The History of Carmel, Indiana: From 1837 to Present

Carmel, Indiana, located in Hamilton County, is a city that has seen a lot of growth and development since its founding in 1837. It was presented and recorded by Daniel Warren, Alexander Mills, John Phelps and Seth Green. Located 14 miles north of Indianapolis, Carmel is part of the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The second key event in the city's history occurred in 1883 when the Monon Railroad began serving the municipalities of Carmel and Clay. This allowed the city to begin transporting agricultural products to and from Indianapolis and other neighboring cities.

A meeting house and a school were some of the first services added to the community, and the Carmel Clay school system evolved from them. In 1970, the Carmel Chamber was created to serve the local business community. Over the decades, it has evolved with the city's growth and changes in business culture. Retired co-executive directors Barbara Danquist and Stephanie McDonald led CEF for seven years, strengthening the organization internally and externally, raising awareness not only of its purpose but also of the impact that the CEF has on the Carmel community as a whole. To improve safety and aesthetics of roundabouts, Carmel has added an art installation to many of its roundabouts in the center of the roundabout.

Every September, the Carmel International Art Festival presents a juried art exhibition of artists from around the world, concerts, dance shows and hands-on activities for children. The jewel in the crown of the Carmel Performing Arts Center is the Palladium concert hall. The return of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt has been a major event for the city. The extensive list of artists who attend the Center for the Performing Arts and the Feinstein of the Carmichael Hotel, along with restaurants and businesses located in the center of town create a synergy that has been envisioned by city administration for years. Another topic of educational importance to the community was the expansion of the Carmel Public Library.

With numerous bike trails on many streets as well as trails incorporated into many new developments, such as Monon Greenway, Carmel has become a great place for outdoor activities. Ninety people are asking Hamilton County Commissioners to change Clay Township's name to Carmel Township and move its eastern boundary to White River. It is bounded on the north by Westfield, on the northeast by Noblesville, on the east by Fishers, on the south by Indianapolis in Marion County, and on the west by Zionsville in Boone County.

Wilson Imada
Wilson Imada

Lifelong beer advocate. Extreme pop culture maven. Friendly pop culture evangelist. General travel nerd. Evil sushi guru. Avid zombie trailblazer.