Brown county was organized in 1836 from the parent counties of Bartholomew, Jackson, and Monroe and named in honor of Gen. Jacob Brown, renowned for defeating the British at the Battle of Sackett’s Harbor during the War of 1812. Â Nashville, the county seat, was founded in 1836 by county agent Banner C. Brummett, initially named Jacksonburg. Its journey from a modest beginning to a thriving community reflects the spirit of Brown County. By 1840, the area’s population had burgeoned to 2,364, and the town was officially incorporated in 1872. As of 2020 the population of Brown county was 15,475.
In 1873 Brown county suffered significant record loss when the courthouse was destroyed by fire resulting in the loss of all records except some clerk’s files.
