Elkhart county is located in northern Indiana on the Indiana-Michigan line. Originally inhabited by the Potawatomi, immigrants began settling the area in 1929 and the county was established in 1830. There are many theories how Elkhart got its name, the most popular is that an island in the Elkhart River was shaped like an elk’s heart. another is that its name comes from a Shawnee Indian Chief named Elkhart who was a cousin of Chief Tecumseh and father of Princess Mishawaka. Elkhart’s population in 2020 was 207,047. The county seat is Goshen. Elkhart county has a large Amish and Old Order Mennonite population.
Elkhart County
indiana counties
Contents
Elkhart county
Historical Overview
Elkhart County Information
Townships
Baugo, Benton, Cleveland, Clinton, Concord, Elkhart, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Locke, Middlebury, Olive, Osolo, Union, Washington, York
Towns
Elkhart, Goshen, Nappanee, Bristol, Middlebury, Millersburg, Wakarusa, Benton, Bonneyville Mills, Foraker, Jimtown, Locke, Midway, New Paris, Southwest, Vistula, Waterford Mills
Surrounding Counties
LaGrange, Noble, Kosciusko, Marshall, and St. Joseph in Indiana. Cass and St. Joseph in Michigan.
Elkhart County Genealogist
County genealogists are invaluable resources for anyone seeking to delve into the past. They can answer general questions about the county, providing insights into its history, culture, and communities. Need to know where specific records are held or where to find them? County genealogists are experts at pointing you in the right direction. They’ll also inform you about what records exist and, just as importantly, which records do not exist, saving you valuable research time.
County genealogists can recommend search avenues and tools tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you’re on the right track to uncovering your family’s history. Please note that while they are fantastic information resources, they are not typically able to conduct genealogy research for you. Instead, they empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to embark on your own genealogical journey.
County Genealogist
Mona Gehring
Contact Information
icg-elkhart@indygenes.org
Elkhart County Research
Elkhart County Genealogical Society
PO Box 623
Bristol, IN 46507-0623
info@elkhartcogensoc.org
PO Box 623
Bristol, IN 46507-0623
info@elkhartcogensoc.org
Elkhart Public Library
300 S Second St
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 522-5669
myepl.org
library@myeple.org
Wakarusa Public Library
124 N Elkhart St
PO Box 485
Wakarusa, IN 46573
(574) 862-2465
wakarusapubliclibrary.org
Nappanee Public Library
157 N Main St
Nappanee, IN 46550
(574) 773-7919
nappaneelibrary.org
Goshen Public Library
601 S 5th Street
Goshen, IN 46526
(574) 533-9531
goshenpl.lib.in.us
Middlebury Public Library
101 E Winslow St
Middlebury, IN 46540
(574) 825-5601
middleburylibrary.org
300 S Second St
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 522-5669
myepl.org
library@myeple.org
Wakarusa Public Library
124 N Elkhart St
PO Box 485
Wakarusa, IN 46573
(574) 862-2465
wakarusapubliclibrary.org
Nappanee Public Library
157 N Main St
Nappanee, IN 46550
(574) 773-7919
nappaneelibrary.org
Goshen Public Library
601 S 5th Street
Goshen, IN 46526
(574) 533-9531
goshenpl.lib.in.us
Middlebury Public Library
101 E Winslow St
Middlebury, IN 46540
(574) 825-5601
middleburylibrary.org
Elkhart County Historical Museum
304 W Vistula St
Bristol, IN 46507
(574) 848-4322
museum@elkhartcountyhistory.org
304 W Vistula St
Bristol, IN 46507
(574) 848-4322
museum@elkhartcountyhistory.org
Elkhart County Health Department
608 Oakland Ave
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 523-2283
elkhartcounty.com
608 Oakland Ave
Elkhart, IN 46516
(574) 523-2283
elkhartcounty.com
Elkhart County Clerk
117 North 2nd St
Goshen, IN 46526
(574) 534-3541
elkhartcounty.com
117 North 2nd St
Goshen, IN 46526
(574) 534-3541
elkhartcounty.com
Elkhart County Families
Lewis Oaks
Lewis Oaks birth: 1817 in Ohio death: January 24, 1888 in Elkhart County Indiana burial: Little...
Mary Ellen (Rogers) Pickens
Mary Ellen (Rogers) Pickens birth: July 4, 1923 in Pittsburgh, PA to Russell Cleal Evans and Mary...
Robert Bruce Pickens
Robert Bruce Pickens birth: May 20, 1926 in Uniontown, PA to Joseph Abraham Pickens and Margaret...
Mervin Aldean Cripe
Mervin Aldean Cripe birth: 3 May 1919, Clinton Township, Elkhart County, Indiana to Clarence Ray...
Connect With IGS
Have a question, suggestion, or just want to connect with the Indiana Genealogy Society? We welcome your inquiries and are here to assist you on your genealogical journey. Whether you're a seasoned researcher or a newcomer exploring your roots, our team at the Indiana Genealogical Society is dedicated to fostering a supportive community. Feel free to reach out to us through our Contact page for any assistance, membership inquiries, or to share your own genealogical discoveries. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing in the rich tapestry of Indiana's historical and familial heritage.