Berne, Indiana
| Berne, Indiana | |
|---|---|
| City | |
Clock tower in downtown Berne
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| Nickname(s): Furniture Capital of Indiana | |
 Location in the state of Indiana |
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| Coordinates: 40°39′29″N 84°57′15″W / 40.65806°N 84.95417°WCoordinates: 40°39′29″N 84°57′15″W / 40.65806°N 84.95417°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Indiana |
| County | Adams |
| Township | Monroe, Wabash |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | William (Bill) McKean (R) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.08 sq mi (5.39 km2) |
| • Land | 2.08 sq mi (5.39 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 843 ft (257 m) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 3,999 |
| • Estimate (2011) | 3,997 |
| • Density | 1,922.6/sq mi (742.3/km2) |
| Time zone | EST (UTC-5) |
| • Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC-4) |
| ZIP codes | 46711, 46769 |
| Area code | 260 |
| FIPS code | 18-04888 |
| GNIS ID | 430849 |
| Website | www |
Berne is a city in Monroe and Wabash townships, Adams County, Indiana, United States, 35 mi (56 km) south of Fort Wayne. The population was 3,999 at the 2010 census. Berne and the surrounding area have become known for their large Amish population, who speaks Bernese German which is a Swiss German dialect.
Berne was settled in 1852 by Mennonite immigrants who came directly from Switzerland, and named the community for the capital of Switzerland. They began the chore of preparing for farming by clearing the land. However, farm markets were severely limited because of treacherous mud roads and distant trade centers. The advent of the railroad was soon to be the answer to the immigrant's prayers. When the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad laid plans to construct a rail line through Adams County, two farmers, the Hilty brothers, offered a proposition: they would donate land to the railroad in exchange for the building of a rail depot in the small community. The railroad companies agreed, and the farmers quickly plotted 10 building lots in anticipation of what was to come - more settlers. On Christmas Day, 1871, the first train arrived. This historical event marked the beginning of Berne, which was officially recorded as a community soon after. A post office was established in Berne in 1872.
A steady stream of Swiss and German people came into the area from that train, as did English-speaking migrants, some of whom became successful businessmen in the new community. They contributed immensely in the growth of Berne.
Berne is located in northeastern Indiana at 40°39′29″N 84°57′15″W / 40.65806°N 84.95417°W (40.658146, -84.954256).
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Wikipedia