About Martinsville

Martinsville, platted in 1822, is the largest city in Morgan County, Indiana, with a population of 12,309 (2020 Census). The city is its county’s seat, with one of the few remaining pre-Civil War courthouses in Indiana, located in the Martinsville square. Martinsville is conveniently located between Indianapolis and Bloomington. Community members enjoy the small town feel while being able to commute to larger cities in a short amount of time, especially now that I-69 has been completed through the area. The interstate has positioned Martinsville as a key destination along the greater Evansville to Indianapolis corridor. Martinsville’s largest employer is its public school system, the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville.

 

The City of Martinsville has a proud history that features both significant residents and places. Martinsville served as home to two Indiana Governors: Emmett Branch, who led the state from 1924-1925, and Paul McNutt, who served from 1933-1937. You will find motivational quotes posted all around the city of Martinsville of the legendary Hall of Fame basketball player and coach John R. Wooden, who grew up in Martinsville. Martinsville was also home to the late Bobby Helms, a singer/songwriter who had six gold records, most notably "Jingle Bell Rock," "My Special Angel", and "Fraulein". His family still resides in Martinsville, is very active in the community, and runs a successful concert promotion company. Martinsville currently has 17 listings on the National Register of Historic Places, which is a listing of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation and is administered by the National Parks Service. Martinsville is nicknamed the "City of Mineral Water" for its well-known mineral water sanitariums where guests from all across the country visited between 1888 - 1968 to bathe in the Artesian Water. This served as the inspiration for the high school’s mascot, the “Artesians.”

 

Martinsville residents, businesses, and visitors enjoy a quality school system, an abundance of spiritual options with the many churches available, plenty of recreational amenities at its parks, and a variety of fun, family-friendly festivals, parades, and events throughout the year. Much of the city’s charm can be found at its many local eateries, boutiques, and live music events. Youth and adults alike partake in the many athletic leagues as well as the arts and civic organizations. Whether you are interested in car shows, competing on a variety of athletic teams, learning to play an instrument, displaying your art, or singing in the community choir, many opportunities exist in Martinsville to get involved and stay connected.