Founding

    When the City of Bloomington was officially established in 1818, on what was once a wheat field, a public square was laid out with 276 feet on each side and streets 82 feet wide. The first courthouse, built of logs, was constructed immediately and the town stretched four blocks square. Its early designation as the site of Indiana Seminary (later to become Indiana University) endowed an academic character that has ever since distinguished Bloomington as one of the great college towns of America.

Industrial Revolution

    A marked period in Bloomington's development began in 1854 when the city first became connected to other cities via railroad. This sparked a surge in industry and commerce, and led to the construction of the town's first hotels. Local businesses thrived. In 1884 a fire originating in a factory spread to Indiana University's campus and destroyed some buildings. This prompted the University to move to its present location on Bloomington's east side. The first banks were established towards the end of the 1880s.

20th Century

    In the early 20th century, Bloomington took the shape it exists in today. The city installed a sewer system, paved the roads with bricks, constructed a new courthouse, utilities plants, a library and a post office. Many buildings were constructed from the limestone that southern Indiana is known for. The city's population doubled. Kirkwood avenue became the shopping center it is today.