper, and Newton, Indiana. Chicago, Illinois: F. A. Battey and Company. pp. 508–514.
  7. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  8. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 4/09/12 through 4/13/12. National Park Service. April 20, 2012.
  9. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Listings". Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 9/29/14 through 10/03/14. National Park Service. October 10, 2014.
  10. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  11. ^ "G001 - Geographic Identifiers - 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
  12. ^ Climate Summary for Rensselaer, Indiana
  13. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 11, 2012.
  15. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Jasper County, IN" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  16. ^ "Rensselaer Public Library, Headquarters". Jasper County Public Library. Retrieved March 8, 2018.
  17. ^ Dan Brandenburg, LB at NFL.com
[edit]
Wikisource has the text of a 1920 Encyclopedia Americana article about Rensselaer, Indiana.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Rensselaer,_Indiana&oldid=1221624388"