Country United States County Lawrence Elevation 150 m | State Indiana Township Shawswick Zip code 47421 | |
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Palestine is an abandoned city in Shawswick Township, Lawrence County, Indiana. Palestine was the original county seat of Lawrence County from 1818 to 1825, when Bedford took the position.
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History
Palestine was founded on May 25, 1818 by Benjamin and Ezekiel Blackwell. After the founding, Palestine wanted to become the new state capital, as being situated on a high bluff over the White River. Palestine lost the election to Indianapolis later in the next year. The courthouse was erected in January 1819. The father of Joseph A. Wright, a former governor of Indiana, cut and laid the stone for the foundation. The city had a population of 600–700 in the 1820 United States Census, the only census that Palestine was included in before it was abandoned and soon became one of the most flourishing towns in Southern Indiana. In a trial in between 1823 and 1824, slavery was allowed in the city of Palestine. Residing in Palestine, Joseph Glover was the first county sheriff. He brought the first clock into the county, which still keeps time in Bedford. The city of Palestine was infected by a deadly disease, notably Malaria. The population of Palestine declined very fast over the next few years. After struggling for several years, the last resident departed from Palestine. Shortly afterwards, the county seat was relocated to the city of Bedford, where the courthouse stands today.
Geography
Palestine is located at 38°48′18″N 86°27′44″W.