Exploring Mount Vernon, Indiana on the Ohio River Scenic Byway

Early History of Mount Vernon

The first settler in Mount Vernon, Indiana was Andrew McFaden in 1806, and the early settlement was known as McFaden’s Bluff. The town was officially platted as Mount Vernon in 1816, although many people continued to refer to it as McFaden’s Bluff for years afterward. The town was named in honor of Mount Vernon, the historic home of George Washington.

A post office called Mount Vernon has been in operation since 1818, making it one of the oldest continually operating post offices in the region.

Built on the High Banks of the Ohio River

McFaden’s Bluff was established on the high banks along the northern side of the Ohio River. While much of the surrounding farmland would flood during periods of high water, Mount Vernon itself rarely experienced major flood damage.

Because of this higher ground, the town often became a place of refuge for farmers and families whose homes along the river bottoms had been flooded out.

A Rough River Town in the Early 1800s

Today Mount Vernon is a peaceful river town, but during the early days of river travel it was a busy port with a reputation for being a rough place along the river.

Riverboats, flatboats, and keelboats frequently stopped along the waterfront. With them came professional rivermen who were known for their strength, drinking, and sometimes their love of a good fight.

One famous story from around 1832 tells of a large brawl that broke out along the river docks.

Several flatboats were tied up at the local wharf while boatmen were celebrating at John Carson’s saloon on Water Street. Men from a nearby cooper shop joined in the festivities, but before long a fight broke out and the coopers were badly beaten.

When other townspeople heard about the fight, they armed themselves with hoop-poles—long wooden staffs used in making barrels—and rushed down to confront the rivermen. The battle resumed with such intensity that the boatmen eventually fled back to their boats bruised and battered.

As they continued down the river, their injuries drew attention and word of the “Hoop-Pole Fight” spread quickly. From that time forward Mount Vernon gained a reputation as a rough river town and was sometimes referred to as “Hoop-Pole Township.”

The story also became the inspiration for the Mount Vernon High School yearbook name “Hoop-Pole.”

Memories of Downtown Mount Vernon

As Mount Vernon continued to grow through the late 1800s and early 1900s, businesses expanded along Main Street for nearly five blocks.

When I was a young teenager, my family still shopped at many of the small stores that once lined the downtown area. Over the years many of those historic buildings have been lost, often because they had been neglected for so long that the cost of restoration was simply too high.

In recent years, however, a few dedicated owners have begun restoring some of the old buildings, slowly bringing new life back into parts of the historic downtown.

The Riverfront and Community Events

Mount Vernon has also been making improvements to its riverfront park along the Ohio River. The city now hosts several events throughout the year along the waterfront, including the town’s annual **Independence Day fireworks celebration.

During the summer months, you can often find food trucks parked downtown or near the riverfront park. Once a month the town even hosts a gathering of multiple food trucks where visitors can enjoy a variety of food while taking in the river views.

Historic Buildings Around the Square

While walking around downtown, there are a few historic places worth noticing.

Just east of Main Street on Second Street stands the building that now houses Alles Brothers Furniture. Many people do not realize that this building was once the Mount Vernon Opera House. If you visit the store and go up to the second floor, you can still see parts of the old structure where performances were once held.

Continuing up Main Street to Fourth Street brings you to the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Travelers coming from Illinois enter Mount Vernon as the first Indiana town along the scenic route.

Mount Vernon is also the county seat of Posey County. In the center of the square stands the courthouse, surrounded by several historic buildings including the Hoovey House, the post office, and the old Coliseum building.

Before the building was converted into offices and courtrooms, the Coliseum once had a swimming pool in the basement and a basketball court on the main floor, making it a central gathering place for the community.

A Stop Worth Visiting Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway

Today **Mount Vernon remains a quiet and welcoming town along the **Ohio River Scenic Byway. Whether you are exploring the historic downtown, walking along the riverfront, or simply passing through on a scenic drive, it is a place filled with history and small-town charm.

Watch our walking tour of Mount Vernon Indiana.

If you have not seen the video, please take time to watch it.

Have you ever visited Mount Vernon, Indiana or explored towns along the Ohio River Scenic Byway? What small river towns have you discovered during your travels?