Editing Seymour, Indiana

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Seymour, Indiana
| settlement_type    = [[City]]
| image_blank_emblem = SeymourINlogo.png
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
| nickname           = "Crossroads of Southern Indiana"
| founder            = [[Meedy Shields]]
| named_for          = Hezekiah Cook Seymour, Civil Engineer
| motto              = 
| image_skyline      = Seymour, Indiana - Aerial (39120302040).jpg
| imagesize          = 
| image_caption      = Aerial view of Seymour
| image_flag         = Flag of Seymour, Indiana.svg
| image_seal         = 
| image_map          = File:Jackson County Indiana Incorporated and Unincorporated areas Seymour Highlighted 1868832.svg
| mapsize            = 
| map_caption        = Location of Seymour in Jackson County, Indiana.
| pushpin_map        = USA
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Seymour in the United States
| pushpin_relief     = 1
| image_map1         = 
| mapsize1           = 
| map_caption1       = 
| subdivision_type   = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[List of counties in Indiana|County]]
| subdivision_name   = {{USA}}
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|Indiana}}
| subdivision_name2  = [[Jackson County, Indiana|Jackson]]
| subdivision_type3  = [[List of townships in Indiana|Townships]]
| subdivision_name3  = [[Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana|Jackson]], [[Redding Township, Jackson County, Indiana|Redding]], [[Rockford, Jackson County, Indiana|Rockford]]
| government_type    = [[Mayor–council government|Mayor–council]]
| leader_title1      = Mayor
| leader_name1       = Matt Nicholson ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])<ref name="The Tribune 2019">The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 4 Jul 2019, Thu · Page A5, Downloaded on Mar 3, 2022</ref>
| leader_title2      = City Council
| leader_name2       = 
| leader_title3      = [[Indiana State Senate|State Senate]]
| leader_name3       = Eric Koch (R)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ballotpedia.org/Eric_Koch | title=Eric Koch }}</ref>
| leader_title4      = [[Indiana House of Representatives|State House]]
| leader_name4       = Jim Lucas (R)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/120405/jim-lucas | title=Vote Smart &#124; Facts for All }}</ref>
| established_title1 = Founding and Incorporation (town)
| established_date1  = April 27, 1852
| established_title2 = 
| established_date2  = 
| established_title3 = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated (city)]]
| established_date3  = 1864
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_18.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref>
<!-- square miles -->| area_total_sq_mi   = 11.425
| area_total_km2     = 29.59
| area_land_sq_mi    = 11.42
| area_water_sq_mi   = 0.005
<!-- Population -->| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_est     = 
| pop_est_as_of      = 
| pop_est_footnotes  = 
| population_footnotes = 
| population_total   = 21569
| population_density_km2 = 686.41
| population_density_sq_mi = 1777.86
| population_urban   = 21579
| timezone           = [[Eastern Time Zone (North America)|EST]]
| utc_offset         = −05:00
| timezone_DST       = [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]]
| utc_offset_DST     = −04:00
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Code]]s
| postal_code        = {{Collapsible list |title=ZIP codes|47274}}
| area_code          = [[Area codes 812 and 930|812 & 930]]
| coordinates        = {{coord|38|57|26|N|85|53|40|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| elevation_m        = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft       = 581
| blank_name         = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info         = 18-68832<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name        = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info        = 2395850<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2395850}}</ref>
| website            = {{URL|www.seymourin.org}}
| footnotes          = 
| area_land_km2      = 31.42
| area_water_km2     = 0.01
}}
'''Seymour''' is a city in [[Jackson Township, Jackson County, Indiana|Jackson]] and [[Redding Township, Jackson County, Indiana|Redding]] Townships, [[Jackson County, Indiana]], [[United States]], located 62 miles south of [[Indianapolis]], and 55 miles north of [[Louisville, Kentucky]]. Its population was 21,569 at the 2020 census.

The city is known as the "Crossroads of Southern Indiana" for its location at the intersection of two major north–south and east–west railroads, which cross each other in the downtown area (and are still operating). The north–south line (the [[Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianapolis Railroad]]) was built in the 1840s and connected Indianapolis to the Ohio River at Jeffersonville.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1853 Jeffersonville Railroad Company|url=https://www.thesharegallery.co.uk/1853_Jeffersonville_Railroad.htm|access-date=December 19, 2021|website=www.thesharegallery.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Bogle|first=Victor M.|date=1962|title=Railroad Building in Indiana, 1850-1855|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27789009|journal=Indiana Magazine of History|volume=58|issue=3|pages=211–232|jstor=27789009|issn=0019-6673}}</ref> The east-west line (the [[Ohio and Mississippi Railway|Ohio and Mississippi Railroad]]) was built in the 1850s, connecting Cincinnati with St. Louis. The first settlers arrived at the intersection of these railroads - Seymour - in the spring of 1853.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=May 26, 1881 |title=History of Seymour |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/seymour-weekly-democrat-history-of-seymo/94990904/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |work=Seymour Weekly Democrat |pages=4}}</ref> The city is home to [[Freeman Army Airfield]], a historically significant WWII airbase that is now a civilian airport.

==History==

===19th century===
The land near Seymour was originally inhabited by the [[Lenape|Lenape Indians]] as they were moved west from their lands along the Delaware River valley on the east coast of the 13 colonies.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=September 2001 |title=Indiana Historical Bureau. "The Indiana Historian: Finding Our Way Home: The Great Lakes Woodland People." Indiana Historical Bureau Publications, September 2001, p. 12. Indiana State Library. |url=https://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16066coll98/id/561/rec/14 |journal=Indiana Historical Bureau |pages=12 |doi= |issn=}}</ref> The [[Treaty of Grouseland]] in 1805 opened the area to white settlers. Following the [[Pigeon Roost Massacre|Pidgeon Roost Massacre]] in 1812, a local skirmish known as the [[Battle of Tipton's Island]] took place between settlers and a group of hostile Indian raiders.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=November 2023 |title=Charles Seymour, 6th duke of Somerset to Jacob Tonson [the elder], April, May or June 1703 [addijoEE0050340b1c] |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.13051/ee:doc/addijoee0050340b1c |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Electronic Enlightenment Scholarly Edition of Correspondence|doi=10.13051/ee:doc/addijoee0050340b1c }}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Reverdin, Prof. Olivier, (15 July 1913–16 June 2000) |date=2007-12-01 |work=Who Was Who |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u32325 |access-date=2024-10-31 |publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u32325 }}</ref> Between 1811 and 1815, Native Americans killed fifteen settlers. By 1816, only five families remained in the area.<ref name=":1" />  [[Indiana]] became a state on December 11, 1816.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statehood Dates |url=https://www.50states.com/statehood.htm |access-date=2024-12-23 |language=en-US}}</ref> In 1817, the State of Indiana established a blockhouse to facilitate trade with the Lenape Indians until the natives ceded the area after the [[Treaty of St. Mary's (1818)|Treaty of St. Mary's]].<ref name=":1" /> From 1822 to 1832, the county experienced significant depopulation.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=History of Jackson County |url=https://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15078coll8/id/3422 |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org |language=en}}</ref>

Seymour was established and mapped out on April 27, 1852, by Meedy and Eliza Ewing Shields, near the 1809 Indian Treaty Corner and about two miles south of [[Rockford, Jackson County, Indiana|Rockford, Indiana]]. This location was the terminus of the north-south railroad at the [[White River (Indiana)|Driftwood River]] before the purchase of 1828, and the construction of the rail bridge over the White River.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Treaty Corner – Indiana Historical Markers on Waymarking.com |url=https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm25D6_Indian_Treaty_Corner |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=www.waymarking.com}}</ref><ref name=":4"/> At this time, the Driftwood River and Rockford were the beginning of the wild frontier and Indian lands north of the river.  In the late 1840s, a north-south railroad connecting the Ohio River at Jeffersonville with new state capital in Indianapolis was built, crossing the Shields' farm. In 1852, an east-west railroad was being surveyed through Jackson County, and [[Meedy Shields]] convinced the [[Ohio and Mississippi Railroad]] to pass through his property. In return, he agreed to name the town after the railroad's civil engineer, Henry C. Seymour, although some sources mention J. Seymour, the surveyor.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Seymour Indiana Tourism Information |url=https://www.seymourin.org/index.php/tourism |access-date=January 12, 2022 |website=www.seymourin.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Seymour, Indiana - City Information, Fast Facts, Schools, Colleges, and More |url=https://www.citytowninfo.com/places/indiana/seymour |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=citytowninfo.com |language=en}}</ref> Contradicting this, another account states that in 1852, Captain Meedy Shields persuaded Hezekiah Cook Seymour to route the east-west Ohio and Mississippi Railroad through his land, naming the city in Seymour's honor.

The first settlers arrived in the spring of 1853. On June 29, 1854, the first train on the new [[Ohio and Mississippi Railroad]] stopped in Seymour and fired a celebratory cannon shot. Unfortunately, four men were killed in the resulting explosion from the poorly aimed fusillade.<ref name=":1" />

Seymour was mockingly called a "mule crossing" due to its slow initial growth and the lack of interest from railroad companies.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · January 29, 1924, Tue · p. 1, Downloaded on February 7, 2022</ref><ref name=":1" /> Significant development didn't occur until 1857, when the state legislature, influenced by local landowner and Indiana State Senator Meedy Shields, passed a law requiring all trains to stop at railroad intersections. This law, aimed at increasing safety before the widespread use of [[Railway semaphore signal|semaphores]], boosted the value of land around these intersections and made them safer for warehousing.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Railroad Directory |website=University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign |url= https://libsysdigi.library.uiuc.edu/oca/Books2007-06/unitedstatesrail00homa/unitedstatesrail00homa_djvu.txt }}</ref>

Meedy Shields placed advertisements in the nearby [[Cincinnati]] and [[Louisville, Kentucky|Louisville]] newspapers, offering a free lot and $100 to any congregation willing to establish a church in the city. Charles White of the [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian Church]] was the first to respond in 1855.<ref name=":1" /> In 1858, Blish Mill became the town's first mill. By 1881, Seymour had three mills within its city limits.<ref name=":1" /> The large grain tower still stands near the railroad intersection in the center of town.

Seymour was once a stop on the [[Underground Railroad]]. On April 20, 1860, an [[Adams Express]] package shipped from Nashville, Tennessee, and addressed to "Hannah Johnson [care of] Levi Coffin" burst open at Seymour while en route to Cincinnati. [[Levi Coffin]] was a leading Hoosier [[Abolitionism|abolitionist]] and the unofficial leader of the Underground Railroad.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=September 1, 1976 |title=HHE determination report no. HHE-75-187-329 |journal=Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio |doi=10.26616/nioshhhe75187329 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The package contained a person fleeing slavery and seeking freedom in the North. A similar incident had occurred earlier in Kentucky. The true identity of "Hannah Johnson" remains a mystery. Although Indiana was a "free state", [[Constitution of Indiana|Article XIII]] of the state constitution of 1851 made it illegal for [[African Americans]] to settle in Indiana, and the [[Fugitive Slave Act of 1850|Fugitive Slave Act]] permitted bounty hunters to capture and return people to slavery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IHB |date=December 15, 2020 |title=Article 13 – Negroes and Mulattoes |url=https://www.in.gov/history/about-indiana-history-and-trivia/explore-indiana-history-by-topic/indiana-documents-leading-to-statehood/constitution-of-1851/article-13-negroes-and-mulattoes |access-date=March 13, 2022 |website=IHB |language=en}}</ref> The fugitive, later identified as Alexander McClure, was arrested and returned to Louisville and then to his owner in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], Tennessee.<ref>{{Cite web |last=IHB |date=December 7, 2020 |title=Alexander McClure |url=https://www.in.gov/history/state-historical-markers/find-a-marker/alexander-mcclure/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=IHB |language=en}}</ref><ref>The Underground Railroad in Indiana, p. 3. https://www.in.gov/dnr/historic-preservation/files/ugrr_history.pdf</ref>

====The Civil War====

Due to its strategic location along rail lines, and with the large cities of Indianapolis, Chicago, and Detroit to the north and St. Louis to the west, Seymour was an important waypoint for the movement of men and supplies to the front during the war.  Despite southern Indiana's strong [[Copperhead (politics)|Copperheads]] political sentiment,<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 5, 1863 |title=George Greene, Copperhead |pages=1 |work=Seymour Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/seymour-times-george-greene-copperhead/125822694/ |access-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref> the city of Seymour and the surrounding area raised three separate infantry units for service in the [[Union Army]]. Volunteers from Seymour were organized at Camp Heffron in Seymour - later the location of Shields High School.<ref>Rebber, Elizabeth. Seymour, a Pictorial History. St. Louis, Mo.: G. Bradley Publ., 1991, p. 24</ref> These included the [[50th Indiana Infantry Regiment]],<nowiki/>commanded by former Indiana Secretary of State, Colonel [[Cyrus L. Dunham]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://civilwarindex.com/50th-indiana-infantry.html | title=50th Indiana Infantry in the American Civil War }}</ref> as well as Company C of the [[10th Indiana Cavalry Regiment]]. The 50th Indiana was conspicuous at the [[Battle of Parker's Cross Roads|Battle of Parker's Crossroads]] against [[Nathan Bedford Forrest]], as was the 10th Indiana Cavalry in skirmishes near Pulaski and during the 1864 [[Franklin–Nashville campaign|Nashville Campaign]]. Company H of the [[6th Indiana Infantry Regiment]] was also raised in Seymour, and commanded by Captain Fielder A Jones, who would end the war as a Brevet Brigadier General. These men fought at [[Battle of Shiloh|Shiloh]] (2nd Day), [[Battle of Stones River|Stones River]], [[Battle of Chickamauga|Chickamauga]], [[Battle of Missionary Ridge|Missionary Ridge]], and through the [[Atlanta campaign|Atlanta Campaign]], ending in the capture of that city.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=March 30, 1917 |title=Civil War Service |pages=6 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-civil-war-service/126302089/ |access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 25, 1920 |title=Captain Fielder Jones |pages=2 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-captain-fielder-jones/126301923/ |access-date=June 12, 2023}}</ref>

By 1865, Fielder Jones had been transferred to the [[8th Indiana Cavalry Regiment|8th Indiana Cavalry]] and promoted to colonel, only a couple of months before being brevetted to Brigadier General. Early in the war, Jones had been "body shot" by a bushwhacker he later killed, W. A. Carter recalled decades later. "No Surrender" Jones survived his wound, then later raised another infantry unit of Jackson County men who elected him colonel. "When the company was organized, a group of Seymour women made a beautiful silk American flag and presented it to the Colonel. The presentation was made on the platform of what was then the O&M railroad station located in what [later became] the east warehouse of the Travis Carter Company at the corner of Fourth and Broadway. Mrs. George Williams, wife of one of Seymour's first jewelers, made the presentation speech. 'The enemy will never get this flag while I live,' the Colonel declared in accepting the flag and he kept his word." Carter said the flag came back with General Jones and his company, but other stories said Jones never returned to Seymour. After being mustered out, Jones headed to Missouri to practice law.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sellers |first=Charlotte |title=Saving Seymour Stories: Tales From the First 50 Years |publisher=Seymour Museum Inc |year=2007}}</ref>

On July 10, 1863, as Confederate Brigadier General [[John Hunt Morgan]] and his Cavalry sacked nearby [[Salem, Indiana|Salem]], Major General [[John Love (general)|John Love]] of the Indiana Legion (militia) arrived in Seymour from [[New Albany, Indiana|New Albany]] to take command of the city defenses, Seymour being most important due to its railroad crossing. Over the next day, Love used Seymour as a staging ground to gather a force to repel Morgan's next attack, which they believed would target the [[Ohio and Mississippi Railway|Ohio & Mississippi Railroad]] either at [[Mitchell, Indiana|Mitchell]], Seymour, or [[Vernon, Indiana|Vernon]]. His force included elements of the [[63rd Indiana Infantry Regiment|63rd Indiana]] and [[69th Indiana Infantry Regiment|69th Indiana Volunteer Infantry Regiments]], the [[1st Michigan Sharpshooters Regiment|1st Michigan Sharpshooters]], the [[15th Independent Battery Indiana Light Artillery|15th Indiana (Von Sehlen's) Battery of Light Artillery]] and a few Indiana Legion militia units. As Morgan moved on Vernon on July 11, Love took his force (about 1,000 men) from Seymour to meet him, placing Captain Meedy Shields in charge of the Seymour defenses in his absence. Shields had organized and trained many local and mounted militia units, and in Love's words, "rendered invaluable service" during the [[Morgan's Raid]] crisis.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Operations of the Indiana Legion and Minute Men: 1863-64 |publisher=W.R. Holloway |year=1865 |location=Indianapolis |pages=15–19}}</ref>

On January 20, 1864, during the transfer of [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] prisoners of war, six officers escaped. One was later recaptured in town.<ref name="CEJan1864">The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio) · January 20, 1864, Wed · p/ 2, Downloaded on February 11, 2022</ref> The ''New York Times'' reports that on January 22, 1864, a "Soldier's riot" took place, wherein two soldiers were killed, and several others were injured.<ref>The New York Times (New York, New York) · January 22, 1864, Fri · p. 1, Downloaded on March 9, 2022</ref>

The 50th Indiana Infantry Regiment lost 3 officers and 54 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 3 officers and 158 enlisted men by disease for a total of 218 casualties during the war. Colonel Dunham, a Democrat, was accused of harboring Confederate sympathies and mustered out of the regiment in 1863 under a cloud of suspicion.<ref>From Kentucky; Brigandage Bullies Arrested Cyrus L. Dunham The Cumberland Presbyterians comparison of Prices A Convert's Confessions, &c. [https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1862/06/01/78690491.pdf ''The New York Times'' Louisville, Tuesday, May 27, 1862]</ref> Lt. Colonel Heffron, who was poorly regarded by the men of the regiment, was also dismissed from the army and replaced by Major Samuel T Wells, a [[Vallonia, Indiana]], native, Mexican-American war veteran, and former Jackson County Sheriff.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page 34 |url=https://indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p15078coll8/id/3424 |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=indianamemory.contentdm.oclc.org |language=en}}</ref> Wells would go on to command the regiment after Durham's resignation until the 50th was dissolved and all men transferred to the [[52nd Indiana Infantry Regiment]] which was also garrisoned in [[Mobile, Alabama]], and remained there until the war's end.<ref>Dyer, Frederick H. A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion (Des Moines, IA: Dyer Pub. Co.), 1908.</ref>

During the Civil War, Seymour and Jackson County fielded a total of 2,571 volunteers for the Union cause.<ref name=":3" />

====The Reno Era====
[[File:Seymour's Billy Yank.jpg|alt=Billy Yank|thumb|upright|Billy Yank, the statue honoring Seymour's Civil War veterans, was newly restored in 2023 after being vandalized and stored for more than 40 years.]]

After the war, local veterans organized the Ellsworth Post 20 of the [[Grand Army of the Republic|G.A.R.]] At its zenith, the post included two hundred and twenty-two local citizens who had served the Union during the war as members.  During its long existence, the organization included many prominent community members. The Ellsworth Post was active in local charities, organized burial services for local veterans, and conducted official observances on [[Memorial Day|Decoration Day]]. The final member of the post, James H Boak, lived to be 98 years old. He died in 1942, closing one of the longest-running G.A.R. chapters in existence.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · December 28, 1942, Mon · p. 6, Downloaded on February 14, 2022</ref>

A robbery of the Adams Express Car on the east-west Ohio and Mississippi line near [[Brownstown, Indiana|Brownstown]] was reported in July 1866. That night, the perpetrators were chased by a local [[vigilance committee]] of 300 men that continued into the Rockford area.<ref name="CEJan1864" /> Three days later, the Reno brothers had been identified as the gang's leaders and newspapers were recounting the notorious deeds of the family.<ref>The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio) · July 23, 1868, Thu · p. 8, Downloaded on February 11, 2022</ref> Later that year, Seymour was the site of the world's first successful moving train robbery during peacetime. It was committed by the local [[Reno Gang]], on October 6, 1866, just east of town, starting in the Adams Express Company car of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. Some members of the gang were later lynched at [[Hangman Crossing, Indiana|Hangman's Crossing]] outside town.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · July 29, 1952, Tue · p. 6, Downloaded on January 24, 2022</ref>

About 1876, a general strike of approximately 500 railroad men occurred at Seymour and nearby [[North Vernon, Indiana]], led by armed brakemen, engineers, and other railroad employees who had not been paid for two and a half months by the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. A paper reported that the communities of Seymour and North Vernon were armed and in revolt. A contingent of [[United States Marshals Service|US Marshals]] and detectives was sent from Cincinnati to end the strike. All passenger and cargo service through Seymour and North Vernon was suspended during the strike.<ref>The Cincinnati Enquirer (Cincinnati, Ohio) · August 12, 1876, Sat · p. 8, Downloaded on February 11, 2022</ref>

The town's first high school was built in 1871 on the vacant lot of the disbanded civil war encampment. Frank B Shields, a Seymour native, former [[MIT]] professor, and inventor of [[Barbasol]] shaving cream, subsequently donated the adjacent land needed for the construction of the James Shields Memorial Gym.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · February 8, 1995, Wed · p. 4, Downloaded on March 5, 2022</ref>

In 1880, the Seymour Weekly Democrat noted that Seymour boasted a population of nearly 5,000, four schools including Shields High School, a Catholic School and two German schools with 700 students; four hotels including the newly built Hotel Jonas, the Faulconer, the City Hotel and the Mansion House.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1880-06-10 |title=Seymour as it is |pages=2 |work=Seymour Weekly Democrat |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/seymour-weekly-democrat-seymour-as-it-is/137493244/ |access-date=2023-12-27}}</ref>

During the years prior to the turn of the 20th century, Seymour saw a significant influx of Dutch and German migrants of the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] faith. These migrants eventually established many successful local farms and businesses. These pioneers' influence continues today and can be seen in the city's annual [[Oktoberfest celebrations|Oktoberfest]] celebration.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Food {{!}} Seymour Oktoberfest, Inc. {{!}} United States|url=https://www.seymouroktoberfest.com/|access-date=January 12, 2022|website=Seymour Oktoberfest|language=en}}</ref>

===20th century===
[[File:Seymour Indiana Public Library.tiff|thumb|right|alt=Seymour Indiana Public Library ca 1910|Seymour Indiana Public Library, ca 1910]]
Seymour fielded its own minor league team, the Seymour Reds, beginning in 1900. [[Pee Wee Reese]] once played with the Seymour Reds before being called up to the [[Major League Baseball|majors]]. The team had its own field, Redlands Park, north of Shields City Park.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · November 29, 1963, Fri · p. 6, Downloaded on February 7, 2022</ref><ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · August 13, 1937, Fri · p. 2, Downloaded on February 7, 2022</ref><ref>Seymour Daily Democrat (Seymour, Indiana) · March 9, 1900, Fri · p. 5, Downloaded on February 7, 2022</ref>

The Seymour Public Library opened to the public in January 1905, following a grant of $10,000 from the [[Andrew Carnegie Library Fund|Carnegie Foundation]] in 1903 led by the Public-School Superintendent and President of the Seymour Public Library Board, Professor H.C. Montgomery. Efforts to bring a library to Seymour began twenty years early in 1881. Early library collections were housed in a local bookshop and then at Shields High School until the new Carnegie Library opened. The public library was part of more than $2.6 million in grants issued in the state of Indiana for more than 160 libraries: more than any other state.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · June 3, 1937, Thu · p. 1, downloaded on January 15, 2022</ref>

On October 22, 1908, [[William Howard Taft]], the [[1908 Republican National Convention|Republican Nominee]] for President of the United States, made a campaign speech in Seymour to 10,000 people at the Chestnut Street railroad crossing during his whistle-stop tour of Indiana two weeks before the election. He would go on to win the Presidency.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Great Crowd Cheers Taft |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/158946124/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |work=Seymour Daily Republican |pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Oct 22, 1908, page 1 - The Tribune at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/158946124/ |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref>

In 1913, the [[Great Flood of 1913|Great Flood]] hit Seymour causing widespread death and destruction. It was the deadliest natural disaster to ever hit the area. The East Fork of the White River reached {{convert|27.50|ft}} above the level recorded in the flood of 1884.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 11, 2008 |title=Flood! |pages=5 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-flood/125814768/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>

====World Wars====
[[File:RAF Sikorsky R-4 taking off 1945.jpg|alt=Black and White photo of Sikorsky R-4|thumb|[[Sikorsky R-4]], ca 1945]]
[[File:Seymour-high-school.jpg|alt=Interior of Lloyd Scott Gym, ca 2013|thumb|Interior of Lloyd Scott Gym, ca 2013]]

On May 7, 1915, leading city-industrialist and scion of the Thompson family Eldridge Blish Thompson died during the sinking of the ocean liner [[RMS Lusitania|RMS ''Lusitania'']].<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 16, 1915 |title=e blish thomapson2 |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-e-blish-thomapson2/21213995/ |access-date=June 21, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockett |first=M. Judith Sargeant |date=June 18, 2011 |title=Mr. Elbridge Blish Thompson |url=https://www.rmslusitania.info/people/saloon/elbridge-blish-thompson/ |access-date=June 21, 2023 |website=The Lusitania Resource |language=en-US}}</ref>  A memorial scholarship was funded in his name by his family at Seymour's Shields High School for any student accepted to [[Yale University]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 16, 1915 |title=Thompson Scholarship |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-thompson-scholarship/126833614/ |access-date=June 21, 2023}}</ref> The sinking of the ocean liner was an important factor in President Woodrow Wilson's decision to ask Congress for a declaration of war in April 1917.

During [[World War II]], the US government purchased {{convert|2500|acre}} of land southwest of town for use as an airfield.  Local veterans initially proposed to name the field after US Navy Seaman Cockrum who died at [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Pearl Harbor]]. [[Freeman Army Airfield]] operated from 1942 to 1946. The base was first used for twin-engine training. The first class graduated on April 29 and went on to fly multi-engine aircraft such as the [[B-24 Liberator]], [[B-17 Flying Fortress]], [[B-29 Superfortress]], and various other medium bombers and transport aircraft. Twin-engine training continued with a total of 19 classes of students graduating from Freeman Field using a total of 250 Beechcraft [[AT-10 Wichita]] trainers. The last graduates were in May 1944; 4,245 total cadets.<ref name="Maurer 1983">Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. {{ISBN|0-89201-092-4}}.</ref><ref name="Maurer 1982">Maurer, Maurer (1982). Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II, Office of Air Force history (1982). {{ISBN|0-8317-1501-4}}</ref><ref name="Manning">Manning, Thomas A. (2005), ''History of Air Education and Training Command, 1942–2002''.  Office of History and Research, Headquarters, AETC, Randolph AFB, Texas {{OCLC|71006954|29991467}}</ref>

Freeman Army Airfield was the first helicopter base in the US.<ref name="Thole">Thole, Lou (2001), ''Forgotten Fields Of America'' Volume 2. Pictorial Histories Publishing, Missoula {{ASIN|B001KS2PLS}}</ref> The first instructor pilots arrived on June 30 and preparations for the [[helicopter]] training were made in great secrecy, as in 1944 very few people had seen one and the technology was new and revolutionary.<ref name="Thole" /> The group assigned to coordinate their arrival was known as "Section B-O". A total of six [[Sikorsky R-4]] helicopters were assigned for training, flown directly to Freeman from the Sikorsky plant at [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]]. This was the longest-distance flight of any formation of helicopters at the time.<ref name="Thole" />

The [[Freeman Field Mutiny]] occurred in 1945, in which [[African-American|African American]] members of the [[477th Bombardment Group]] attempted to integrate an all-white officers' club at Freeman Army Air Corps Base. The mutiny is generally regarded by historians of the [[Civil Rights Movement]] as an important step toward full integration of the armed forces and as a model for later efforts to integrate public facilities through [[civil disobedience]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 20, 2021 |title=How Tuskegee Airmen Fought Military Segregation With Nonviolent Action |url=https://www.history.com/news/tuskegee-airmen-impact-civil-rights-movement |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=HISTORY |language=en}}</ref>

Nearing the end of WWII, Freeman Field was designated the Foreign Aircraft Evaluation Center for US Army Air Technical Intelligence.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Find My Organization {{!}} EBSCO |url=https://www.ebsco.com/find-my-organization |access-date=2024-02-29 |website=www.ebsco.com |language=en}}</ref> After the end of the war in Europe, captured German and Italian aircraft were collected by "[[Operation Lusty]]". Freeman Field was also charged with the mission to receive and catalog United States equipment for display at the present and for the future AAF museum.<ref>Thole, Lou (2001), ''Forgotten Fields of America'' Volume 2. Pictorial Histories Publishing, Missoula {{ASIN|B001KS2PLS}}</ref> However, these operations, including the helicopter training missions were moved to other locations, and Freeman Field was deactivated and deeded to the city of Seymour in 1946. Future astronaut [[Gus Grissom]] enlisted as an aviation training cadet at Freeman Field in 1944.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://freemanarmyairfieldmuseum.org/history-of-the-airfield | title=Freeman Army Airfield museum }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1988 |title=Freeman history told to Rotarians |pages=3 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-freeman-history-told-to-rota/125815623/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>

====Mid century====
During the last week of June 1952, the city of Seymour held a week-long [[centennial]] celebration that included concerts, parades, a re-enactment of the Reno Brothers train robbery, contests, and a play entitled "The Seymour Story".<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · Wed, May 21, 1952, · pp. 1 & 5, Downloaded on March 15, 2022,</ref> The [[B&O Railroad]] loaned Engine #25 and several cars from their Baltimore Museum for use in the Reno reenactment scenes,<ref name="Rebber166">Rebber, Elizabeth. Seymour, a Pictorial History. St. Louis, Mo.: G. Bradley Publ., 1991, p. 166</ref> and the event was featured in ''B & O Magazine''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1952 |title=Robbery Reenactment in B & O Magazine |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-robbery-reenactment-in-b-o/125908814/ |access-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref> During the event, local industries paid their employers in silver dollars to commemorate the event.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · June 23, 1952, Mon · p. 1, Downloaded on January 23, 2022</ref>

Beginning in 1959, the city's former high school, Shields High School, was closed and all students transferred to the new [[Seymour High School (Indiana)|Seymour High School]] west of town. By 1970, the school corporation completed the construction of the second-largest school gymnasium in the United States.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · December 4, 1969, Thu · p. 17, Downloaded on January 24, 2022</ref><ref name="Benbow">{{cite web |last1=Benbow |first1=Dana Hunsinger |title=You'd better sit down: Indiana's largest high school basketball gym changes after seating count |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/2019/03/08/indianas-largest-high-school-basektball-gym-changes-after-seating-count/3087204002/ |website=The Indianapolis Star |date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> In 1981, the gym was renamed the "Lloyd E Scott" gymnasium in honor of the [[Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame|Indiana Hall of Fame]] basketball coach.<ref name=":2">Rebber, Elizabeth. Seymour, a Pictorial History. St. Louis, Mo.: G. Bradley Publ., 1991, p. 193</ref>

====Late century====
Various murders occurred in the Seymour area that were linked to [[Rose Acre Farms]] in the 1970s. Employees Theresa Osborne, Mike Reece, and Carrie Croucher all from Rose Acre with ties to founder David Rust died under mysterious circumstances.<ref>The Indianapolis Star (Indianapolis, Indiana) · March 13, 1991, Wednesday · p. 12, Downloaded on January 23, 2022</ref> Mysteriously, Theresa Osborne's body was found in the trunk of her burnt and abandoned vehicle weeks after her disappearance. Even years later, the deaths remained under investigation. [[Courier Journal|Louisville Courier Journal]] reporters published a series of articles. Investigations by local authorities into the deaths did not result in any charges against David Rust, who died in 2004.<ref>Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana) · February 2, 2004, Monday · p. 16, Downloaded on January 23, 2022</ref>

After being found guilty of four counts of accepting bribes while in office, Christopher Moritz resigned as mayor on March 29, 1983. Because he was sentenced to five years in prison and barred from holding public office for ten years until William Bailey assumed office. Donald Scott served the remaining balance of Moritz's term as Mayor.  Moritz began serving his sentence on December 8, 1984.<ref>{{cite news |last=Knox |first=Melinda |date=November 5, 2003 |title=Bullard holds off Zickler for Win |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/179415883 |url-access=subscription |access-date=March 24, 2022 |newspaper=The Seymour Tribune |location=Seymour, Indiana |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> On March 29, 1983, he resigned as mayor after a judge found him guilty of four counts of accepting bribes while in office. He was sentenced to five years in prison and barred from holding public office for ten years. Moritz began serving his sentence on December 8, 1984.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · December 6, 1984, Thu · p. 1, Downloaded on March 3, 2022</ref> Donald Scott served the remaining balance of Moritz's term until William Bailey assumed office.

Seymour's east-west railroad, controlled by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad since the previous century, merged in 1987 into [[CSX Transportation]], creating one of the largest [[Class I railroads]] in North America.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 24, 2020 |title=CSX merger family tree {{!}} Trains Magazine |url=https://www.trains.com/trn/railroads/history/csx-merger-family-tree/ |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=Trains |language=en-US}}</ref>
[[File:Stardust Theatre.jpg|alt=Color photo of the Stardust Theater|thumb|Stardust Theater, ca 1986]]
In 1989, the Stardust Theater, a local landmark for fifty years, closed its gates for the last time. The 550-spot drive-in first opened on May 19, 1949, and aired its last feature films "[[Ghostbusters II]]" and "[[The Karate Kid Part III|Karate Kid III]]" on September 30. The theater was popular for showing movies, cartoons, and dusk-to-dawn [[movie marathon]]s. The operator of the theater said the decision to close the theater was purely economic, the land the theater sat on was just too valuable. The owner, Florence Carter sold the property to developers who turned the entire site into an [[outlet mall]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1949-05-17 |title=Drive-in theater opens Thursday |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-drive-in-theater-opens-thurs/125484279/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1989-09-30 |title=Stardust writes 'The End' |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-stardust-writes-the-end/125484571/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=1}}</ref>

On July 8, 1991, the former Lynn Hotel, a local landmark first opened on July 1, 1883, collapsed due to disrepair and neglect.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1991-07-08 |title=Landmark Crumbles |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-landmark-crumbles/125420050/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=1}}</ref> The city previously purchased the property for $35,000 with an eye on redeveloping the building into city offices. Other groups had offered to purchase and save the property before it was leveled including John Mellencamp, an investment group from California, and local community activists.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1990-12-31 |title=Works Board |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-works-board/125484963/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1990-12-28 |title=Board accepts bids on the Lynn demolition |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-board-accepts-bids-on-the-ly/125485228/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=1990-12-08 |title=Burkhart Pushing to Demolish the Lynn |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-burkhart-pushing-to-demolish/125485533/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=1}}</ref>

On May 29, 1997, the former Shields High School, first constructed in 1910, was raised during a botched demolishment of a smaller portion of the building, the girls' gym. The structure was privately owned after the construction of Seymour Middle School, and once housed a private bible college. Building inspectors determined that was too much damage and the structure was unsafe.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 29, 1997 |title=old Shields High School comes down |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-old-shields-high-school-come/125788356/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref>

On Christmas Day 1998, the historic Walton Hotel, first known at the Rader House,<ref>Seymour Times (Seymour, Indiana) · February 19, 1863, Thu · Page 3, Downloaded on August 8, 2022</ref> and then the Faulkner House,<ref>Seymour Weekly Sun (Seymour, Indiana) · December 6, 1871, Wed · Page 2, Downloaded on August 8, 2022</ref> the Jonas Hotel, and the Centennial Hotel,<ref>{{cite news |title=A Good Place to Call Home |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107188626/ |newspaper=[[The Seymour Tribune]] |date=December 28, 1998 |page=9 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |access-date=August 8, 2022}}</ref> burned to the ground in an accidental fire that killed one person. The property was first built in 1854, was one of the oldest structures in Seymour, was in the process of being restored, and was being used as low-income housing at the time of the fire.<ref name="The Tribune 1998, p. 1">The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · December 26, 1998, Sat · p. 1, Downloaded on March 8, 2022</ref> The structure was the third important historic downtown building to fall during the nineties.

===21st century===
Thanks to the efforts of then Lt. Governor [[John Mutz]] and community leaders at the Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation, [[Aisin]] constructed a factory in Seymour in 1986,<ref>{{Cite news |date=1986-05-16 |title=Article clipped from The Tribune |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune/96995282/ |access-date=2023-10-11}}</ref> with production beginning in 1989 with wide public support.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1986-05-22 |title=Article clipped from The Tribune |pages=20 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune/96994977/ |access-date=2023-10-11}}</ref> Initial estimates suggested 200 new employees, but by 2020, Aisin employed more than 2,000 local residents. This factory has since been expanded and supplies components for [[Honda]], [[General Motors]], [[Mitsubishi]], [[Nissan]] and [[Toyota]].<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · May 22, 1986, Thu · p. 20, Downloaded on March 5, 2022</ref><ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · May 16, 1986, Fri · p. 1, Downloaded on March 5, 2022</ref>

The {{convert|106|mi|km|abbr=on}} north-south railroad line that serves Seymour was purchased by the [[Louisville and Indiana Railroad]] from [[Conrail]] in March 1994.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 5, 2003 |title=Amtrak to Drop Louisville to Indianapolis Route |pages=A2 |work=The Madison Courier |agency=Associated Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E8NJAAAAIBAJ&dq=louisville+and+indiana+railroad&pg=PA2&article_id=6933,414778 |access-date=August 23, 2022}}</ref> The Seymour Diamond Crossing is a good place to also watch the east-west railroad line, which CSX upgraded in 2016 for reliable higher speed operation.<ref>[https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-us/media/press-releases/increase-in-number-length-and-speed-of-trains-on-csx-tracks-from-seymour-to-butlerville-indiana/ SEYMOUR, Ind. – August 22, 2016]. CSX Press Release. Accessed December 10, 2022.</ref> The Louisville and Indiana Railroad served as a short-line railroad to provide switching services for access to the CSX mainline.<ref>[https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/customers/short-line-and-partner-railroads/short-line-map-and-directory/short-line-directory-profile/?i=LIRC LIRC Profile.] CSX Short Line Directory. Accessed December 10, 2022.</ref>

Immigration from [[San Sebastián Coatán]], [[Guatemala]], began about 1989 as indigenous [[Chuj people]] found the [[American Dream]] in the United States. As word spread to their families and friends in their hometown about the quality of life in Seymour, more families journeyed from their poverty-stricken part of Guatemala to a newer, more fruitful life in the U.S. Immigrants from Guatemala as of 2020 make up more than 10% of the local population.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://wearemitu.com/wearemitu/things-that-matter/indigenous-guatemalan-migrants-community-in-indiana/ | title=Indigenous Guatemalan Migrants Have Created a Thriving Community in a Small Town in Indiana | date=November 24, 2021 }}</ref>

In November 2019, the city unveiled a large mural of John Mellencamp, painted on the side of a local guitar store. The store's owner, Larry McDonald, is a longtime friend and former bandmate of Mellencamp. The Mellencamp family donated $50,000 to help turn the former parking lot into a green space so more people could enjoy the mural painted by artist Sue Bliss.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Mellencamp donates $50K to build a plaza in his "Small Town," next to a mural honoring him |url=https://www.ktlo.com/2020/01/06/john-mellencamp-donates-50k-to-build-a-plaza-in-his-small-town-next-to-mural-honoring-him/ |website=KTLO |access-date=March 16, 2022 |date=January 6, 2020}}</ref>

In October 2024, Indiana [[Attorney general|Attorney General]] [[Todd Rokita]] issued a civil investigative demand to ensure the city complies with state immigration policies. Specifically, the AG requested records to determine if the city is acting as a ''[[De Facto]]'' sanctuary city and to produce data on individuals who may have committed the specific crime of driving without a license, as well as all misdemeanor violations except for driving without a license.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Noakes |first=Alena |date=2024-10-25 |title=Indiana Attorney General investigating if Seymour is acting as a sanctuary city |url=https://www.wave3.com/2024/10/25/indiana-attorney-general-investigating-if-seymour-is-acting-sanctuary-city/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=WAVE 3 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reports |date=2024-10-23 |title=Rokita investigating Seymour, South Bend immigration policies, Seymour police issue response |url=https://www.therepublic.com/2024/10/23/rokita-investigating-seymour-south-bend-immigration-policies/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=The Republic News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.wave3.com/video/2024/10/24/indiana-attorney-general-investigating-if-seymour-is-acting-sanctuary-city/ |title=Indiana Attorney General investigating if Seymour, IN is acting as a sanctuary city |date=2024-10-25 |language=en |access-date=2024-10-29 |via=www.wave3.com}}</ref> On the same day, Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson canceled a regularly scheduled city council meeting. In response, Seymour Common Council member Drew Storey held an impromptu community meeting to address concerns about the city's rapidly growing population. Census data shows that over the past 20 years, Seymour's Hispanic population increased from 4.8% to approximately 13%, and the overall population grew by about 3,000 people. "The growth that we've seen and experienced in just the past few years is exceeding our ability to deal with it, as we're seeing through other communities throughout the state," said State Representative and Seymour resident [[Jim Lucas (politician)|Jim Lucas]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perrone |first=Logan |date=2024-10-29 |title=Seymour leaders hear resident concerns over city's undocumented population |url=https://www.wave3.com/2024/10/29/seymour-leaders-hear-resident-concerns-over-citys-undocumented-population/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=WAVE 3|language=en}}</ref> During the same twenty-year period, Seymour has seen an increase in crimes stemming from immigration; including the 2024 arrests of one undocumented immigrant for performing dentistry without a license, and a second for selling prescription medicine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Erika |date=2024-03-20 |title=Seymour man arrested for practicing dentistry without Indiana license |url=https://tribtown.com/2024/03/20/seymour-man-arrested-for-practicing-dentistry-without-indiana-license/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Malone |first=Erika |date=2024-10-25 |title=Store owner charged with selling prescription medications |url=https://tribtown.com/2024/10/25/store-owner-charged-with-selling-prescription-medications/ |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Folklore===
After they were hanged, legend has it the Reno Brothers were allegedly buried together under a single stone alone atop a hill in the old city cemetery. Outraged, local citizens refused to bury their relatives with the Renos. The Riverview Cemetery was eventually built and many famous former occupants of the city cemetery. Later, a Reno plot with headstones for each of the brothers was constructed in the old cemetery close to the road to appease the tourists and the curious.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 10, 2020 |title=Reno Brothers Graves |pages=A2 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-reno-brothers-graves/125919944/ |access-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref>

Freeman field was home to captured [[Nazi Germany|Nazi]] aircraft after World War Two, including captured [[Messerschmitt Me 262|jet aircraft]], and [[V-1 flying bomb|V-1]] and [[V-2 rocket|V-2]] rockets. However, the base was closed shortly thereafter, and the base commander ordered many aircraft to be buried at the site.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 2001 |title=Buried Nazi Fighters at Freeman Field |pages=9 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-buried-nazi-fighters-at-free/125916909/ |access-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref>

==Geography==
According to the 2010 census, Seymour has a total area of {{convert|11.425|sqmi|km2|2}}, of which {{convert|11.42|sqmi|km2|2}} (or 99.96%) is land and {{convert|0.005|sqmi|sqkm|2}} (or 0.04%) is water.<ref name="census-g001">{{cite web
  |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1868832
  |title=G001 – Geographic Identifiers – 2010 Census Summary File 1
  |access-date=July 29, 2015
  |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]
  |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213082419/http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1868832
  |archive-date=February 13, 2020
  |url-status=dead
  }}</ref>

===Topography===
The area is part of the Scottsburg lowlands geographic region of [[Southern Indiana]]. This area is characterized by its relatively flat terrain, which contrasts with the rugged hills of the nearby [[Norman Upland]]s and the [[Knobstone Escarpment]]. The lowlands are formed from older, more easily eroded shales, which have created a landscape distinct from the surrounding uplands and escarpments.  The soil is sandy but generally productive for agriculture and livestock.  The local topology is dominated by the East Fork of the [[White River (Indiana)|White River]], a slow-moving, heavily silted, and meandering floodplain.  Because of the surrounding low-lying swamplands and agricultural activity, the river is prone to frequent flooding averaging 19 days above flood stage per year; with at least three major floods recorded since 1900.<ref>Czuba, J. A., David, S. R., Edmonds, D. A., & Ward, A. S. (2019). ''Dynamics of surface-water connectivity in a low-gradient meandering river floodplain''. Water Resources Research, 55, 1849–1870. {{doi|10.1029/2018WR023527}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
Seymour experiences a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen classification]] "Cfa") characterized by high temperatures and evenly distributed precipitation throughout the year. Summers are influenced by moist maritime airflow, leading to warm, oppressive nights and convectional thunderstorms, with tropical cyclones enhancing rainfall in some regions. Winters are mild, with frosts not uncommon and precipitation primarily from frontal cyclones. The average annual temperature is 55.0&nbsp;°F (12.8&nbsp;°C), with July being the warmest month at 77.0&nbsp;°F (25&nbsp;°C) and January the coolest at 32.0&nbsp;°F (0&nbsp;°C). The highest recorded temperature is 113.0&nbsp;°F (45&nbsp;°C) in July, and the lowest is -22.0&nbsp;°F (-30&nbsp;°C) in January. Seymour receives an average annual precipitation of 41.9 inches (1064.3&nbsp;mm), with March being the wettest month and October the driest. The area also averages 16.9 inches of snow annually, with January having the most snowfall.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seymour, Indiana Koppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase) |url=https://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=39637&cityname=Seymour,+Indiana,+United+States+of+America&units= |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Weatherbase }}</ref>

{{Weather box|location = Seymour, Indiana, 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1893–present
|single line = Y
|Jan record high F = 78
|Feb record high F = 80
|Mar record high F = 88
|Apr record high F = 95
|May record high F = 101
|Jun record high F = 111
|Jul record high F = 113
|Aug record high F = 111
|Sep record high F = 106
|Oct record high F = 95
|Nov record high F = 86
|Dec record high F = 74
|year record high F = 113
|Jan high F = 41
|Feb high F = 44
|Mar high F = 54
|Apr high F = 66
|May high F = 76
|Jun high F = 85
|Jul high F = 89
|Aug high F = 88
|Sep high F = 82
|Oct high F = 70
|Nov high F = 55
|Dec high F = 43
|year high F = 66
|Jan mean F = 32
|Feb mean F = 34
|Mar mean F = 43
|Apr mean F = 54
|May mean F = 64
|Jun mean F = 73
|Jul mean F = 77
|Aug mean F = 75
|Sep mean F = 69
|Oct mean F = 57
|Nov mean F = 44
|Dec mean F = 34
|year mean F = 55
|Jan low F = 23
|Feb low F = 24
|Mar low F = 33
|Apr low F = 43
|May low F = 52
|Jun low F = 61
|Jul low F = 65
|Aug low F = 63
|Sep low F = 56
|Oct low F = 44
|Nov low F = 34
|Dec low F = 25
|year low F = 44
|Jan record low F = -22
|Feb record low F = -21
|Mar record low F = -8
|Apr record low F = 12
|May record low F = 29
|Jun record low F = 35
|Jul record low F = 41
|Aug record low F = 40
|Sep record low F = 25
|Oct record low F = 16
|Nov record low F = -2
|Dec record low F = -18
|year record low F = -22
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.8
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.0
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.1
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.7
|May precipitation inch = 4.1
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.1
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.4
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.3
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.3
|Oct precipitation inch = 2.8
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.2
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.1
|year precipitation inch = 41.9
|Jan snow inch = 5.3
|Feb snow inch = 4.1
|Mar snow inch = 2.8
|Apr snow inch = 0.2
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.1
|Nov snow inch = 0.9
|Dec snow inch = 3.5
|year snow inch = 16.9
|Jan precipitation days = 7.2
|Feb precipitation days = 6.2
|Mar precipitation days = 6.9
|Apr precipitation days = 6.6
|May precipitation days = 6.8
|Jun precipitation days = 6.9
|Jul precipitation days = 6.0
|Aug precipitation days = 6.0
|Sep precipitation days = 5.4
|Oct precipitation days = 4.8
|Nov precipitation days = 5.2
|Dec precipitation days = 6.4
|year precipitation days = 74.4
|Jan humidity = 77
|Feb humidity = 74
|Mar humidity = 70
|Apr humidity = 66
|May humidity = 72
|Jun humidity = 70
|Jul humidity = 67
|Aug humidity = 71
|Sep humidity = 74
|Oct humidity = 69
|Nov humidity = 73
|Dec humidity = 76
|year humidity = 72
|Jan dew point F = 24
|Feb dew point F = 28
|Mar dew point F = 37
|Apr dew point F = 41
|May dew point F = 54
|Jun dew point F = 63
|Jul dew point F = 63
|Aug dew point F = 63
|Sep dew point F = 57
|Oct dew point F = 44
|Nov dew point F = 35
|Dec dew point F = 22
|year dew point F = 44
|source 1 = WeatherBase<ref name= WeatherBase>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=39637&cityname=Seymour%2C+Indiana%2C+United+States+of+America&units=us
| title = Seymour, Indiana
| publisher = [[WeatherBase]]
| access-date = November 14, 2024}}</ref>|date=February 2012
}}

==Demographics==

{{US Census population
| 1860 = 966
| 1870 = 2372
| 1880 = 4250
| 1890 = 5337
| 1900 = 6445
| 1910 = 6305
| 1920 = 7348
| 1930 = 7508
| 1940 = 8620
| 1950 = 9629
| 1960 = 11629
| 1970 = 13352
| 1980 = 15050
| 1990 = 15576
| 2000 = 18101
| 2010 = 17503
| 2020 = 21569
| footnote = Source: US Census Bureau
}}

===2020 census===

As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=December 11, 2012}}</ref> of 2020, there were 21,569 people and 7,866 households in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1532.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 82.2% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 2.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 4.3% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], and 2.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 13.0% of the population.

Seymour's population was 26% Hispanic in 2020, compared with 5% in 2000 and less than 1% in 1990, according to Census Bureau data. New immigration cases filed for people in Jackson County—a proxy for migrant arrivals—jumped to 435 in the fiscal year ended in September, from 66 in 2021, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/for-many-people-in-this-small-town-deportations-can-t-come-soon-enough/ar-AA1wfWMI?ocid=BingNewsVerp |access-date=2024-12-22 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref>

The median household income in the city was $47,949 compared to the median household income of $62,743 in the State of Indiana.  39% of the population was employed in manufacturing or production and 17.4% of the population was involved in the education or healthcare industry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/table/DECENNIALPL2020.P1?t=Populations+and+People&g=160XX00US1868832 |access-date=2024-06-19 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

The median age in the city was 34.4 years. 28.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 69.1% were aged 21 and over.<ref>{{cite web |title=S1603: Characteristics of People by Language Spoken at Home |website=Census Bureau Table |url=https://data.census.gov/table?t=Populations+and+People&g=160XX00US1868832&tid=ACSST5Y2021.S1603 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=S0601: Selected Characteristics of the Total and Native Populations in the United States |website=Census Bureau Table |url=https://data.census.gov/table?q=Seymour+city,+Indiana&tid=ACSST5Y2021.S0601 }}</ref>

The 2020 Census estimates that 7% of the population were veterans.<ref>{{cite web |title=S2101: Veteran Status |website=Census Bureau Table |url=https://data.census.gov/table?t=Populations+and+People&g=160XX00US1868832&tid=ACSST5Y2021.S2101 }}</ref>

===2010 census===

As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov" /> of 2010, there were 17,503 people, 6,907 households, and 4,514 families living in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1532.7|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 7,719 housing units at an average density of {{convert|675.9|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 90.3% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.3% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.2% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.2% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 5.1% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.8% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 11.5% of the population.

There were 6,907 households, of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.6% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.01.

The median age in the city was 35.5 years. 25.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.6% were from 25 to 44; 24% were from 45 to 64; and 13.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

===2000 census===

As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 18,101 people, 7,231 households, and 4,743 families living in the city. The population density was {{convert|1,670.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 7,709 housing units at an average density of {{convert|711.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 93.4% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 1.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.3% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 2.9% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.9% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 4.9% of the population.

There were 7,231 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.4% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $36,883, and the median income for a family was $43,357. Males had a median income of $30,638 versus $22,265 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $18,222. About 8.0% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 11.6% of those age 65 or over.

== Economy ==
The economy of Seymour is based primarily on manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, and education.   Jackson County's unemployment rate was 3.3% in October, compared with 4.4% statewide.  Median household income in Seymour was $63,000 and the homeownership rate 57% in 2023, both below statewide averages.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":0" />

Major manufacturers include Aisin USA, a leader in the field of automotive component manufacturing, [[Cummins]], Valeo North America, the Lannett Company, and Silgas Plastics. Home Products Incorporated recently acquired the former Lear Siglar facility that sits atop the defunct [[Milwaukee Railroad|Milwaukee Rail]] yard.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Data Central {{!}} Jackson County Industrial Development Corporation |url=https://jcidc.com/data-central/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |language=en-US}}</ref> Nippon Steel Pipe America, an automotive parts supplier, employs over 400 associates at its plant in Seymour.<ref name=":0" />

Owing to the city's convenient access to I-65 and US-50, Walmart Transportation and [[Pet Supplies Plus]] have significant operations based in Seymour.<ref name=":0" /> Walmart Distribution is the primary provider of merchandise for all [[Walmart|Wal-Mart]] retail units. The Walmart Distribution Center is fully mechanized and multi-shift operated with receiving, order filling, and shipping departments.

Schneck Medical Center employs more than 1,100, including 200 physicians and 400 volunteers, and has operated for over 100 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.schneckmed.org/about-us |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Schneck Medical Center |language=en}}</ref> The Seymour Community Schools and [[Rose Acre Farms]] round out the list of major employers.<ref name=":0" />

Other employers include retail and service industry providers including franchise and locally owned restaurants that line US-50 headed east out of the city.

==Arts and culture==
The [[Community theatre|Actors Community Theatre of Seymour]] (ACTS) is a non-profit organization founded in 2013.  Its first production was in March 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-03-28 |title=Actors Community Theatre of Seymour |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-actors-community-theatre-of/125421195/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=A1}}</ref> ACTS is dedicated to the propagation and preservation of the theatrical arts in the area and has an ongoing schedule of theatrical performances.

The Southern Indiana Center for the Arts (SICA) is a not-for-profit organization operated by a volunteer board of directors and an executive director owned by the Mellencamp family since 1991 that provides art education and helps draw attention to the area of Jackson County as an art-conscious region.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · May 9, 2007, Wed · p. 2, Downloaded on March 3, 2022, 'Speck Mellencamp takes over as executive director of arts center'</ref>

The [[Oktoberfest celebrations#United States|Oktoberfest]] celebrates the city's German heritage and has been held annually since 1973.  The first Oktoberfest was organized by the Seymour Chamber of Commerce and featured [[Bavaria]]n music, carnival rides, food and exhibit booths, parades, a hot air balloon race, baby contest and a [[Beer garden|Biergarten]].<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · March 13, 1973, Tue · p. 1, Downloaded on March 11, 2022</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Combs |first=Claire |title=Our Oktoberfest History |url=https://theseymourowl.com/9008/uncategorized/our-oktoberfest-history/ |access-date=June 8, 2023 |website=The Owl}}</ref>

Scoop the Loop is a local weekend car show that started in 2011 but can trace its origins back to the years following WWII.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 29, 2011 |title=Scooping the Loop |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-scooping-the-loop/125852041/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · Mon, August 19, 2019 · pp. A1 & A4, Downloaded on March 11, 2022</ref> In Seymour, like many small towns in America, with the rise of car culture, rock and roll, and teenagers with free time, cruising downtown to meet and make new friends and show off cars became a way of life in Seymour.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 13, 1984 |title=Cruising Never Died |pages=6 |work=The Republic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-republic-cruising-never-died/125851835/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>  Seymour used to be so popular for cruising that teens would come from eleven surrounding counties.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 13, 1984 |title=Article clipped from The Republic |pages=6 |work=The Republic |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-republic/125851921/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref> But, starting in the 80s, some local merchants complained and alleged illegal activities were occurring.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 15, 1978 |title=Nothing for kids except cruising |pages=3 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-nothing-for-kids-except-crui/125852179/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>  In the 90s, without any city ordinance to prohibit the activity, the local government would block many of the roads downtown and popular parking lots.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 28, 1998 |title=Skids put on cruisers |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-skids-put-on-cruisers/125852650/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 19, 1991 |title=Library will close parking lot |pages=4 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-library-will-close-parking-l/125852564/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>  This effectively killed the practice in Seymour as happened in nearby Columbus, North Vernon, and Seymour.  But, cruising was reborn in 2011 by local cruising enthusiasts two started a yearly event held on one Saturday each August.  Ironically, local merchants and restaurants support the event as a way to draw customers back to the downtown area.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 24, 2012 |title=Downtown Cruise |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-downtown-cruise/125852421/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref>

The H. Vance Swope Memorial Art Gallery was created at the bequest of the artist, who spent his youth in Seymour and whose father was once the postmaster, and relative of then-mayor Allen Swope and contains works by regional artists as well as an extensive collection of [[Landscape painting|landscapes]] by Swope.<ref>McKinney,&nbsp;S.&nbsp;(2001).&nbsp;Great Indiana Weekend Adventures.&nbsp;United States:&nbsp;Trails Books, p. 198</ref>

Local comfort food is a deep part of Seymour's culture.  This includes local hotspots like The Townhouse Cafe, which first opened in 1962.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 2, 2023 |title=61 years and thousands of biscuits |pages=A1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-61-years-and-thousands-of-bi/125793180/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref>  They have been serving locals their favorites for breakfast since then.  In 2023, it was voted best home cooking, best breakfast, and best catering, and won honors for its tenderloins, burgers, and atmosphere.<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 28, 2023 |title=Reader's Choice |pages=B7 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-readers-choice/125792812/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> The Fish Stand, first opened its doors in 1962.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 12, 2013 |title=at a glance |pages=2 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-at-a-glance/125791409/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> Locals have been coming to the small unassuming local landmark restaurant on Ewing Street since then for fried fish and comfort food.  The stand resides in a building first constructed in 1878 and needed major repairs when the current owners bought the property in 2013 that included new flooring, a new kitchen, and a new roof.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 12, 2013 |title=Hill's Fish Stand |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-hills-fish-stand/125791880/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> Larrison's Diner, a local institution, has been serving local teenagers and adults-alike a steady diet of comfort food like burgers, fries, tenderloin sandwiches, and [[Big Red (soft drink)|Big Red soda]] for more than fifty years.  The diner was used as a filming location for [[Falling from Grace (film)|Falling from Grace]], starring John Mellencamp.  The diner is also popular among his fans who might catch a glimpse of him at his favorite booth from time to time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-02-27 |title=Small Business of the Year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-small-business-of-the-year/125421619/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=3}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-12-01 |title=Larrison's Diner serves meals and memories |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-larrisons-diner-serves-meal/97385745/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=A1}}</ref>

Until 2019, Seymour was the last town in the United States to celebrate [[Victory over Japan Day]] with a local parade. Beginning in 1946, the parade was held annually for 73 years until the local [[VFW]] voted to discontinue the tradition.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · December 31, 2019, Tue · p. A2, Downloaded on March 11, 2022</ref>

Seymour is home to many vibrant social, service and philanthropic organizations such as the Elks Lodge,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lodge #0462 Contact Us |url=https://www.elks.org/lodges/ContactUs.cfm?LodgeNumber=0462 |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=www.elks.org}}</ref> the Jackson County Masonic Lodge,<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2018 |title=Jackson Lodge 146 F. & A. M. |url=https://jacksonlodge146.org/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Jackson Lodge 146 F. & A. M. |language=en-US}}</ref> the Order of the Eastern Star,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reports |date=June 23, 2021 |title=Seymour Order of the Eastern Star chapter installs officers |url=https://tribtown.com/2021/06/23/seymour_order_of_the_eastern_star_chapter_installs_officers/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> the Seymour Lions,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Seymour Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse |url=https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/seymourct/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=e-clubhouse.org}}</ref> the Rotary Society,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pattabiraman |first=Sudha |date=November 7, 2022 |title=Rotary Club of Seymour in Indiana, USA |url=https://club-directory.com/rotary-club-of-seymour-in-indiana-usa/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Club Directory |language=en-US}}</ref> the Moose Lodge,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Moose Family Center 418 (812) 522-1795 - 110 East 6th St Find Moose Lodge Locations by FindMooseLodgeLocations .com |url=http://findmooselodgelocations.com/Moose-Lodge.html/bizID=546 |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=findmooselodgelocations.com}}</ref> the Rotary Society,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rotary District 6580 |url=http://www.rotary6580.org/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=www.rotary6580.org}}</ref> the Phi Beta Psi,<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reports |date=May 29, 2020 |title=Phi Beta Psi members meet in Seymour |url=https://tribtown.com/2020/05/29/phi_beta_psi_members_meet_in_seymour/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> Knights of Columbus,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spicer |first=Zach |date=April 3, 2021 |title=Knights of Columbus planning spring festival |url=https://tribtown.com/2021/04/03/knights_of_columbus_planning_spring_festival/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> and the Jackson County Sertoma Club.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reports |date=March 15, 2022 |title=Local Sertoma club marks 50th anniversary |url=https://tribtown.com/2022/03/15/local-sertoma-club-marks-50th-anniversary/ |access-date=June 12, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== National Register of Historic Places ===
[[File:Farmers Club in Seymour front and side.jpg|alt=Color photo of the Farmers Club in Seymour, Indiana on a sunny day framed by small trees|thumb|Farmers Club, Seymour, Indiana]]
The city is home to six structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The [[Farmers Club (Seymour, Indiana)|Farmers Club]] was built by the Blish family and donated to the city as a memorial to city founder Meedy Shields and was included in the National Register in 1983.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 8, 1914 |title=Seymour Tribune 08 Oct 1914 Meedy |pages=2 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-seymour-tribune-08-oct-1914/16916047/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> The building was constructed from [[Indiana Limestone|Bedford limestone]], brick, and steel and at the time of its construction it was the only building of its kind in the midwest.  Meedy Shields Blish (1855–1922) was inspired to provide a local place of comfort and relaxation to area farmers while they were bringing produce and grain to market in the city.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 6, 1914 |title=Farmer's Club to be erected here |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-farmers-club-to-be-erected/125794919/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref>  The building formally open on October 8, 1914. Since then it has been used as the club, the building also housed the Seymour Red Cross, the city of Seymour, the Seymour Police Department, and the Seymour Chamber of Commerce.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 8, 2021 |title=Chamber Launches Mural project |pages=A1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-chamber-launches-mural-proje/125795804/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=November 22, 1985 |title=New tenants cultivating farmers club |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-new-tenants-cultivating-farm/125795958/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reports |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Seymour Museum Center planning Opening Night gala |url=https://tribtown.com/2023/05/22/seymour-museum-center-planning-opening-night-gala/ |access-date=June 3, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

The First Presbyterian Church of Seymour was constructed in 1884 and is of [[Gothic architecture|Late Gothic Style]] architecture and includes [[stained glass]] by the Jacoby Art Glass Company.  At the time of its construction, it was the tallest spire in the city.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 29, 1875 |title=Professional Steeple-Climber |pages=3 |work=Seymour Times |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/seymour-times-professional-steeple-climb/125797058/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1991.<ref name="nris" />

[[File:Seymour 1st Presby Church 1.jpg|thumb|upright|First Presbyterian Church]]

The T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House is a grade five historic building of [[Dutch Colonial Revival architecture|Dutch Colonial Revival]] design located at 628 North Poplar Street has 5 bedrooms and 2 and a half baths. It last sold in 1979 for $49,000<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 13, 1979 |title=low price |pages=12 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-low-price/125798615/ |access-date=June 3, 2023}}</ref> and was placed on the registry in 2010.<ref name="nps1"/>

The [[Seymour Commercial Historic District]] consists of 79 contributing buildings and 4 contributing structures in the [[central business district]] of Seymour. The district developed between about 1876 and 1945 and includes notable examples of [[Italianate architecture|Italianate]], [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque Revival]], and [[Neoclassical architecture|Classical Revival]] style architecture. The entire district was placed on the register in 1995 although the Jonas Hotel later burnt to the ground and no longer exists.<ref name="The Tribune 1998, p. 1"/>

The [[Southern Indiana Railroad Freighthouse]], has since January 2008 served as the Jackson County Visitor Center, for [[Jackson County, Indiana]]. The [[freight house]] was placed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on June 22, 2003.<ref name="nps1">{{cite web |date=January 7, 2011 |title=National Register of Historic Places Listings |url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/20110107.htm |work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 12/27/10 through 12/30/10 |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>

[[George H. Vehslage House]] is a historic home located at 515 N. Chestnut Street. It was built in 1894 and is a 2-and-one-half-story, [[Queen Anne style architecture|Queen Anne]] style brick dwelling with a [[limestone]] foundation.  It was placed on the registry in 2010.<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a|refnum=10000775}}</ref><ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/nr/listings/20101001.htm|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=October 1, 2010|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 9/20/10 through 9/24/10|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>

=== Other significant buildings ===
[[File:OddFellowsBldg.png|alt=Color illustration of the Odd Fellows Building, Seymour, IN|thumb|The Odd Fellows Building]]
714 W Fifth Street is the boyhood home of John Mellencamp. The 2-bedroom, 1 bath, 1019 square foot ranch style house was built in 1949. It has been privately owned since 1979.  The owner has plans to remodel the property and rent it on [[Airbnb|AirBnB]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 14, 2023 |title=Mellencamp Airbnb |pages=A1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-mellencamp-airbnb/125926356/ |access-date=June 6, 2023}}</ref>

The Travis Carter house at 410 Indianapolis Avenue is the oldest building (1852) still standing in Seymour. Today, it is privately owned, but it once housed the offices of the local [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 24, 2014 |title=410 Indianapolis Ave |pages=12 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-410-indianapolis-ave/125924883/ |access-date=June 6, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 29, 2013 |title=Travis Carter House |pages=2 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-travis-carter-house/125924977/ |access-date=June 6, 2023}}</ref>

[[File:T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House.jpg|alt=Front exterior color photo of the T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House.jpg|thumb|T. Harlan and Helen Montgomery House]]
The former Blish Mill grain towers are the tallest structures in town, they operated from 1858 to 1976.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 26, 2018 |title=Buildings |pages=A7 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-buildings/125921073/ |access-date=June 5, 2023}}</ref>

The Federal Building was built in 1915, served for many years as the post office, and then as offices for the Seymour Police Department. Today, it is being restored as the Seymour Museum Center.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 30, 2016 |title=Restoring History |pages=A1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-restoring-history/126022068/ |access-date=June 7, 2023}}</ref>

At the corner of N. Poplar and Sixth Street the former James Shields Memorial Gym is one of Indiana's ten most endangered landmarks. One of Indiana's largest high school gymnasiums when it was built by [[Works Progress Administration]] workers in 1941, the James M. Shields Memorial Gymnasium provided the backdrop for decades of local basketball memories, hosting 21 sectional titles from 1942 to 1970. A local family purchased the long-vacant property in 1996, and later had to demolish the high school nearby.<ref name="Shields Memorial Gymnasium">{{Cite web |title=Shields Memorial Gymnasium |url=https://www.indianalandmarks.org/endangered-property/shields-memorial-gymnasium/ |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=Indiana Landmarks |language=en-US}}</ref> As of 2023, the gym remains empty. Vandals continue to break windows and cover walls with graffiti, despite the current owner's attempts to secure the property. Though roof leaks have allowed water to infiltrate the building, an architectural assessment showed the steel and concrete gym to be structurally sound.<ref name="Shields Memorial Gymnasium"/>

===Library===
Seymour Public Library, a branch of the Jackson County Public Library.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.myjclibrary.org/locations-hours/ | title=Locations & Hours | publisher=Jackson County Public Library | access-date=March 8, 2018}}</ref>

== Parks and recreation ==
[[File:Shields park.jpg|thumb|upright|Shields Park, ca 2023]]
The recreation department of the city of Seymour operates five parks, including the 12-acre Shields Park that is home to a skate park and a public pool.

Shields Park is the oldest public park in the city and was formally known as City Park. It is located on North Park Street. In 1924, Anna M. Gaiser donated the site of her father's plant nursery to be Gaiser Park.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1924-06-07 |title=Gaiser Park |pages=1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-gaiser-park/133331955/ |access-date=2023-10-12}}</ref>

Kessler Park was donated by the Kessler family in 1978.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1978-12-13 |title=Kessler Park |pages=10 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-kessler-park/133332147/ |access-date=2023-10-12}}</ref>

Additionally, the recreation department operates 3 plazas, one recreation field located near Freeman Field and Mellencamp Plaza below the large mural of John Mellencamp in the downtown area that was completed in 2019.  The department also provides a memorial tree and bench program to honor deceased residents.  In addition to the numerous parks, plazas, and recreational facilities, the recreation department also provides 14 miles of bike and walking trails around the city.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Seymour Parks & Recreation |url=https://www.seymourin.org/index.php/offices/seymour-parks-recreation |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=www.seymourin.org}}</ref>

==Government==
[[File:Southern Indiana Telephone and Telegraph Building.jpg|alt=Exterior of City Hall|thumb|upright|City Hall, ca 2023]]
[[Mayor]]s are elected by city-wide election every four years from qualified candidates who are residents of the city. The first mayor of the city was Captain George Greene, a native of Kentucky, a veteran of the [[Mexican–American War|Mexican-American War]], and a close ally of Meedy Shields.<ref name="Newspapers 1877">{{Cite news |date=1877-10-13 |title=Obituary for George Green |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/seymour-times-obituary-for-george-green/125822842/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=Seymour Times |pages=3}}</ref> The City Hall has operated out of the former Southern Indiana Telephone and Telegraph Company since 1985.

In 2019, a local businessman, former city councilman, 1996 graduate of [[Seymour High School (Indiana)|Seymour High School]], and 1998 graduate of [[Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana|Ivy Tech]], Matthew Nicholson was elected to his first term as mayor. He carried the election with 1,963 (59.3%) votes versus challenger Rexanne Ude who received 1,350 (40%) votes.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · November 6, 2019, Wed · p. A1, Downloaded on March 9, 2022</ref> Since his election, in addition to his official duties, Nicholson has joined the board of directors for Main Street Seymour, Indiana and regularly contributes to the local newspaper.<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · July 13, 2000, Thu · p. 4, Downloaded on March 8, 2022</ref>

The seven-member [[city council]] is the legislative body for the city and has the exclusive responsibility of passing or changing local laws, resolutions, orders, and motions for the city's government. As the fiscal body, the Council has the authority to levy certain taxes and it has the sole responsibility of adopting a city budget each year. The Council also appoints members to certain boards and commissions that serve the community in various areas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=City of Seymour Indiana City (Common) Council |url=https://www.seymourin.org/index.php/offices/city-council |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=www.seymourin.org}}</ref>

A chronological list of mayors of the city of Seymour includes;<ref>{{Cite news |date=1943-01-01 |title=list of mayors |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-list-of-mayors/11180746/ |access-date=2024-02-29 |work=The Tribune |pages=1}}</ref>
{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|
* George Green (D), 1865 - 1867<ref name="Newspapers 2011">"Jackson County History" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, May 2, 2011. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-jackson-county-history/125822581/.</ref><ref name="Newspapers 1877" />
* Alexander A Davison (D) 1867 - 1869<ref name="Alexander Davison">"Alexander Davison" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, May 15, 1918. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-alexander-davison/126818653/.</ref>
* Thomas Whitson, 1869 - 1870<ref name="Newspapers 2011" /><ref>"City Election results" Newspapers.com. Seymour Weekly Democrat, May 6, 1868. https://www.newspapers.com/article/seymour-weekly-democrat-city-election-re/125822951/.</ref>
* Albert P. Charles, 1870 - 1872
* Samuel W. Holmes, 1872 - 1874
* Albert P. Charles, 1874 - 1878
* Daniel W. Johnson, 1878 - 1884<ref name="Newspapers 2011" /><ref>"Daniel W Johnson" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, November 1, 1906. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-daniel-w-johnson/135540021/.</ref>
* Rueben Everhart, 1884 - 1886
* A.J. Frazer, 1886 - 1888
* Daniel W. Johnson, 1888 - 1890
* Frank Bennett, 1890 - 1892
* Philip Laugel, 1892 - 1894
* Joseph Basley, 1894 - 1898
* Alfred W. Mills, 1898 - 1902
* Dr. J. M. Shields, 1902 - 1904
* Dr. George G. Graessle (R), 1904 - 1906<ref name="George G Graessle, Candidate">"George G Graessle, Candidate" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 21, 1925. The Tribune, April 1, 1904, Page 2. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-george-g-graessle-republic/158719547/</ref><ref name="George G Graessle, Mayor">"George G Graessle, Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, September 14, 1988. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-a-look-back-into-seymours-h/158720038/</ref>
* Dr. Henry R. Kyte, 1906 - 1910<ref name="Henry Kyte, Mayor">"Henry Kyte, Mayor, Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 21, 1925. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-obituary-for-henry-r-hyte/158505710/</ref>
* Allen Swope (D), 1910 - 1914<ref name="Allen Swope, Mayor">"Allen Swope, Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 1, 1910. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-allen-swope-mayor/126293489/.</ref><ref name="Allen Swope Obituary">"Allen Swope Obituary" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, July 13, 1933. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-allen-swope-obituary/126293717/.</ref>
* John A Ross, 1914 - 1918<ref name="John A Ross, Mayor">"John A Ross, Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 6, 1914. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-john-a-ross-mayor/126279339/.</ref><ref name="Obituary for John A. Ross">"Obituary for John A. Ross" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, June 23, 1931. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-obituary-for-john-a-ross/126279666/.</ref>
* Charles W. Burkart (D), 1918 - 1922<ref name="The Tribune 1959, Page 1">The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 2 Oct 1959, Fri · Page 1, Downloaded on Mar 4, 2022</ref><ref name="Burkart Mayor">"Burkart Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 7, 1918. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-burkart-mayor/126822331/.</ref>
* Charles L. Kessler, 1922 - 1926<ref name="The Tribune, January 2, 1922">"Kessler is Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 2, 1922. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-kessler-is-mayor/126277977/.</ref><ref name="Obituary for Charles Kessler">"Obituary for KITES KESSLER" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, September 12, 1940. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-obituary-for-kites-kessler/126278282/.</ref>
* Charles E. Miles, 1926 - 1929{{efn| Charles E Miles Died will in office.<ref name="The Tribune, February 26, 1992" >"Mayors" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, February 26, 1992. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-mayors/126277336/.</ref>}}<ref>"Charles Miles elected" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 2, 1926. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-charles-miles-elected/126277705/.</ref>
* Frank W. Abele, 1929 (12 days)<ref>"Able is Mayor" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 30, 1929. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-able-is-mayor/126277853/.</ref>
* Charles W. Burkart (D), 1929 - 1939<ref name="The Tribune 1959, Page 1" />
* Stanley Switzer (R), 1939 - 1942<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 14 Mar 1990, Wed · Page 13, Downloaded on Mar 4, 2022</ref>
* Charles W. Burkart (D), 1943 - 1947<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1">The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 5 Nov 2003, Wed · Page 1, Downloaded on Mar 4, 2022</ref>
* Donald L. Heiwig (R), 1948 - 1955<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />
* John C. Isaacs (D), 1956 - 1963<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />
* James L. Laupus (R), 1964 - 1971<ref name="The Tribune, January 2, 1964">"Laupus Elected" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, January 2, 1964. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-laupus-elected/126276084/.</ref>
* Christopher D. Moritz (D), 1972 - 1975<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />
* Donald H. Ernest (R), 1976 - 1979<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />
* Christopher D. Moritz (D), 1980 - 1983<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 4 Feb 1988, Thu · Page 1, Downloaded on Mar 3, 2022</ref>
* Donald F. Scott (D), 1983{{efn|Mr. Scott served for 42 days to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Christopher Moritz until the mayor-elect could be sworn in.<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />}}
* William W. Bailey (D), 1983 - 1990<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />
* John S. Burkhart (D), 1990 - 2003<ref name="The Tribune 2003, Page 1" />
* James E. Bullard (D), 2004 - 2007<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 9 May 2007, Wed · Page 2, Downloaded on Mar 3, 2022</ref>
* Craig Luedeman (R), 2008 - 2019<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) November 7, 2007, Page A1, "Voters pick Luedeman" Newspapers.com. The Tribune. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-voters-pick-luedeman/125914560/, Downloaded on 5 June 2023</ref>
* Matthew Nicholson (R), 2019 - incumbent<ref name="The Tribune 2019">The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · 4 Jul 2019, Thu · Page A5, Downloaded on Mar 3, 2022</ref>
}}

===Election Results===
Over the past two decades, Jackson County, Indiana, has consistently shown strong support for Republican candidates in presidential elections. The county has maintained a clear preference for the GOP. Notable Democratic contenders, including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, have garnered significant but lesser support. Libertarian candidates have also made their presence felt, though with smaller percentages. This trend underscores the county's political leanings and voting patterns over the years.

In Jackson County, Indiana, the election results for the 2024 Presidential Election, Republican [[Donald Trump|Donald J. Trump]] secured a commanding victory with 14,430 votes (76.69%), followed by [[Kamala Harris|Kamala D. Harris]] with 4,035 votes (21.44%). Independent candidate [[Chase Oliver]] received 109 votes (0.58%), while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. garnered 209 votes (1.11%). There were also 34 [[Write-in candidate|write-in votes]] (0.18%).<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reports |date=2024-11-07 |title=Final vote totals for Jackson County released |url=https://tribtown.com/2024/11/07/how-you-voted/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

In the 2020 election, Jackson County, Indiana, saw a decisive victory for President Donald Trump, who received 14,555 votes, accounting for 75% of the total votes. In contrast, Vice President [[Joe Biden]] garnered 4,302 votes, which represented 23% of the total votes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indiana Presidential Election Results {{!}} The Indianapolis Star |url=https://www.indystar.com/elections/results/race/2020-11-03-presidential-IN-0/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=www.indystar.com |language=en}}</ref>

In the 2016 election for Jackson County, Indiana, Donald Trump secured a commanding victory with 12,857 votes, accounting for 73.3% of the total votes. [[Hillary Clinton]] received 3,843 votes, which represented 21.9% of the total. [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]] candidate [[Gary Johnson]] garnered 832 votes, making up 4.7% of the total votes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2016 |title=2016 Indiana Presidential Election Results |url=https://www.politico.com/2016-election/results/map/president/indiana |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Politico}}</ref>

In the 2012 election for Jackson County, Indiana, Republican candidate [[Mitt Romney]] secured a strong victory with 10,419 votes, accounting for 62.4% of the total votes. Incumbent President [[Barack Obama]] received 5,838 votes, which represented 34.9% of the total. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson garnered 447 votes, making up 2.7% of the total votes.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2012 |title=2012 Indiana Presidential Results |url=https://www.politico.com/2012-election/results/president/indiana/ |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Politico}}</ref>

In the 2008 election for Jackson County, Indiana, Republican [[John McCain]] won with 9,726 votes, accounting for 55.77% of the total votes. Democratic challenger Barack Obama received 7,354 votes, which represented 42.17% of the total. Libertarian candidates [[Bob Barr]] garnered 289 votes, making up 1.66% of the total votes. There were also 66 write-in votes (0.38%) and 5 votes for other candidates (0.03%).<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2008 |title=Indiana: Presidential County Results |url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2008/results/states/president/indiana.html |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

In the 2004 election for Jackson County, Indiana, Republican [[George W. Bush]] won with 11,083 votes, accounting for 67.96% of the total votes. While Democrat [[John Kerry]] received 5,092 votes, which represented 31.22% of the total. Libertarian candidates [[Michael Badnarik]] and garnered 112 votes, making up 0.69% of the total votes. There were also 22 write-in votes (0.13%).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Presidential General Election Results - Jackson County, IN |url=https://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/statesub.php?year=2004&fips=18071&f=0&off=0&elect=0 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Elections}}</ref>

==Education==
[[File:Seymour High School.jpg|alt=Color photo of Seymour High School|thumb|upright=1.2|Seymour High School]]
Seymour Community Schools operates [[Seymour High School (Indiana)|Seymour High School]] and eight other elementary and secondary schools in the city.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.scsc.k12.in.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=71 | title=Seymour schools | publisher=Seymour Community Schools | access-date=March 15, 2018}}</ref> The current system-wide school enrollment exceed 5,000 students.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://www.scsc.k12.in.us/information/who-we-are |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=www.scsc.k12.in.us}}</ref>  The local schools employ 650 people and are managed by a public board consisting of seven members of the community.  The current board President is Art Juergens, a retired social studies teacher and coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.scsc.k12.in.us/school-board/board-of-directors |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=www.scsc.k12.in.us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 29, 2020 |title=Art Juergens |pages=C1 |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-art-juergens/125825221/ |access-date=June 4, 2023}}</ref> Three hundred forty-two students graduated in the class of 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spicer |first=Zach |date=June 5, 2023 |title=342 graduate from Seymour High School |url=https://tribtown.com/2023/06/05/342-graduate-from-seymour-high-school/ |access-date=June 5, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Trinity Lutheran High School (Indiana)|Trinity Lutheran High School]], a private educational institution for grades 9–12 that first opened in 2000 on a newly donated 41-acre campus.  The school is owned and operated by the South Central Lutheran Association for Secondary Education, Inc., an association of 14 Lutheran congregations in [[Scott County, Indiana|Scott]], [[Jennings County, Indiana|Jennings]], [[Bartholomew County, Indiana|Bartholomew]], and [[Jackson County, Indiana|Jackson]] Counties. The school is accredited and in good standing by the [[National Lutheran Council|National Lutheran School Accreditation]] (NLSA) organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Cognia, and also recognized as an accredited school by the [[Indiana Department of Education]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Accrediting Bodies |url=https://www.trinitycougars.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=2690501&type=d&pREC_ID=2289660 |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=www.trinitycougars.org |language=en}}</ref> Twenty-seven seniors graduated from TLHS's 19th class in May 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDonald |first=Lori |date=May 29, 2023 |title=Trinity seniors urged to be courageous and never give up |url=https://tribtown.com/2023/05/29/trinity-seniors-urged-to-be-courageous-and-never-give-up/ |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=Seymour Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Immanuel Lutheran School provides private K-8 and is full accreditation through the State of Indiana and the [[Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod|Lutheran Church Missouri-Synod]].&nbsp; In addition to the core curriculum, Immanuel's comprehensive education offers a full fine arts program including music, band, art, and physical education.  Students attending ILS have the option of enrolling in either Trinity Lutheran High School to finish their secondary education or enrolling at Seymour High School.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://immanuelschool.org/ |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=immanuelschool.org}}</ref>

The St. Ambrose Catholic School is a private school associated with St. Ambrose Church of Seymour Indiana.  The school is a member of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.  The current facility opened in 1958 but the Archdiocese has offered private Catholic educational services to the community since 1858. Enrollment is open for students K-8. The school is overseen by St. Ambrose School Commission is an advisory committee that works with the school principal and pastor on the advancement of the school.&nbsp; The commission has nine members and meets six times per year.  The school provides services in both English and Spanish. The school is fully accredited by the State of Indiana and nationally through [[Cognia (education)|Cognia]].<ref>{{Cite web |year=2022–2023 |title=St. Ambrose Parent Teacher Handbook |url=https://uploads.weconnect.com/mce/6d40f903e9f072ed9ed21889e1520272247f6cc1/2022-23%20School%20Handbook%20English.pdf |access-date=June 4, 2023 |website=St. Ambrose School}}</ref>

==Media==
===Radio===
{{columns-list|colwidth=35em|
* [[WLCL]] : 93.9 [[FM broadcasting|FM]]
* [[WXKU]] : 92.7 FM
* [[WZZB]] : 1390 [[AM broadcasting|AM]] and 99.3 FM
* [[WJAA]] : 96.3 FM
* W252BY : 98.3 FM is a 100-watt repeater for WHUM-LP<ref>{{cite web | url=https://radiostation.info/fm/indiana/W252BY/ | title=W252BY FX 98.3 MHZ in Seymour, Indiana }}</ref>
* [[WJCP]]: 97.7 FM and 1460 AM
* [[WJLR]] : 91.5 FM (K-Love)
}}

===Print===
* ''[[The Tribune (Seymour)|The Seymour Tribune]]'' is a newspaper published in a traditional print edition three times per week and online Monday through Saturday.
* ''[[Jackson County Banner]]'' is a semi-weekly publication from nearby [[Brownstown, Indiana]]

==Infrastructure==
=== Transportation ===

==== Airport ====
[[Freeman Municipal Airport]], located in Seymour, Indiana, is a public-use airport owned by the Seymour Airport Authority. Established in 1942 by the United States Army Air Forces, it was the first USAAF helicopter training school and also trained black aviators, including Tuskegee Airmen. The airport played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement with the Freeman Field Mutiny in 1945. After World War II, it became a storage depot for captured German and Italian aircraft. The airport covers 2,100 acres and has two asphalt runways and two turf runways. It handles general aviation, air taxi, and military operations.

==== Railroads ====
[[File:Southern Indiana Railroad Freighthouse in Seymour, southern side.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Southern Indiana Railroad Freighthouse]] in Seymour is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Jackson County, Indiana|National Register of Historic Places]].]]

The [[Pennsylvania Railroad]] succeeded the Jeffersonville Railroad (built northward). A [[Chessie System]] caboose sits in front of the Blish Mill grain tower.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Seymour IN Railfan Guide|url=https://railfanguides.us/in/seymour/index.htm|access-date=December 19, 2021|website=railfanguides.us}}</ref>

The Ohio and Mississippi Railway, built westward, was acquired by the [[Baltimore and Ohio Railroad|Baltimore & Ohio Railroad]] in 1893.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Young|first=Edward|date=April 2015|title=The B&O in Seymour, Indiana|url=https://borhs.org/magazine/unprotected/esentinellow20151Q.pdf|journal=The Sentinel, A Quarterly Magazine Published by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Historical Society|volume=37}}</ref> It has been operated by [[CSX Corporation|CSX]] since 1986.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History|url=https://www.borail.org/about/history/|access-date=December 19, 2021|website=B&O Railroad Museum|language=en-US}}</ref>

The Evansville & Richmond Railroad (after 1910 the ''Chicago, Terre Haute & Southeastern Railroad (CTH&SE)'', or "the Milwaukee") was built eastward toward Richmond, reached Seymour in 1890, and connected with New York Central in Westport.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bedford to Seymour, IN – Abandoned Rails|url=https://www.abandonedrails.com/bedford-to-seymour|access-date=December 19, 2021|website=www.abandonedrails.com}}</ref> Trackage east of Seymour was "cut off" in 1961, and operations to [[Bedford, Indiana|Bedford]] closed in 1978.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Milwaukee Road in Southern Indiana–Abandoned Rails |url=https://www.abandonedrails.com/milwaukee-road-in-southern-indiana |access-date=December 19, 2021 |website=www.abandonedrails.com}}</ref>

The [[Indiana Railroad|Interstate Public Service]] interurban lines reached Seymour from [[Columbus, Indiana|Columbus]] in October 1907. Interstate merged into Midland United Company, leased to Indiana Railway, and all trains south of Seymour stopped running to Louisville in September 1939. Operations continued north of Seymour to Indianapolis until a collision on September 8, 1941, that wrecked "the majority of the line's [[rolling stock]]".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Marlette|first=Jerry|title=Interstate Public Service—Your Neighborhood Interurban|url=https://indianahistory.org/wp-content/uploads/b6e6b1bb8d802f0de8fe4d7be4b9e161.pdf|url-status=|access-date=December 18, 2021}}</ref>

====Interstates====
* [[Image:I-65.svg|25px]] [[Interstate 65]]

====US Highways====
{{columns-list|colwidth=40em|
* [[Image:US 31.svg|25px]] [[U.S. Route 31 in Indiana|U.S. Route 31]]
* [[Image:US 50.svg|25px]] [[U.S. Route 50 in Indiana|U.S. Route 50]]
}}

====Indiana State Roads====
{{columns-list|colwidth=40em|
* [[Image:Indiana 11.svg|25px]] [[Indiana State Road 11|State Road 11]]
* [[Image:Indiana 258.svg|25px]] [[Indiana State Road 258|State Road 258]]
* [[Image:Indiana 160.svg|25px]] [[Indiana State Road 160|State Road 160]]
* [[Image:Indiana 250.svg|25px]] [[Indiana State Road 250|State Road 250]]
* [[Image:Indiana 256.svg|25px]] [[Indiana State Road 256|State Road 256]]
}}

==Notable people==
{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|
* [[J. Ottis Adams]], an American impressionist painter lived nearby.<ref>The Tribune, April 29, 1975, Page 5. via Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-j-otis-adams-slept-here/126274982/</ref><ref>Art exhibit to open for a week on Sunday" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, March 23, 1935. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-art-exhibit-to-open-for-a-we/126275160/.</ref>
* [[H. Foster Bain]], geologist and 4th Director of the [[United States Bureau of Mines|U.S. Bureau of Mines]] was born in Seymour.<ref>"Foster Bain" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, October 22, 1949. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-foster-bain/126275339/.</ref>
* [[Christopher Ryan Baker]], American professional golfer born in Seymour and raised in Brownstown.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chris Baker Golf |url-status=dead |url=http://chrisbakergolf.com/about/ |archive-date=October 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006060802/http://chrisbakergolf.com/about/ }}</ref>
* [[Bill Bailey (Indiana politician)|Bill Bailey]] former city councilman, Mayor, and President of the local Chamber of Commerce
* [[Danny Basham|Danny "the Damaja" Basham]], professional wrestler
* [[John Bell Blish]], inventor of the 'Blish Lock' component of the [[Thompson submachine gun]].<ref name="John Blish Promoted">"John Blish Promoted" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, August 12, 1896. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-john-blish-promoted/126295599/.</ref>
* [[Harold Bower (basketball)|Harold Bower]], American basketball player
* [[Jason B. Brown]], US Congressman from March 4, 1889, through March 3, 1895.
* [[Pat Calhoun]], a swimmer who competed in the 2000 Summer Olympic Games
* [[Royce Campbell]], jazz guitarist, composer, producer
* [[Hoagy Carmichael]], jazz musician and frequent guest of the Blish family<ref>The Tribune (Seymour, Indiana) · July 4, 2011, Mon · p. 7, Downloaded on February 8, 2022</ref>
* [[Jon Robert Cart]], American flutist, piccoloist, and teacher
* [[Clessie Cummins]], founder of Cummins was the Blish family's chauffeur<ref name="Newspapers 1990">"Steel House" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, February 7, 1990. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-steel-house/126020049/.</ref> 
* [[Larry Crane (guitarist)|Larry Crane]], American musician
* [[Rolla Daringer]], American MLB shortstop
* [[John Dittmer]], award-winning civil-rights historian, author, and [[DePauw University]] professor
* [[Tim Durham]], Ponzi scheme operator convicted in 2012 of the largest white-collar crimes in Indiana history
* [[Scott Earl]], retired MLB second baseman
* [[Frank K. Edmondson]], American astronomer
* [[Brian Fish]], basketball coach, [[Montana State Bobcats men's basketball|Montana State]]
* [[Daniel M. Fleetwood]], an American scientist, inventor, engineer, and innovator.
* [[Terry Goodin]], former Indiana House of Representatives congressman
* [[George Green (songwriter)|George Green]], songwriting partner of [[John Mellencamp]]
* [[Betty Grissom]], wife of astronaut Gus Grissom often stayed in the city with her sister
* [[Baron Hill (politician)|Baron Hill]], former [[Indiana's 9th congressional district|Indiana 9th District]] U.S. Representative
* [[Leroy Charles Hodapp]], Methodist bishop
* [[Thomas M. Honan]], [[List of speakers of the Indiana House of Representatives|Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives]] and [[Indiana Attorney General]]
* [[George L. Knox II]], American Air Force fighter pilot
* [[Oren Ritter Lewis]], American jurist
* [[Jim Lucas (politician)|Jim Lucas]], is an American politician and businessman
* [[Margaret Read MacDonald]], American writer
* [[John Mellencamp]], musician, singer-songwriter, painter, and actor
* [[Kennedy (commentator)|Lisa Kennedy Montgomery]], American libertarian political commentator, radio personality and author
* [[Oscar H. Montgomery]], Justice of the [[Indiana Supreme Court]]
* [[Erica Moore]], American middle-distance runner
* [[Teri Moren]], women's basketball head coach, [[Indiana Hoosiers women's basketball|Indiana University]]
* [[Carrie Nation]] lived at the Steele Boarding house during one of her temperance tours.<ref name="Newspapers 1990">"Steel House" Newspapers.com. The Tribune, February 7, 1990. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-steel-house/126020049/.</ref>
* [[Frank Niehaus]], professional football player
* [[Pee Wee Reese]], an American baseball player who played for the former 'Seymour Reds'<ref name="Rebber166" />
* [[Rip Rogers]], retired professional wrestler and trainer
* [[Colonel Sanders|Colonel Harland Sanders]], American Businessman had family in town and was a frequent visitor to the area
* [[Meedy Shields]], pioneer, town founder, landowner, and influential state senator
* [[Robert Shields (diarist)|Robert Shields]], minister and teacher listed in the ''[[Guinness Book of World Records]]''
* [[Katie Stam]], 2008 Miss Indiana and [[Miss America 2009]]
* [[Steve Steinwedel]], American college basketball coach
* [[D. C. Stephenson|David Curtis Stephenson]], Grand Dragon of the Indiana KKK, convicted rapist, and murderer
* [[Gary Wagner (baseball)|Gary Wagner]], former MLB pitcher
* [[Edgar Whitcomb]], the 43rd Governor of Indiana, maintained a law practice and a home in Seymour.
* [[Rob Wiethoff]], actor, [[John Marston (Red Dead Redemption)|John Marston]] in ''[[Red Dead Redemption]]'' and ''[[Red Dead Redemption 2]]''
* [[Gary Wagner (baseball)|Gary Wagner]] former professional baseball player resides in Seymour
* [[Anthony Winchester]], American college basketball coach
* [[Coleman Young]], American Air Force Officer and participant in the mutiny at Freeman Field
}}

==Notable groups and organizations==
* [[The Elms (band)|The Elms]], Rock and Roll band active between 2000 and 2010
* [[Reno Gang]], committed the first peacetime train robbery in the United States in Seymour in 1866

==See also==
* [[JayC Food Stores]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.seymourcity.com/ City of Seymour, Indiana website]
* [https://video.indianapublicmedia.org/video/wtiu-documentaries-our-town-seymour/ WTUI Documentary]

{{Indiana}}

{{Jackson County, Indiana}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Cities in Indiana]]
[[Category:Cities in Jackson County, Indiana]]
[[Category:Micropolitan areas of Indiana]]